Press Release: REACH: Chemicals in Europe have become safer

The use of chemicals in Europe has become considerably safer since the REACH regulation entered into force, according to a European Commission report published 5 February 2013.

More readily available information about chemical substances on the market and better targeted risk management measures mean that risks from substances registered under REACH have significantly decreased. The trend is expected to continue, as industry is continuously working towards finding substitutes for the most hazardous chemicals.

Five years after REACH's entry into force, implementation is in full swing. Companies have now registered 30,601 files with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) describing the uses and properties of 7,884 chemical substances manufactured or placed on the market. According to a Eurobarometer survey published today, 61% of Europeans think that chemicals are now safer than 10 years ago.

• Primary Source

European Commission: Environment DG: Policies: Chemicals: REACH http://ec.europa.eu/environment/chemicals/reach/reach_intro.htm

European Commission: MEMO/13/61: 61% of Europeans think that chemicals are now safer than 10 years ago http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-13-61_en.htm

European Commission: MEMO/13/60: REACH, the EU's chemical legislation - Achievements after five years http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-13-60_en.htm

ECHA: Press Release, 05.02.13: REACH review supports ECHA's strategic objectives http://echa.europa.eu/view-article/-/journal_content/title/reach-review-supports-echas-strategic-objectives

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