Our World

Toxic Chemicals Law

The European Union has just recently created a draft that will make firms rove that their chemical use is safe. The rule that would affect 30,000 chemicals still needs approval by the EU assembly. Socialist MEP Guido Sacconi said "We're trying to ensure that the chemical substances in the medium and long-term will be controlled and will be replaced when they are dangerous." The assembly will be voting on the new deal December 13 before the members can actually accept the rules. A system called REACH ( registration, evaluation and authorization of chemicals) will demand that firms provide a list that would show what chemicals they use and the possible risks caused by them. An agency that helps enforce that will be placed in Finland. One of the down sides of this would be that it could possible cause a rise in animal testing because the firms have to prove the chemicals they use are safe. The manufacturers will have to come up with a plan to replace any non-safe chemicals, but toxic chemicals will not be banned. The EU says the deal improved the safety standard, but the green lobbyists said they were only bowing to the industry pressure.

EU draws up toxic chemicals law

posted by Anonymous @ 12/01/2006 01:11:00 PM