UBA's Concerns with Urease and Nitrification Inhibitors in Agriculture
The UBA has a problem with the use of urease and nitrification inhibitors in agriculture. Critics of agriculture believe that these inhibitors are dangerous for humans and water organisms.
Effects of Urease and Nitrification Inhibitors
Urease and nitrification inhibitors are chemicals used in agriculture to increase plant nitrogen utilization from fertilizers and reduce ammonia, nitrate, and nitrous oxide emissions. Due to potential risks to the environment and human health, the German Environment Agency (UBA) recommends better regulation of these substances.
Concerns Over Hazardous Substances
UBA believes that many of these substances could pose risks to the environment or human health. Some of these substances are potentially toxic to water organisms or affect the reproductive functions of mammals.
Need for Unified European Regulation
UBA recommends a unified European regulation to ensure that approved substances can be used without risk to the environment and human health. This regulation could be implemented through the creation of an EU regulation with a similar approval process to that of the EU Plant Protection Regulation or by integrating it into that regulation.