Cosmetic UV filters used in sunscreens are likely being directly released into the aquatic environment due to various leisure activities (e.g. swimming, snorkeling, diving). Under the EU chemical legislation REACH, hazardous UV filters require an environmental risk assessment, which however, did not capture a direct-release scenario for freshwater and marine compartments.
Therefore, an industry alliance was established to develop the so-called MERCI modelling framework dedicated to the direct release of cosmetic UV filters. In this presentation, the basics of this framework are explained and its application to a real case is demonstrated. Furthermore, options for a possible way forward in supporting the MERCI framework together with options for further reduction of the environmental impact of cosmetic UV filters are being discussed.