Chemicals under the spotlight – from awareness to action / Les produits chimiques sur la sellette – de la sensibilisation à l’action

Book abstract:

The aim of this paper is to give a brief overview of the current situation regarding EU legislation on chemicals and also present a number of proposals for a new chemicals strategy. This is in response to a report from the EU Commission published in November 1998 which concluded that EU legislation on chemicals is outdated and cannot cope adequately with the increasing problems caused by hazardous chemicals. Accordingly, a new chemicals strategy has been proposed. It is the author's intention that this paper will aid the policy makers in devising a new chemicals strategy and provide a basis for public debate.

The introduction begins by covering recent history, listing the main steps taken that have led up to the revision of the EU chemicals policy. The next chapter, 'What we know about industrial chemicals', outlines the extent of the problem and gives figures, where available. It also gives some examples of specific chemicals and their potential effect on the environment and human health. The paper then covers the shortcomings of current legislation and failures of current policy in the area. The main section of the paper puts forward proposals for a new strategy, covering guiding principles, speeding up assessment and classification procedures and risk assessments, tightening of regulation procedures, and an integrated product policy. The final summary outlines the key principles of a viable chemical policy. Appendices list relevant legislation and international conventions.

This policy document, available in English and French, advocates clearly that the need for change is urgent and vital for the future of human and environmental health. It is part of a broad campaign on chemicals policy, run by the Danish Ecological Council, Danish Society for the Conservation of Nature, Danish Consumer Council, European Environmental Bureau and BEUC (the European Consumers' Organisation) as a contribution to the ongoing review of the EU Chemicals Policy.