Potential risks to human health and the environment from the use of calcium cyanamide as fertiliser

SCHER members: Prof. Pim De Voogt (Chair), Dr. Alena Bartonova, Prof. Colin Jansen, Dr. Jadwiga Gzyl, Dr. Renate Krätke, Dr. Jan Linders (Rapporteur), Prof. Greet Schoeters
Contact:SANTE-C2-SCHERec [dot] europa [dot] eu (SANTE-C2-SCHER[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu)
On request from: European Commission
Doi: 10.2772/66307
Adopted on: 22 March 2016

Content of the Opinion:

Calcium cyanamide, which comprises 44% calcium and 24% nitrogen was first produced in the late 1800s, for use as a fertiliser in the agriculture sector. In 2013, SCHER was asked to assess the potential risks to human health and the environment from using this substance as a fertiliser.

The SCHER calculated human health risks using worker exposure models for the use of calcium cyanamide as fertiliser, based on approaches used for registration of plant protection products. Exposure calculations were made for scenarios where the substance would be used for both professional and private use. Calculations were also made for by-standers and residents, including children.

The SCHER concluded that harmful effects for humans and for the environment could not be excluded when calcium cyanamide is used at the current rates of application.

Keywords:

calcium cyanamide, fertiliser, human toxicity, environmental effects, risk assessment

Opinion to be cited as:

SCHER (Scientific Committee on Health and Environmental Risks), Potential risks to human health and the environment from the use of calcium cyanamide as fertiliser, 22 March 2016.