European experience in chemicals management: integrating science into policy.
The European Union (EU) adopted the first legislation on chemicals management in 1967 with the Dangerous Substances Directive (DSD). Over time the underlying concepts evolved: from hazard identification over risk assessment to safety assessment. In 1981 a premarketing notification scheme was introduced. Approximately 10 years later a risk assessment program started for existing substances following a data collection and prioritization exercise. Integration of science into EU chemicals legislation occurred via several technical committees managed by the European Chemicals Bureau (ECB) and resulted in the Technical Guidance Document on Risk Assessment (TGD), which harmonized the risk assessment methodology. The TGD was revised several times to adapt to scientific developments. The revision process, and the risk assessments for new and existing substances, led to scientific research on chemical risk assessment and thus increased in complexity. The new EU chemicals policy REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of CHemicals) builds on previous experiences and aims to further enhance health and safety. REACH places the burden of proof for chemical safety on industry focusing on managing risks. REACH formalizes the precautionary principle. Furthermore, it underlines a continued scientific underpinning in its implementation, also via stakeholder involvement, and a focus on aligning with international fora.
Institute of Health and Consumer Protection (IHCP), Joint Research Centre (JRC) European Commission, via E. Fermi 2749, 21027 Ispra (VA), Italy. frans.christensen@ec.europa.eu
Frans M
FM
Christensen
Steven J
SJ
Eisenreich
Kirsten
K
Rasmussen
Juan Riego
JR
Sintes
Birgit
B
Sokull-Kluettgen
Erik J
EJ
Van de Plassche
D002617:Chemical Industry / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D058735:Environmental Policy; D004787:Environmental Pollution / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000517:prevention & control; D005060:Europe; D005062:European Union; D015386:Hazardous Substances / Q000592:standards* / Q000633:toxicity; D006256:Hazardous Waste / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012308:Risk Management / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000379:methods*
D015386:Hazardous Substances; D006256:Hazardous Waste