title: REACH epilogue.
abstract: REACH provides the opportunity to advance public health and environmental protection and to boost public confidence in the use of chemicals.Not surprisingly at this stage there are many uncertainties on the details of its implementation. From a risk assessor's viewpoint relevant issues are: The criteria to be used to identify priority substances, The suitability of the available methodology for hazard and exposure characterisation, The independence, transparency and of expertise specified, The compatibility of the procedures with those used for other substances and products, The nature of the database; its accessibility and utility, Availability of experts in risk and benefit assessment. These issues are discussed and key concerns are highlighted.
authors.affiliation: Emeritus Professor of Toxicology and Environmental Health, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK. j.bridges@surrey.ac.uk
authors.forename: J I M
authors.initials: JI
authors.lastname: Bridges
mesh_terms: D002617:Chemical Industry / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D016208:Databases, Factual; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000032:analysis / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000517:prevention & control; D005062:European Union; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards