Key actions for a sustainable chemicals policy

What follows is a summary of remarks presented by panelists participating in a workshop entitled, “What Green Chemistry Means to Workers.” The session examined the connection between green jobs—including those connected to the emerging field of green chemistry—and occupational, public, and environmental health. It was coordinated by Paul Renner, associate director of the Labor Institute, in collaboration with the Tony Mazzocchi Center for Safety, Health and Environmental Education, a project of the United Steelworkers and The Labor Institute. It was moderated by Joseph “Chip” Hughes, Director, Worker Education and Training Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Panelists included Julie Zimmerman, PhD, Assistant Professor of Environmental Engineering, Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale School of Engineering and Applied Science and Assistant Director for Research, Green Chemistry and Green Engineering Center, Yale University; David LeGrande, Occupational Safety and Health Director, Communications Workers of America; Mike Wilson, PhD, MPH, Environmental Health Scientist, Program in Green Chemistry and Chemicals Policy, Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, Berkeley School of Public Health, University of California; and Sharon D. Beard, Industrial Hygienist, NIEHS Worker Education and Training Program.

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A Critical Assessment of the European Commission's Proposals for the Risk Assessment and Registration of Chemical Substances in the European Union

Alternatives to Laboratory Animals ◽

10.1177/026119290303100315 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 31 (3) ◽

pp. 353-364 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Robert Combes ◽

Jennifer Dandrea ◽

Michael Balls

Keyword(s):

Risk Assessment ◽

European Union ◽

White Paper ◽

Assessment Process ◽

Alternative Methods ◽

The European Union ◽

Registration System ◽

Safety Testing ◽

Key Stakeholders ◽

Chemicals Policy

In May, 2003, the European Commission published detailed proposals relating to its 2001 White Paper – Strategy for a Future Chemicals Policy. The White Paper described a new registration system called the REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals) system, for both new and existing chemicals. Subsequently, these detailed proposals were available for an eight-week consultation period for stakeholders to voice their views and concerns. In this paper, we describe our reactions to the Commission's more-detailed proposals. These include the creation of a European Chemicals Agency to implement the REACH system in conjunction with Competent Authorities (CAs) in Member States and the Commission itself. Unfortunately, many of our concerns and suggestions, previously voiced and shared with several other key stakeholders, remain unanswered, but are as relevant as when the White Paper was published. In particular, we are concerned about the lack of a clear and coherent strategy. There is no guidance for registrants on intelligent testing to maximise the use of non-animal approaches to safety testing, based on a combination of factors for estimating exposure levels, rather than mainly on production volumes. We are also concerned about the absence of a clear programme for the development, improvement and validation of new alternative methods, in conjunction with the Commission's own unit, the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods, as well as other organisations with relevant expertise and experience, including FRAME. Finally, we explain why such measures should be introduced, together with clearer guidelines for the respective roles of the Agency, the CAs and the Commission in implementing and harmonising the REACH system at the European Union and Member State levels. A series of recommendations are made, to improve the situation and to improve the risk assessment process.

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