Press Release: Chemicals/REACH: six dangerous substances to be phased out by the EU

Six substances of very high concern will be banned within the next three to five years unless an authorisation has been granted to individual companies for their use. These substances are carcinogenic, toxic for reproduction or persist in the environment and accumulate in living organisms. Operators wishing to sell or use these substances will need to demonstrate that the required safety measures have been taken to adequately control the risks, or that the benefits for the economy and society outweigh the risks. Where feasible alternative substances or techniques exist, a timetable for substitution will also have to be submitted. The Commission's decision follows the successful first phase of registration and notification of chemicals. It is part of REACH, Europe’s initiative to make the use of chemicals safer.

ESO: Background information: European Commission: DG Environment: Chemicals http://www.europeansources.info/record/website-chemicals/

ESO: Background information: European Chemicals Agency: REACH http://www.europeansources.info/record/website-reach/

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