Cordierite (Mg2[Al4O3(SiO3)5])

Toxicity to birds

Link to relevant study record(s)

Reference

Endpoint:

long-term toxicity to birds

Type of information:

other: Assessment based on the bioaccumulation of the substance and the direct or indirect exposure to the environment.

Adequacy of study:

weight of evidence

Study period:

2017

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

other: Assessment based on the bioaccumulation of the substance and the direct or indirect exposure to the environment.

Qualifier:

no guideline followed

Principles of method if other than guideline:

Assessment based on the bioaccumulation of the substance and the direct or indirect exposure to the environment.

GLP compliance:

no

Remarks on result:

other: Assessment based on the bioaccumulation of the substance and the direct or indirect exposure to the environment.

Validity criteria fulfilled:

not applicable

Conclusions:

Cordierite, sintered, synthetic is not considered to pose a risk for secondary poisoning to predators following chronic exposure to a substance via the fish and earthworm food chains.
Therefore it is not considered relevant to perform further testing on the avian toxicity of the substance.

Executive summary:

In accordance with Guidance R.7c: Endpoint specific guidance (Version 2.0 - November 2014), the purpose of the avian toxicity is to assess the secondary poisoning risks to predators following chronic exposure to a substance via the fish and earthworm food chains (an assessment is not considered necessary for the inhalation and dermal routes).

In regard to the aquatic organisms, the bioaccumulation of the substance is unlikely to pose a risk in accordance with Guidance R.7c: Endpoint specific guidance (Version 2.0 - November 2014). The substance cannot be absorbed as such due to its particle size and it is not expected to dissolve under normal and foreseeable environmental conditions due to its crystalline structure. Only surface ions – aluminium, magnesium, and silicon – not interlocked in the crystalline structure of the substance are expected to be released in limited quantities as shown during a water solubility performed on the substance according to OECD TG 105. These dissolved ions are naturally occurring in all environmental compartments and the substance will release a limited quantity of ions to the aquatic environment. It can be expected that aquatic species will absorb some of these dissolved ions to meet their metabolic requirements but it is not expected that this limited release will affect significantly the concentration of these dissolved ions in the environment and in the aquatic species according to Guidance R.7c: Endpoint specific guidance (Version 2.0 - November 2014). Therefore no secondary poisoning is expected through the ingestion by birds of aquatic organisms such as fishes.

Direct or indirect exposure to soil organisms to the substance is unlikely. Therefore no secondary poisoning is expected through the ingestion by birds of soil organisms such as earthworms.

Description of key information

Cordierite, sintered, synthetic is not considered to pose a risk for secondary poisoning to predators following chronic exposure to a substance via the fish and earthworm food chains.

Therefore it is not considered relevant to perform further testing on the avian toxicity of the substance.