Aquatic Risk Assessment Framework for Fragrance Materials

This document is a technical report detailing an updated framework for assessing the environmental risks associated with fragrance materials released into aquatic systems. The Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM) has developed this framework over two decades, focusing on the prioritization of fragrance materials that enter water bodies through down-the-drain disposal. The report outlines the integration of global exposure data and advancements in predictive tools for ecological hazard assessment. It describes a tiered approach that evaluates the estimated concentration of chemicals in receiving waters and employs methodologies to minimize animal testing. The framework aims to cover new geographic regions and utilize updated data on water usage and wastewater treatment to yield realistic exposure concentrations. It also emphasizes the importance of ecological thresholds in screening low-volume and low-toxicity chemicals. This comprehensive framework supports science-based decisions regarding the environmental safety of fragrance materials.