Carbon black

Long-term toxicity to fish

Link to relevant study record(s)

Reference

Endpoint:

fish life cycle toxicity

Data waiving:

study scientifically not necessary / other information available

Justification for data waiving:

other:

Description of key information

Since Carbon Black is not soluble in water, it is not possible to carry out many standard ecotoxicity tests for this substance. Its low toxicity, requiring high concentrations to be tested in order that toxicity might be detected, and the low pH of some aqueous suspensions makes the testing protocol even more difficult. In all available acute studies, the No Effect Concentrations (NOECs) were equal to the highest test concentrations, usually 1000 mg/L. No signs of toxicity were noted and no differences between surface-treated and non-treated forms are obvious.

Non-nano forms of carbon black share a high similarity with nanoforms of carbon black as regards composition, morphology, physical-chemical characteristics and impurity profiles. The data on acute toxicity to fish does not suggest that changes in size or surface area of the carbon black nanoforms affect toxicity. A similar profile of the non-nano forms is expected following chronic exposure.