REACH: New EU law on registering chemicals

[Jo]

I'd never heard of this one????

New European legislation came into force during 2007, called REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals)

How many chemicals will have to be registered?

About 30,000 in total, over 11 years. The European Commission proposes a timetable for registration in phases, whereby the most hazardous chemicals and those used in the largest volumes would be registered first with the European Chemicals Agency in Helsinki.

What are "substances of very high concern"?
As defined by Reach, these are chemicals that:

• Cause cancer, or mutation or interfere with the body's reproductive function (CMRs)
  Take a long time to break down, accumulate in the body and are toxic (PBTs)
  Take a very long time to break down and accumulate in the body (vPvBs)
  Have serious and irreversible effects on humans and the environment, for example substances that disturb the body's hormone system

The Commission says about 1,500 substances may fall into these categories.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4437304.stm

Interesting bit about polymers at the end.

It talks about businesses and industry being included.....how about Government agencies I wonder??

Jo xx