Availability of Environmental Exposure Software: Regulatory Environmental Modelling of Antifoulants (REMA) - for use in defining the exposure of antifouling substances under the Biocidal Products Directive Review Programme'.
Environmental Exposure Software: Regulatory Environmental Modelling of Antifoulants (REMA) - Free internet download available.
IIn 1999 HSE released the REMA model software, which was the product of a 3-year research project funded by HSE and the Environment Agency. This validated model was developed for the UK review of the 'booster biocides' used in antifouling paints under the national Control of Pesticides Regulations, but it may also have the potential for use in defining the exposure of antifouling substances under the Biocidal Products Directive review programme.
Originally the REMA software was made available through distribution via the Health and Safety Laboratories, Sheffield at a cost of £30 per copy. Unfortunately, the distribution contract has now ceased through lack of demand and the original address for this software is no longer valid. Therefore, in order for interested parties to obtain the REMA model, HSE is grateful to the European Chemicals Bureau who have placed the software on their website. The website address is http://ecb.jrc.it/biocides and the REMA software can be located by clicking on the 'Documents' section, then clicking on the 'Environmental Emission Scenarios' link where the software is in the 'REMA ANTIFOULANTS' folder. In addition to the REMA software the ECB will soon make help pages and an erratum available in this folder, which users will need to be aware of.
It should be noted by intended users that the REMA model is 'unsupported' and recommended for use only by those with previous experience in environmental fate modelling. In situations where down loading of software is not an option (all technical issues with downloading from the ECB site should be directed to the ECB) there are a limited number of hard copies of the model available on a first come first served basis. All enquiries for a CD of the software, or issues relating to its use, should be directed to HSE. It should be noted that no further copies or updated versions of REMA will be supplied by HSE once the current stocks are exhausted.