Eggshell powder |

Last updated: 22/08/2025
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(Also known as: calcite from eggshells; calcinated eggshell powder) |
The following alerts are based on the data in the tables below. An absence of an alert does not imply the substance has no implications for human health, biodiversity or the environment but just that we do not have the data to form a judgement. These hazard alerts do not take account of usage patterns or exposure, thus do not represent risk.
Environmental fate |
Ecotoxicity |
Human health |
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A substance derived from waste poultry eggs shells. It has no pesticidal activity but is used as a fungifuge |
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Botrytis spp. |
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Grapevines |
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Not approved |
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Not applicable |
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No UK approval for use (approval may not be needed) |
EC Regulation 1107/2009 (repealing 91/414) |
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Not approved |
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Not applicable |
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Not applicable |
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No |
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No |
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ATAustria |
BEBelgium |
BGBulgaria |
CYCyprus |
CZCzech Republic |
DEGermany |
DKDenmark |
EEEstonia |
ELGreece |
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ESSpain |
FIFinland |
FRFrance |
HRCroatia |
HUHungary |
IEIreland |
ITItaly |
LTLithuania |
LULuxembourg |
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LVLatvia |
MTMalta |
NLNetherlands |
PLPoland |
PTPortugal |
RORomania |
SESweden |
SISlovenia |
SKSlovakia |
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ISIceland |
NONorway |
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Not applicable |
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- |
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No |
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Fungifude; Fungicide; Other substance |
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Fertiliser; Soil conditioner; Antimicrobial |
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Animal-derived substance |
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Natural |
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Physical brarrier - the substance provides a waterproofing effect which inhibits fungal infections that thrive in damp conditions |
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Poultry egg shells |
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Crop protection |
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Botrytis spp. |
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Grapevines |
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- |
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eggshell powder |
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Approved via EU & UK 'Basic substance' legislation (Article 28 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009) |
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Not applicable |
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Not applicable |
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Not applicable |
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Not applicable |
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White powdery solid |
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Current |
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early-1990s, informal use recorded |
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Usually formulated as a dustable powder applied via atomizer duster for agriculture with powder coating option. |
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Commercial production of eggshell powder for crop protection begins with the collection of waste eggshells from poultry farms or food processing facilities. These shells are first thoroughly washed to remove residual egg white, dirt, and microbial contaminants. After cleaning, they are dried using sun drying or industrial dryers to reduce moisture and prevent microbial growth. The dried shells are then ground into a fine powder using hammer mills, ball mills, or pulverisers, followed by sieving to ensure uniform particle size. |
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Eggshell powder is a recycled by-product, meaning its raw material (eggshell waste) has zero additional GHG emissions from sourcing. The energy use comes mainly from drying and grinding, which can be minimised with renewable energy or efficient machinery. This is estimated at 0.6–1.1 kg CO₂e/kg powdered eggshell. These are approximate values based on small-scale, semi-automated setups. |
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Readily biodegradable |
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AEFSA supporting document 2023: Inorganic compounds like calcium are not expected to degrade in the environment but, as a plant nutrient, may be used by the plant. |
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As this parameter is not normally measured directly, a surrogate measure is used: ‘Photochemical oxidative DT₅₀’. Where data is available, this can be found in the Fate Indices section below. |
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Soil adsorption and mobility |
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None
Terrestrial ecotoxicology |
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> 5000 |
Q3 Q = Miscellaneous data from online sources 3 = Unverified data of known source Rat |
Low |
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HUMAN HEALTH AND PROTECTION |
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> 5000 |
Q3 Q = Miscellaneous data from online sources 3 = Unverified data of known source Rat |
Low |
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Carcinogen |
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Endocrine disruptor |
XNo, known not to cause a problem |
A0 A = Chromosome aberration (EFSA database) 0 = No data ; B0 B = DNA damage/repair (EFSA database) 0 = No data ; C0 C = Gene mutation (EFSA database) 0 = No data ; D0 D = Genome mutation (EFSA database) 0 = No data ; E3 E = Unspecified genotoxicity type (miscellaneous data source) 3 = Negative |
XNo, known not to cause a problem |
Reproduction / development effects |
Acetyl cholinesterase inhibitor |
Neurotoxicant |
XNo, known not to cause a problem |
XNo, known not to cause a problem |
XNo, known not to cause a problem |
Respiratory tract irritant |
Skin irritant |
Skin sensitiser |
No data found |
No data found |
No data found |
Eye irritant |
Phototoxicant |
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No data found |
XNo, known not to cause a problem |
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No significant risks identified Processed eggs shell powder may contain toxic heavy metals |
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No information available |
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eggshell powder |
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Record last updated: |
22/08/2025 |
Contact: |
aeru@herts.ac.uk |
Please cite as: |
Lewis, K.A., Tzilivakis, J., Warner, D. and Green, A. (2016) An international database for pesticide risk assessments and management. Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal, 22(4), 1050-1064. DOI: 10.1080/10807039.2015.1133242 |