Altstoffen

Altstoffen is a German term used in environmental science and public policy to describe chemical substances that are no longer produced or broadly used in contemporary industry but remain present in the environment or in legacy products. The concept emphasizes substances that are old, persistent, and potentially hazardous, and that require attention because they can pose risks to health and ecosystems even though their production has stopped.

Typical characteristics of Altstoffen include persistence in soils, sediments, or built environments, potential for bioaccumulation, and toxicity to humans or wildlife. They are often found in historical sources such as old insulation materials, electrical equipment, paints, or pesticides, and can remain a concern long after their use has ceased. Because of their persistence, Altstoffen may require investigation, monitoring, and sometimes remediation to reduce exposure or environmental impact.

Common examples cited in discussions of Altstoffen are substances historically used in industry and consumer products, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), asbestos, lead-based paints, mercury, and various long-lived pesticides. These substances illustrate different pathways of exposure, including inhalation of fibers, ingestion of contaminated soil or dust, and food chain accumulation.

Regulatory and management approaches focus on risk assessment, contaminant inventories, and remediation of contaminated sites (often framed as legacy pollution or Altlasten). While the term Altstoffe is not a single formal category in all regulations, it is widely used to describe legacy hazards that require ongoing monitoring, risk communication, and, where feasible, clean-up efforts to protect public health and the environment.