Save the date – STOP Cancer at Work (09. – 10. November 2020)

The two-day online conference of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs will deal with protection from work-related cancers as part of the Roadmap on Carcinogens, a voluntary covenant signed by various partners, which Germany officially joined in November 2019. Germany will address this priority together with European and national occupational safety and health representatives, experts from the European Chemicals Regulation and the European Commission.

During the conference, various speakers will present important or topical issues from the field of occupational safety and health, such as asbestos-related risks, or possible substitutes for dangerous substances. “Substitution” is the first central element of the STOP principle, which determines the order of priority of protective measures at the workplace. Stakeholders include representatives of governments, government organisations and social partners and will discuss various occupational safety and health solutions during a workshop.

More information: https://www.eu2020.de/eu2020-en/events/-/2342336

A4: 2020 Virtual Symposium in October

The 2020 Virtual Symposium of the Association for the Advancement of Alternatives Assessment (A4) will take place from October 26th to 30th, 2020. Take the chance to learn more about the following topics: a new methodology for alternative assessment to meet regulatory requirements, programs advancing informed substitution (in Europe), the concept of safe-by-design (in Europe), real-word strategies and practical experience from industry. Dr. Michaela Clever from BAuA will speak about the latest developments from SUBSPORTplus.

You can register for free now: http://saferalternatives.org/2020-virtual-symposium/

OECD report on PFAS alternatives for food packaging

This report addresses the commercial availability and current uses of alternatives (chemical and non-chemical) to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in food packaging (paper and paperboard).

The work was conducted within the framework of the OECD/UNEP Global Perfluorinated Chemicals (PFC) Group. Some findings of this work are that technical challenges to moving from LC PFAS to SC PFAS and from SC PFAS to non-fluorinated alternatives exist. However, the main obstacle to substitution from SC PFAS to non-fluorinated alternatives is the cost differential.

The report „PFASs and Alternatives in Food Packaging (Paper and Paperboard) Report on the Commercial Availability and Current Uses“ (Series on Risk Management No. 58) can be found here: https://www.oecd.org/chemicalsafety/portal-perfluorinated-chemicals.

BAuA-report: Survey on alternatives for in-can preservatives for varnishes, paints and adhesives

Water-based varnishes, paints and adhesives require conservation with in-can preservatives, both, for their raw materials – polymer dispersions – and the end products in order to warrant the necessary shelf life. Isothiazolinones and formaldehyde donors are currently the most relevant active substances for this purpose. The former can induce allergical skin reactions while the latter are being classified as carcinogen of category 1B and therefore under obligation to be phased out in the future.

In this study it was examined if there are feasible alternative substances or procedures with comparable effectiveness for in-can preservation, but which have lower risks. Current literature was investigated and expert interviews were conducted with representatives from concerned industry branches and from workers’ compensation boards.

The report is available for free: https://www.baua.de/EN/Service/Publications/Report/Gd103.html.

UBA: Advancing REACH – REACH and sustainable chemistry (Texte | 147/2020)

Sustainable chemistry contributes to positive, long-term sustainable development. Chemicals regulations such as REACH can support several aspects of sustainable chemistry.

The UBA report gives a systematic analysis on the relations between main elements of REACH (e.g. Registration or Information in the supply chain) and main elements of sustainable chemistry (e.g. substitution of hazardous substances or corporate social responsibility of companies).

From data on problematic properties of chemicals up to information for consumers on substances of very high concern (SVHC) in articles: REACH supports already today sustainable chemistry in many ways. The report describes 12 recommendations for a stronger support of sustainable chemistry by REACH: from a higher efficiency of REACH processes up to an increase in exchange and capacity building.

The report „Advancing REACH – REACH and sustainable chemistry“ (August 2020) can be found here.

ECHA: Video training on analysis of alternatives now online

ECHA has published the online training videos on analysis of alternatives for easy and continuous access. The training includes useful tools, guidance, and information for practitioners of analysis of alternatives. It consists of an introduction and five sessions:

• Scoping your assessment
• Identifying and screening alternatives
• Hazard and exposure
• Cost and technical performance
• Making and implementing decisions

More about the training

New edition of the TRGS 600 „Substitution“ published

TRGS 600 supports the employer in his duties according to paragraph 6 of the Hazardous Substances Ordinance (GefStoffV) to determine, test and decide on substitution and to document it.

The TRGS 600 has been revised by the Committee on Hazardous Substances (AGS). Important changes, which have been made, are i.a.

• Updates according to other regulations, especially according to GefStoffV und TRGS 400,
• Differentiation from REACH regulation (clear definition, relation between REACH authorization and substitution),
• Regarding classification by CLP regulation the prioritization for substitution,
• Adjustment of the column model to CLP regulation,
• Deletion of the active factor model in annex 2.

The TRGS 600 (Edition: July 2020 (in German)) can be found here

Two reports on substitution of chemicals published by the ECHA

In July 2020 the ECHA published two reports uncover both the direct and indirect effects of REACH in driving substitution

Replacing harmful chemicals with safer alternatives and greener technologies is strongly driven by regulation, with companies reporting that restrictions and authorisation are their main drivers for substitution. Companies are also motivated by customer demand and their own sustainability policies, with ECHA’s substitution strategy also indirectly boosting substitution activities.

The first report describes the „Impacts of REACH restrictions and authorisation on substitution in the EU“.

The second „Report on substitution-supporting activities in 2018-2019 and focus in 2020-21“ describes how ECHA has helped and intends to help companies overcome barriers.

For additional information: https://echa.europa.eu/-/restriction-and-authorisation-found-to-drive-replacement-of-harmful-chemicals

New webpage directs attention to endocrine disrupting chemicals within the EU

A new webpage gives an overview of substances in the EU: I) which have been already identified as endocrine disruptors (EDs), II) which are currently evaluated and III) which are considered for evaluation because of their potential ED properties. The webpage is hosted by the Danish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and supported by national authorities in Belgium, Denmark, France, the Netherlands and Sweden.

Official announcement by Danish EPA: https://eng.mst.dk/about-us/news/news-archives/2020/jun/new-webpage-directs-attention-to-endocrine-disrupting-chemicals-within-the-eu/

Link to webpage with ED-lists: https://edlists.org/

European Chemicals Strategy for sustainability: Consultation period 09 May 2020 – 20 June 2020

This strategy aims to reduce the risks associated with producing and using chemicals.

It will simplify and strengthen EU rules on chemicals, and review how EU agencies and scientific bodies can work together towards a process where substances are only reviewed by one agency.

This will help to:

• better protect people and the environment from hazardous chemicals
• encourage the development of safe and sustainable alternatives
• make it even easier to trade safe chemicals within the EU.

The Commission invites for feedback of citizens and stakeholders.  Use the chance of the public consultation until the 20^th of June to state your point of view.

More information: https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/12264-Chemicals-strategy-for-sustainability-

Five European member states are launching a “call for evidence” for a comprehensive PFAS restriction

The national authorities of Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Denmark agreed to prepare a REACH restriction proposal with the aim to restrict the manufacture, the placing on the market and the use of all per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the EU The main rationale of this initiative is the very high persistence of these chemicals in the environment and the potential contamination of ground, surface and drinking water. The Member States have now launched a questionnaire to generate further information for the development of the Annex XV Restriction Dossier. This information will be used for the evaluation of the most appropriate restriction measures, as well as the scope and conditions of restriction option(s) to be considered within this dossier.

Companies producing or using PFAS, companies selling products (mixtures and articles) produced with these substances as well as companies using PFAS alternatives, scientists and NGOs are invited to fill in the questionnaire, before 31 July 2020. We encourage all stakeholders to submit all relevant information regarding the properties and use of PFAS and possible alternatives, so the Member States will be able to make a well underpinned restriction proposal.

Further information on the procedure are available on the reach-clp-biocid-helpdesk (https://www.reach-clp-biozid-helpdesk.de/SharedDocs/Meldungen/DE/REACH/2020-05-08-RMOA-PFAS.html).

BAuA-report: Alternatives for chromium trioxide in hard/functional and decorative chrome plating

In this report, information was gathered on the technical and economic feasibility of alternatives for chromium trioxide.

In interviews with experts from the field, the advantages and disadvantages of various alternatives were discussed and compiled in the report.

Recent developments in the search for alternatives for chromium trioxide can be found in the report available for free: https://www.baua.de/EN/Service/Publications/Report/Gd101.html

BAuA: Legal Consequences of Classification according to CLP-Regulation: Database updated

The classification of dangerous substances or mixtures is not only important for their labelling, but also triggers numerous legal consequences. A database on the website of the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) has been providing more insight since 2015.

The database consists of two parts. Part A contains the legal consequences according to the Regulation on Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures (CLP Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008) with by far the largest proportion of entries. Part B describes the legal consequences that are still taking into account the old directives 1999/45/EG and 67/548/EWG (substance or preparation directive).

As part of a research, the database has now been updated and revised.

The database and the project report can be found on the BAuA website at www.baua.de/rechtsfolgen-der-einstufung.

11 new substances on the Authorization List: ECHA examines uses and alternatives

In February 2020, the European Commission added another 11 substances to the Authorization List. In order to estimate the number of authorization applications that can be expected for these substances, ECHA has commissioned a market investigation. This shows that only a few companies are interested in continuing to use these substances.

A brief assessment of showed that a number of possible alternatives are available for all 11 substances. These are listed in the linked report in Table 5 on pages 20-22.

Report “Estimating the number and types of applications for 11 substances added to the Authorization List in February 2020”

Source: https://echa.europa.eu/de/view-article/-/journal_content/title/echa-weekly-26-february-2020

Call for alternatives to in-can preservatives for paints, varnishes and adhesives

Are you a supplier/manufacturer or user of in-can preservatives for paints, varnishes and adhesives?

We are looking for drop-in/technical or functional alternatives to the typical biocides for Product-type (PT) 6 “Preservatives for products during storage” (Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR, Regulation (EU) 528/2012)).

If you want to share your information with us please contact subsportplus@baua.bund.de and luedeke.andreas@baua.bund.de.

You can also meet us to discuss alternatives and possibilities to reduce biocide application on our next substitution event:

“Perspectives of the substitution of isothiazolinones as preservatives (In-can preservatives) in paints, varnishes and adhesives”

Where and when? It takes place on 25th February 2021 at the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) in Dortmund.

Further information on the program and registration formalities are available here. Please be aware that the event will take place in German only.

Guidance on best available techniques (BAT) and best environmental practices (BEP) for the use of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and related chemicals listed under the Stockholm Convention, updated 2017

The Convention prohibits the production and use of PFOS and its related chemicals except in certain applications or as intermediate in the production of chemicals used in these applications. Producer and/or users of PFOS have to register with the Secretariat of the Convention and should take into account guidance on BAT and BEP. They were encouraged by the Conference of the Parties to implement recommendations on risk reduction for PFOS, its salts and PFOS-F that relate to the different stages in the life cycle of PFOS and processes and materials containing PFOS. This guidance has been developed to guide producers and users in adequately addressing the risks of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and its related substances.

Main target audience is staff responsible for developing management plans for the application of BAT and BEP for the production and use of PFOS and technical staff involved in their implementation.

Go to: Stockholm Convention 

An overview of possible substitutes for PFOS is also provided in the publication of the German UBA „Verwendung von PFOS in der Galvanik – Kennzeichen eines geschlossenen Kreislaufs, Verwendung von Ersatzstoffen“ (Texte | 63/2016, in German).

Workshop on substituting problematic chemicals, 30-31 January 2020, Vienna

The workshop will introduce the latest developments in EU substitution policy and show what this can mean for businesses. Matchmaking slots and three thematic discussion groups will be arranged:

1. Chromate in the surface coating
2. Preservative in paints and detergents
3. Detergents in textile care.

The workshop targets companies with experience in substitution processes willing to actively contribute to the workshop discussions and learn from other participants.

Presentations and workshop report are available here: https://www.wko.at/service/umwelt-energie/workshop-problematische-chemikalien–2020.html

UBA: Guide on sustainable chemicals (Version 2017) and IT-Tool „SubSelect“

The German Federal Environment Agency UBA has developed criteria for the selection of sustainable chemicals to make it easier for chemical producers, developers and end users to select sustainable chemicals. The guide provides a tool for assessing the risks posed by substances step-by-step and for distinguishing non-sustainable chemicals from sustainable ones. The guide has been updated in 2017.

In addition, the assessment and selection of chemicals can be easily performed by the complementary IT-Tool „SubSelect“, based on the Windows Access program. Based on the criteria of the guide, SubSelect allows assessment of single substances or mixtures.

The guide and SubSelect are available for free:

Guide on sustainable chemicals
https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/publikationen/guide-on-sustainable-chemicals

SubSelect – Guide for the Selection of Sustainable Chemicals
https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/en/document/subselect-guide-for-the-selection-of-sustainable

Online training on analysis of alternatives

The online course has been developed by the University of Massachusetts Lowell in cooperation with ECHA, and will provide information on emerging standards of practice and give examples of useful methods and tools for assessing alternatives. The training is not exclusive to the REACH authorisation context, but rather targets those working on sustainable chemicals management in a broader sense – whether in national authority, industry, or a non-governmental organisation.

During the online course, participants will learn how to make informed chemicals management decisions when substituting hazardous substances. The training is structured as follows:

Introduction

Session 1: Scoping the assessment

Session 2: Identifying and screening alternatives

Session 3: Hazard and exposure

Session 4: Cost and technical performance

Session 5: Making and implementing decisions

The course will be subscription based but free-of-charge, meaning that there is a limited number of participants who can take the course simultaneously. You can indicate your interest in taking the course by filling the expression of interest form. Participants will receive a time-limited subscription to the online learning platform once the training is published in January 2020.

More information here: https://newsletter.echa.europa.eu/home/-/newsletter/entry/improve-your-skills-on-assessing-alternatives

and here: https://echa.europa.eu/online-training-on-analysis-of-alternatives

“Stop cancer at the workplace”- Call for proposals for the 13th German Hazardous Substances Protection Award

In November 2020, the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs will award the 13th German Hazardous Substances Protection Award. The topic this time is: “Stop cancer at the workplace”.

The award recognizes new ideas and concepts for safe work with carcinogenic hazardous substances. From the introduction of alternative substances, products and processes, to employee training initiatives or the development of innovative solutions for the safe handling of carcinogenic hazardous substances – the approaches can be diverse.

The best submissions will be awarded a total of 10 000 euros by the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. Applications can be submitted until March 31, 2020 under gefahrstoffschutzpreis@baua.bund.de. A letter and a short presentation of your activities are sufficient, for interesting projects you will be asked for additional information.

Flyer “13. Deutscher Gefahrstoffschutzpreis: STOP dem Krebs am Arbeitsplatz”

Further information can be found at www.gefahrstoffschutzpreis.de.

Preservation of Paints & Detergents – Workshop on innovation and industry challenges

The International Association for Soaps, Detergents and Maintenance Products (A.I.S.E) and the European Council of the Paint, Printing Ink and Artists‘ Colours Industry (CEPE) hosted a workshop about Preservation of Paints & Detergents on the 15th May 2019 in Brussels.

Last year the European Commission invited Member States, industry and NGOs to initiate actions towards finding alternatives to active substances in areas where innovation is needed. Preservation for products during storage was identified as one of the priority areas.

Current innovations in the fields, challenges faced by industry, and possible solutions under the Biocidal Products Regulation were discussed with all interested parties.

The proceedings and presentations of the workshop can be found here.

EU-OSHA: Healthy Workplaces Good Practice Awards highlight examples of managing dangerous substances in the workplace

In the framework of the 14th Good Practice Award competition, 6 organisations were awarded and 4 organisations were commended that take an innovative approach to successfully tackling the risks posed by hazardous substances.

The award recognises organisations with an outstanding commitment to occupational safety and health (OSH) and promote practices that protect workers and boost productivity. The 2018-2019 competition is a key part of EU-OSHA’s Healthy Workplaces Manage Dangerous Substances campaign https://healthy-workplaces.eu/.

The awarded examples include the use or substitution of hazardous substances from the hairdressing sector to the construction sector.

Learn more about the examples in the Good Practice Awards booklet: https://osha.europa.eu/en/tools-and-publications/publications/healthy-workplaces-good-practice-awards-2018-2019/view.

The award ceremony will take place at the Healthy Workplaces Summit in Bilbao in November 2019.

Source: https://osha.europa.eu/en/about-eu-osha/press-room/healthy-workplaces-good-practice-awards-highlight-examples-managing

INERIS informs about applications and alternatives for alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEOs)

The French National Institute for Industrial Environment and Risks (INERIS) offers information provided by companies on the alternatives available for three families of substances: bisphenols, phthalates and alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEOs) on the information platform „Chemicals substitution“.

In the latest newsletter (September 2019), applications and alternatives for alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEOs) were summarized. APEOs are nonionic surfactants. The two most prominent subgroups are ethoxylated octylyphenols and ethoxylated nonylphenols. For the latter group of substances, alcohol ethoxylates can be used as substitute.

Read more about APEOs: https://substitution.ineris.fr/en/newsletters/archive

New label for textiles: Minister Gerd Müller presents a new national textile label “Grüner Knopf“

On 09.09.19, Federal Development Minister Dr. Gerd Müller presented a new national textile label “Grüner Knopf” (http://www.gruener-knopf.de/). 27 companies are taking part in the initial phase. They have all successfully passed the demanding requirements of social and ecological sustainability (e.g. free from SVHC) for the textile label. Details can be found in the press release of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

Further, useful links:

• A survey on sustainability labels for different type of products, i.a. textiles, can be found on the website https://www.siegelklarheit.de.
• A starting point for chemical management of textiles, especially for small and middle-sized companies, can be found on the webpages of ChemSec: https://tool.textileguide.chemsec.org/

BAuA-Event “Perspectives of Substitution of Isothiazolinones as Preservatives (In-can Preservatives) in Paints, Varnishes and Adhesives” – Save the date

On 25th February 2021, an information and dialogue event will take place at the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) in Dortmund on the topic “Perspectives of the substitution of isothiazolinones as preservatives (In-can preservatives) in paints, varnishes and adhesives”.

The event will focus on:

• Legal framework for the use of preservatives (in particular the Biocide Ordinance)
• Possibilities for reducing the use of preservatives (e.g. allergy paints)
• Substitution of preservatives by innovative combinations of active ingredients, mixtures and alternative manufacturing technologies
• Results of the BAuA research project on the substitution of preservatives (In-can preservatives) in paints, varnishes and adhesives

Further information on the program and registration formalities can be found here.

Second meeting of the substitution and innovation network – presentations online

ECHA has published the presentations of the „Second meeting of the substitution and innovation network“, which took place in Helsinki on 29th May 2019.

In order to promote innovative and sustainable solutions for substitution, ECHA organised a network meeting with the focus on the exchange of experience and information between different stakeholders.

Read more about the meeting (here) and what Dr. Michaela Clever said about SUBSPORTplus (Presentation).

For additional information: ECHA Website section on substitution, in particular documentations of further substitution events.

Belgian roadmap for substitution of SVHC published

The FPS Economy, the Ministry of Economy of Belgium, led a study in 2019 to examine how to develop a global vision for the substitution of substances of very high concern (SVHC) in the Belgian context.

This study comes to the conclusion that an effective Belgian strategy should be organised around two pillars:

• a combination of information and regulatory and economic instruments;
• a combination of transversal and vertical actions focused on priority themes specific to Belgium.

The study also contains a wealth of information on European, federal and regional support programmes, including the conditions for obtaining financial support.

Study „Development of a strategic roadmap for the substitution of SVHC as part of a sustainable economy“ (April 2019)

Source: https://economie.fgov.be/fr/nouveautes/substitution-des-substances

Two reports on substitution of chemicals published by the OECD

The OECD has published an analysis on approaches to support substitution and on alternatives assessment and a synthesis report of the workshop on these topics organized in May 2018.

The first report (dated Feb. 2019) describes and gives a list of approaches developed across countries and by different stakeholders to support alternatives assessment and substitution of chemicals of concern.

The second report (dated Feb. 2019) is a summary of the workshop on chemicals substitution held in May 2018, among the topics:
• the approaches used to support substitution and alternatives assessments;
• the strengths of the approaches and challenges to design and implementation;
• initiatives to facilitate data sharing and other collaborative efforts.

For additional information: http://www.oecd.org/chemicalsafety/testing/substitution-of-hazardous-chemicals.htm

Substitution of chrome plating for the rolls of skin-pass mill

The European Commission has published a study „Substitution of chrome plating for the rolls of skin-pass mill“ in 2016. This is the final report of the project CrFreeRolls, which intended to scan and evaluate techniques potentially replacing chrome plating in the skin-pass application.

BAuA-Event “Perspectives of Substitution of Chromium(VI) – Do the Alternatives Work and Are They Affordable?”

The Federal Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) hosted an event about substitution of chromium(VI) in Dortmund on the 14th January 2019. Information was provided on alternative solutions for functional/hard and decorative chrome plating. The event was attended by 200 participants.

The presentations (mainly in German) are available here.

BAuA-Event “Substitution or Authorisation under REACH”

The Federal Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) hosted an event titled “Substitution or Authorisation under REACH” in Dortmund on the 5th October 2017. The event focusses on the influence of REACH authorisation on substitution.

The presentations (mainly in German) are available here.

GreenScreen® is ten years old!

GreenScreen® for Safer Chemicals was launched in 2007. It is a method of comparative Chemical Hazard Assessment (CHA) that can be used for identifying chemicals of high concern and safer alternatives. GreenScreen was developed by and is a project of Clean Production Action and has become a widely recognised tool for assessing chemical hazards, identifying chemicals of concern, and selecting safer chemicals.

GreenScreen is part of the green building movement with its incorporation into Living Product Challenge, LEED, Health Product Declaration, and Google Portico. GreenScreen is part of safer electronics where it is used by TCO Development, HP Inc., and now on the path to being part of EPEAT. GreenScreen helps define safer chemistry in the apparel sector with its integration into Levi Strauss & Co’s “Screened Chemistry,” H&M’s manufacturing Restricted Substances List (mRSL), and as part of the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals’ (ZDHC) Framework for the Prioritization of Hazardous Substances.

Read more: greenscreenchemicals

Free webinar: Smart Chemical Management and COSHH Compliance using Stoffenmanager®

This free webinar is organised by Stoffenmanager® and targeted to the UK market. You will learn how to use Stoffenmanager® to manage chemicals in a smart way and to comply with COSHH regulations.

The webinar has been arranged as an interactive, virtual tour through the Stoffenmanager® tool. You will experience how Stoffenmanager® could be used to support your risk assessments related to the use of hazardous substances. The aim is to give attendees on completion the ability to navigate the tool and ultimately experience its potential benefits in the workplace environment.

The free webinar will take place on Tuesday, Mar 7, 2017 at 3:00 PM / 4:00 PM CET and will take one hour.

To register please follow the link
For more information go to: stoffenmanager.nl

Replacing harmful chemicals in the textiles sector

Replacing hazardous chemicals with safer alternatives can bring substantial benefits to the company, the environment and the health of workers and consumers. The webinar presents how H&M and a group of Italian SMEs from the Prato district have organised themselves to replace harmful chemicals from their supply chains. Greenpeace will also present their Detox campaign and ChemSec will give an overview of their available tools to help companies substitute.

The webinar will be held on Thursday 23 Febraury 2017 at 9:00 am (GMT). A registration is required to join the webinar.

For registartation go to: echa.europa.eu

Candidate List: four new substances of very high concern

The Candidate List of substances of very high concern (SVHCs) for authorisation now contains 173 substances. ECHA has added four new SVHCs to the Candidate List. The new substances are based on proposals by France, Sweden, Germany and Austria, following the SVHC identification process with involvement of the Member State Committee.

The aim of publishing the a list of SVHC is to inform the general public and industry that these substances are candidates for possible inclusion in the Authorisation List.

read more

Roadmap on carcinogens

Carcinogen exposure is a major risk factor for cancer, and therefore, smart solutions to reduce exposure to carcinogens at work are necessary.
The aim of the Roadmap on carcinogens is to share good practices between companies and organisations to prevent or reduce carcinogen exposure at workplaces and to encourage and help others to raise awareness and share their knowledge.
Six key European organisations took the initiative to develop a voluntary action scheme to raise awareness about the risks arising from exposure to carcinogens in the workplace and exchange good practices. Identifying and sharing good practices between companies and organisations will help to reduce workers’ exposure to carcinogens and can help improving the survival of many workers. Companies and organisations are invited to share their their solutions in the overview of good practices and their events and activities regarding the prevention of carcinogen exposure on the activity calender of the roadmap, and of the Roadmap.

Go to: roadmaponcarcinogens.eu

Join the roadmap on carcinogens

REACH is a driver for substitution of hazardous chemicals

In order to improve current working practices in the EU in identifying, evaluating and adopting safer alternatives and to advance substitution programs and practices among Member States and the European Commission, ECHA commissioned the Lowell Center for Sustainable Production to carry out an analysis of current capacity and needs. The study shows that REACH is an important driver for substitution of hazardous chemicals in the EU. The study identified “a number of recommendations to enhance the capacity of ECHA, EU and Member State authorities to support to the identification, evaluation, and adoption of safer substitutes. Priorities should focus on infrastructure development (including funding mechanisms), increased training and education on analysis of alternatives, and creating sustainable structures for industry and authority collaboration on substitution”.

Go to echa.europa.eu
or download the report here

Carcinogens that should be subject to binding limits on workers’ exposure

In its resolution on the improvement of occupational health and safety in the European Union, the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) called, among other issues, for the establishing of 50 binding limit values for carcinogenic substances in use at workplaces in the European Union. This publication identifies at least 70 carcinogens that are relevant for workers’ exposure via inhalation at a considerable number of workplaces in Europe and thus, for which a Binding Occupational Exposure Limits (BOEL) under the Carcinogens and Mutagens Directive (CMD) might be suggested.

Download the publication here

Webinar record: Chemicals Without Harm

The webinar took place on 3 March 2016.The webinar was held by Ken Geiser. He introduced his book “Chemicals Without Harm” where he proposes a different strategy based on developing and adopting safer alternatives to hazardous chemicals rather than focusing exclusively on controlling them. Geiser reviews past government policies focused on controlling chemicals, describes government initiatives outside the United States that have begun to implement a more sustainable chemical policy. He develops a safer chemicals policy framework that includes processes for characterising, classifying, and prioritising chemicals; generating and using new chemical information; and promoting transitions to safer chemicals.

You can listen to the Chemicals Without Harm webinar recording.

Get access to the Webinar recording

Bisphenol A – Recommendations for risk management

The Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) published Recommendations for Bisphenol A (BPA) risk management.

New studies suggest that BPA exposure can lead to the development of food allergies and have adverse effects on resistance to infection at lower doses than anticipated by the current European. Neonates, infants and young children are particularly susceptible to such immunological effects of BPA exposure.
The RIVM concludes that this new data warrants a reconsideration of the current standards and of the health concerns for consumers, patients and workers, who may be exposed to BPA and recommends taking supplementary measures in the near future for a further reduction of BPA exposure.

Go to: www.rivm.nl or download the report

Economic benefits of substitution – The bigger picture

A new publication by ChemSec shows how chemical regulation creates opportunities for many progressive companies. Safer products not only have the advantage of remaining safe from potential future regulations, but are also increasingly requested by consumers and other stakeholders. The report presents several companies that offer not only safer, but also better products using non-hazardous chemicals and points out that substitution is a true driver for innovation, and can bring additional benefits.

Go to the publication

Bisphenol A (BPA) classified as toxic

The EU Commission and EU Member States agreed to the classification of bisphenol A (BPA) from suspected to presumed human reproductive toxicant (category 1B).

BPA is considered by many scientists to be an endocrine disrupting chemical. Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that may interfere with the body’s endocrine system and produce adverse effects mainly linked with hormonal, fertility and developmental disorders.

The new classification is important as if a substance is classified as a category 1 reproductive toxicant, it can be nominated, as a substance of very high concern (SVHC). Listing of a substance as an SVHC is the first step in the procedure for restriction of its use and results in more stringent regulatory measures.

Go to: chemicalwatch.com

20 Italian textile suppliers announced their commitment to Detox

20 companies from the Italian Prato textile district have signed up to the Greenpeace Detox campaign, which commits them to phasing out 11 chemical classes of concern, by 2020. They have set a list of all hazardous chemicals they should have eliminated from the supply chain by 2020 and have also defined shorter timelines to remove problematic hazardous chemicals including poly- and perfluorinated compounds (PFCs).

The agreement will affect over 13 thousand tons of yarn and raw materials as well as over 13 million meters of fabric every year.

The Prato-based companies have already removed several hazardous chemical groups required by the Detox campaign, including brominated and chlorinated flame retardants, organotins, and amines associated with azo.

The suppliers join six major Italian textile companies, which signed up to the Detox campaign in 2014.

Go to: www.greenpeace

Why opt for substitution

Replacing hazardous chemicals with safer alternatives can bring substantial benefits to the company, the environment and the health of workers and consumers – all good reasons to substitute them. ECHA and a group of accredited stakeholder organisations have organised a series of webinars aiming to inspire companies to substitute hazardous chemicals and explain how it can be done. All webinars include examples of real life substitution projects. The first webinar took place on 22. September 2015. The entire webinar can be watched here.

To access the presentations go to: echa.europa.eu

France considers chemical substitution law

The green ecological party EELV in France introduced a proposal for a law in the French National Assembly to incentivise companies to substitute hazardous chemicals.

The proposal, known as DETOX, would create a list of hazardous chemicals that manufacturers, importers and users in France would have to report on every two years to the National Institute for Industrial Environment Risks.

The bill aims to encourage French companies to substitute the hazardous chemicals for less harmful substances through financial incentives, such as favourable tax measures.

The DETOX proposal still has to be considered in the upper house of the French parliament. If passed by both houses it would then need to be signed by the president and prime minister before becoming law.

Go to the DETOX proposal in French (Proposition de Loi)

Press release (French or English)

Proposal for a national ban on plastic microbeads in cosmetic products

The Swedish Chemicals Agency has been assigned to produce a national programme of measures for highly fluorinated substances. As part of this task the Swedish Chemicals Agency has carried out a survey of the occurrence and use of highly fluorinated substances and alternative substances and materials. Highly fluorinated substances (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, PFAS) are used in many different articles and chemical products due to their attractive properties. They are repellent to water, grease, and dirt, temperature resistant and film-forming. However, other less desirable properties are their extreme persistence in the environment, and that several of them accumulate in living organisms and can be toxic.

The aim of the survey is to give a clearer picture of where highly fluorinated substances are currently used and what alternative substances, materials and technologies are available.

The survey is presented in this Report (English)

Five new substances of very high concern added to the Candidate List

17.12.2015, The Candidate List of substances of very high concern (SVHCs) for authorisation now contains 168 substances. ECHA has added five new SVHCs to the Candidate List due to the carcinogenic, toxic to reproduction, persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT), and very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB) properties of the substances. The decision to include perfluorononan-1-oic acid and its sodium and ammonium salts was taken with the involvement of the Member State Committee.

Read more

One of four Body Lotions contains unwanted chemicals

The content of hazardous chemicals is particularly critical in body lotions because body lotions are a product that stays on the skin for many hours.

The Danish Consumer Council THINK Chemicals has examined the list of ingredients on 54 body lotions on the Danish market, including many international brands. The examination reveals that 13 body lotions – 24% – contain unwanted substances. These substances are allergenic preservatives and substances which have shown endocrine disrupting effects in animal studies.

16 body lotions received the best possible marking, and 24 only received an average rating due to their content of perfume, perfumed substances or plant extracts which all are known allergens.

Endocrine disrupting chemicals are suspected to cause several ailments such as declining semen quality in boys and early puberty in girls.

The test results (in Danish) can be found here kemi.taenk.dk/bodylotion

More about the Danish Consumer Council THINK Chemicals work (in English) can be found here: http://kemi.taenk.dk/english

Chemical Management Guide for textiles

A new chemical management guide for textiles has been launched by ChemSec. The guide is a starting point for small and medium-sized textile enterprises to manage the chemicals present in their processes and products.

Chemical management is a three step process:
•    Find chemicals
•    Evaluate them
•    Act to replace the hazardous ones

All successful chemical substitution stories presented by the Chemical Management Guide are located at SUBSPORT.

Go to: http://textileguide.chemsec.org/

A Serbian version of the GHS Column Model as an aid to selecting substitute substances is now available

Realised by the NGO ALHem – Safer Chemicals Alternative – the Serbian translation of the GHS Column Model is now freely availble on SUBSPORT and on the ALHem website. The Column Model is a simplified method to make a preliminary comparison between the risks of different substances and products and offer a quick judgment on the convenience of substitution. The developer of the GHS Column Model, the Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance IFA, welcomes the fact that the method is now avaible for a wider user group. This collaboration was possible due to the Serbia Substitutes project, which was financed by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Belgrade.

Go to: GHS Column Model description on SUBSPORT or www.alhem.rs or directly to the GHS Column Model in Serbian

Workplace chemicals: ETUI puts RISCTOX database online

The European Trade Union Institute (ETUI) has joined with the Spanish Trade Union Institute ISTAS to develop the RISCTOX chemicals database. Workers can now access data cards through the ETUI website on 100,000-odd chemicals, many thousands of which can cause cancer, allergies, disrupt the hormonal system or put the reproductive system at risk.

Each card specifies the chemicals classification and labelling under the regulations, its main work uses (solvent, cleaner, paint stripper, etc.), how it affects health, and the occupational diseases it causes.

Go to: www.etui.org or the RISCTOX database

Substitution of hazardous chemicals – regulation-driven innovation

Substitution of hazardous chemicals is a fundamental measure to reduce risks to human health and the environment and policy instruments are a major driver for substitution and consequently impact innovativeness of industry. To address this topic the Public Research Centre Henri Tudor and the REACH&CLP Helpdesk Luxembourg offer a conference on 26 June 2014 at the Chambre of Commerce Luxembourg addressing especially small and medium sized enterprises. SUBSPORT will present tools to support substitution in practice.

Go to: www.tudor.lu

Alternatives Identification and Assessment Trainings in Belgrade/Serbia

In the context of the Serbia Substitutes project two training sessions based on the SUBSPORT training concept will be held on 20 and 21 May 2014 in Belgrade. Two trainers from SUBSPORT partners will realise the sessions in collaboration with the Serbian NGO ALHem.

Go to: www.alhem.rs

Soy-Based Adhesives Mussel Out Formaldehyde to Meet New Regulations

Formaldehyde-free plywood panels can be manufactured using soy-based adhesives. The United Soybean Board (USB) developed and commercialized this technology resulting in the sale of more than 50 million formaldehyde-free plywood panels. This technology can be a cost saving solution to meet new rules proposed by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The proposed EPA rules set limits on how much formaldehyde may be released from engineered woods.

Go to: www.soynewuses.org

Anti-chemical exposure legislation adopted to better protect workers from hazardous chemicals

The European Commission welcomed the definitive adoption by the EU’s Council of Ministers of measures to better protect workers from risks linked to exposure to chemicals at the workplace. The new directive amends five existing EU health and safety directives on protection of workers from exposure to harmful chemicals to align them with the latest rules on classification, labelling and packaging of chemicals (Regulation (EC) 1272/2008). The new directive has been the subject of two rounds of consultation of employer and trade union representatives at EU level as well as discussions in the Advisory Committee on Safety and Health at Work (ACSHW). To assist employers and workers in managing the practical implications of the new system for chemical packaging and labelling, the Commission has published some guidance materials, available free of charge (here).

Go to: europa.eu

Success with substitution – a new film from the Danish Ecological Council

The new film from the Danish NGO The Ecological Council presents two companies that have successfully substituted harmful substances:

• KYMI has successfully substituted perchloroethylene with safer cleaning methods.
• Tarkett has voluntarily removed endocrine disrupting phthalates in vinyl flooring.

The two companies profit from being first runners in substituting hazardous substances: “If you are a forerunner, you can get large market benefits out of it, so there’s no reason not to substitute, says Christel Schaldemose, Danish Member of the European Parliament in the film.

The film aims to inspire other companies to substitute hazardous substances and to profit from financial advantage and a better image by being a company which takes the lead.

Go to: www.youtube.com (Danish with English subtitles)

Analysis of alternatives for a group of phthalates

The Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) has published a report about the “analysis of alternatives for a group of phthalates”. The report discusses alternatives for phthalates that are currently under discussion in REACH (Annex XIV and Candidate list). A set of criteria was developed to identify and assess some of the most relevant applications. Six (niche) applications of phthalates were selected: aero engine fan blades, propellants, insulation of indoor wires and cables, maleic anhydride, polypropylene catalysts, ceramic sheets and printing pastes of the automotive industry and alternatives identified. After broadly investigating potential alternatives, for every use category one alternative has been selected that is discussed in detail in terms of health and environmental impact, technical and economic feasibility, availability and timing, existing R&D activities and suitability.

Go to: www.rivm.nl (news in dutch) or the report (in English)

Chemical Hazard Assessments of Alternative Plasticizers for Wire & Cable Applications

The Business and Academic Partnership Project Group of the Green Chemistry and Commerce Council (GC3) developed and piloted a new type of collaboration between companies and universities to evaluate safer alternatives to toxic chemicals. The goal was to generate robust assessments of alternatives to support chemical substitution decision-making by GC3 companies and their supply chain partners, through pooling of knowledge, data and funds. The model was developed through a pilot project focused on identifying and evaluating alternatives to a known toxic phthalate plasticizer in wire & cable applications — DEHP (Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate). The project report provides a summary of the project results and links to detailed chemical hazard assessments for nine plasticizers.

Go to: www.greenchemistryandcommerce.org or the report

Substitution of Hazardous Substances – Alternatives Identification and Assessment Training

The search for substitutes for hazardous materials and the assessment of the alternative substances are key steps of a substitution process and are the focus of this training. Guided by experienced trainers you will learn interactively in small groups about basic concepts and tools, which will be applied to practical examples. The training will be held in German.

Where: Kooperationsstelle Hamburg IFE GmbH, Humboldtstraße 67a, 22767 Hamburg
When: 20 March 2014, 9:00 – 17:00 (more…)

ECHA updates the Candidate List for authorisation with seven new SVHCs

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) amended the Candidate List with seven new substances of very high concern (SVHCs) which are carcinogenic or toxic for reproduction. The Candidate List now contains 151 substances.

The updated list is also available on SUBSPORT as part of the Restricted and Priority Substances Database and can be searched along with 30 other lists using a common search function.

Go to: echa.europa.eu or SUBSPORT Restricted and Priority Substances Database

Safe use of chemicals at work – new online source of information by ECHA

To coincide with the EU-OSHA Healthy Workplaces Summit, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) launched a new section of its website dedicated to workers and their safety representatives. It is developed in co-operation with the European Trade Unions’ Confederation and other stakeholder organisations accredited at ECHA.

The new web section explains how REACH, CLP and the Biocidal Products regulations can enhance safety at work, reduce exposure to hazardous chemicals and help prevent illnesses, injuries and accidents. It provides examples, practical information, tips and useful links to help workers benefit from the novelties introduced by the chemicals legislation.The web pages are available in 23 EU languages as part of the “Chemicals in Our Life Section” of ECHA’s website.

Go to: www.etui.org or echa.europa.eu

KEMI: Sport articles analysed

The Swedish Chemicals Agency (KEMI) has analysed sport articles to see if they contain certain banned substances and to find out  if the companies provide the required information if the articles contain substances of very high concern.

Go to: www.kemi.se

Chemical hazards: state of play 6 years into REACH

The special report of the latest issue of HesaMag looks at workers’ exposure to chemical risks. Six years after the REACH Regulation came onto the books, is Europe’s chemicals market now kinder to health and the environment? HesaMag lets various involved professionals – mainly from the trade unions, NGOs and labour inspectorates – have their say. Knowing that the benefits of REACH to workers’ health cannot be gauged for years – not to say decades – they mostly give it a cautious but critical thumbs up.

Go to: www.etui.org

The Swedish Chemicals Agency is collecting information about alternatives to creosote

The Swedish Chemicals Agency (KEMI) is currently evaluating applications for authorisation of biocidal products containing creosote in Sweden. In this process, they are interested in obtaining information about alternatives to creosote. Creosote is primarily used as a wood preservative in power supply poles, telephone poles and railroad ties. Anyone who has information about alternatives is welcome to contact KEMI.

Go to: www.kemi.se

An application to detect plastics in cosmetics

Launched by Plastic Soup Foundation and The North Sea Foundation, two Dutch NGOs, a new app allows consumers to find information about the presence of plastic microbeads in personal care products. The app now features five different languages.

Go to: www.premiumbeautynews.com or www.beatthemicrobead.org

Conference on REACH and CLP implementation in Luxembourg

The REACH & CLP Helpdesk in Luxembourg organises a conference on the implementation of the REACH and CLP regulations and related future challenges on 5 December 2013 at the Chamber of Commerce Luxembourg. The conference addresses enterprises, authorities and consultancies active in the context of the two EU regulations.

Go to: www.tudor.lu

SUBSPORT Textile

A new project to present textile-specific substitution information on the SUBSPORT portal has been launched by Kooperationsstelle Hamburg. The project is financially supported for one year by the Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (DBU, www.dbu.de). DBU is one of Europe’s largest foundations and promotes innovative and exemplary environmental projects. A new section of the SUBSPORT portal containing the project description and a flyer has been published here.

See also: DBU press release (in German)

Substitution of Hazardous Substances – Alternatives Identification and Assessment Training

The search for substitutes for hazardous materials and the assessment of the alternative substances are key steps of a substitution process and are the focus of this training. Guided by experienced trainers you will learn interactively in small groups about basic concepts and tools, which will be applied to practical examples. The training will be held in German.

Where: Kooperationsstelle Hamburg IFE GmbH, Humboldtstraße 67a, 22767 Hamburg
When: 14 November 2013, 9:00 – 17:00 (more…)

Clariant launches new range of preservative blends to replace parabens

The Switzerland-based manufacturer and supplier of chemical specialities carries on its research and development on alternatives to parabens, with the aim to help decreasing the quantity of preservatives in cosmetic products. In a context of strong concerns in Europe regarding the impact on these substances on human health, Clariant’s strategy seems consistent with the market demand.

Go to: www.premiumbeautynews.com

Norway prohibits PFOA in consumer products

The Norwegian Environment Agency (NEA) has amended its Product Regulations on consumer products to ban the use of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). PFOA is a synthetic acid primarily used in the manufacturing of water-resistant products including textile, cookware, electronic equipment etc. The restriction applies to solid and liquid products as well as textiles. Dependent on the product, the enforcement dates start in June 2014.

Go to: www.svw.no

ToxFox – a German tool to detect EDC’s in cosmetics

The German Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland (BUND) launched an App for consumers to check if their cosmetics contain Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), on 24 July 2013. BUND is a German non-governmental organisation (NGO) dedicated to preserving nature and protecting the environment. BUND is a member organisation of the international network Friends of the Earth (FoE).

EDC’s can be found in every cosmetic product category such as shower gel, sunscreen, lipstick, shaving foam, hair tinting lotion or deodorant. Because it is complicated for consumers to identify dangerous substances in the long ingredient lists, BUND provides the free iPhone App ToxFox.

ToxFox enables consumers to scan the barcode of the products right away in the store and get immediate information if the cosmetic contains endocrine disruptors. The system identifies products through their barcode, which can be different from country to country and might not work properly outside Germany, Austria or Switzerland. The service is only available in German. Those without an iPhone or Smart phone can use the tool via BUND’s website.

Go to: www.edc-free-europe.org  or to the tool www.bund.net

Substitution of Hazardous Substances – Alternatives Identification and Assessment Training

The search for substitutes for hazardous materials and the assessment of the alternative substances are key steps of a substitution process and are the focus of this training. Guided by experienced trainers you will learn interactively in small groups about basic concepts and tools, which will be applied to practical examples. The training will be held in German.

Where: Kooperationsstelle Hamburg IFE GmbH, Humboldtstraße 67a, 22767 Hamburg
When: 12 September 2013, 9:00 – 17:00 (more…)

5th global Helsinki Chemicals Forum

The 5th global Helsinki Chemicals Forum will take place on 18-19 June 2013 in Helsinki, Finland. The Helsinki Chemicals Forum is an independent forum engaging international authorities, politicians, industry leaders, NGOs, academics and the media in an open dialogue on key issues of global relevance regarding chemicals policy and the control of chemicals safety. The Helsinki Chemicals Forum is organised by the Chemicals Forum Association, in co-operation with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), the European Commission, the European Chemical Industry Council CEFIC and the Finnish Government.

The 5th Helsinki Chemicals Forum will focus on chemical safety, based on the following five panel discussions:

Panel 1: The 2020 Goals and the Sound International Management of Chemicals
Panel 2: Chemicals in Products
Panel 3: Regulation of Nano-Materials
Panel 4: Listing Chemicals of Concern
Panel 5: Combination Effects

Go to: www.helsinkicf.eu

“Substitution under REACH – authorisation procedure or substitution?” workshop organised by the German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA)

The German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) organised a workshop “Substitution under REACH – authorisation procedure or substitution?”, which took place in Dortmund, on 25 April 2013. The workshop focused on the challenges posed on companies using substances subject to authorisation. Rémi Lefevre from the European Commission, DG Environment advised participants to look at the cost of developing alternatives verses the cost of applying for authorisation. Lothar Lissner from SUBSPORT was invited to present SUBSPORT – the portal to support companies in substitution.

The presentations can be found at the BAuA Website (German).

Use of toxic chemical HBCD severely restricted under Stockholm Convention

The flame retardant HBCD (hexabromocyclododecane) has become the 23rd substance to be banned under Annex A of the international Stockholm convention on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) at the sixth Conference of Parties (CoP 6) to the treaty in Geneva.  HBCD, a brominated flame retardant, is widely used in building insulation, upholstery and electronics in the European Union. The chemical hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) is a persistent bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) chemical. It has adverse effects on the development of the nerve system and mental abilities of children and can also disrupt the hormone system.

Go to: www.downtoearth.org

Hazardous chemicals in textiles – Sweden proposes amendment to textiles regulation

The Swedish Chemicals Agency (Kemikalieinspektionen) has been assigned by the Swedish government to further develop the idea of a coherent piece of EU legislation on hazardous chemicals in textiles. Large quantities of chemicals are used in the manufacture of textiles. Some of these chemicals are harmful to human health and the environment and, for example, cause allergic reactions or are persistent or bioaccumulating. In order to obtain a more cohesive handling of chemicals in textiles, there is a need for regulation at the EU level. In this report the Textile Fibre Regulation (EC) No 1007/2011 is presented as the main regulatory option to be considered, but other alternative ways to regulate chemicals in textiles are also discussed.

Go to the report: www.kemi.se

Argentina / City of Rosario agreed to replace chemicals in hospitals

Health Care Without Harm (HCWH) and Global Green and Healthy Hospitals Founding Member, Rosario’s Department of Public Health signed an agreement to promote the substitution of hazardous chemicals in hospitals for safer alternatives. The agreement is a component of an HCWH project financed by UNEP’s Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management—SAICM to model sound chemicals management in the healthcare sector. Health Care Without Harm is an international organisation which shares a vision of a health care sector that does no harm, and instead promotes the health of people and the environment.

Go to: http://hospitalesporlasaludambiental.net (in Spanish)

Bisphenol A : ANSES highlights the health risks and confirms the need to reduce exposure

ANSES published a report on the results of its assessment of the health risks associated with bisphenol A, that followed the report of hazard identification issued in September 2011, which focuses on the toxicological profile of other substances from the family of bisphenols and of several alternatives available to BPA. The report is accompanied by three other reports: state of the art report of possible alternatives for bisphenol A; a hazard assessment for other substances of the bisphenol family; and a report on the uncertainties concerning endocrine disruptors. The report confirms the health effects of bisphenol A identified by the Agency in September 2011, particularly for pregnant women in terms of potential risks to the unborn child. For the first time, it takes into account an estimate of the population’s actual exposure to bisphenol A not only by ingestion through food, but also by inhalation and dermal absorption.

Go to: www.anses.fr or to the report (in French) volume 1 and volume 2

Endocrine disruptors in personal care products

Together with three European consumer organisations the Danish Consumer Council tested 66 personal care products for the concentration of a total of 11 different substances – all of which are suspected of being endocrine disruptors. All tested products contained one or more of these 11 substances.

Go to: http://taenk.dk (in Danish) or www.quechoisir.org (in French)

EU slashes emissions of sulphur from ships

The Danish Presidency has secured an ambitious agreement between the institutions of EU on March 23. The new requirements will dramatically reduce the harmful smoke from ships. The smoke stacks on ships will emit 90 percent less sulphur in a few years. Ships are among the largest emitters of air pollution in Europe. The pollution leads to 50.000 premature deaths in Europe each year, and causes acid rain which destroys the ecosystems.

Go to: : www.mim.dk

Swedish proposal to restrict lead in consumer articles

Sweden has proposed a restriction of lead and its compounds in consumer articles. The Swedish proposal was submitted to ECHA in January 2013. Sweden is proposing to restrict lead in articles that can be put into the mouth by young children, such as clothing, shoes, accessories, furnishings, decorations, and sports and leisure articles.

Go to: : www.kemi.se

Forum Safer Chemical Substitution in China well attended

ChemSec together with Greenpeace arranged a China-EU Chemical Substitution forum in Hangzhou, China. The forum was well attended by people working in the areas of chemical control and hazardous chemical substitution. Especially people form the textile dying sector, which is local to Hangzhou, attended the meeting.
The forum included parts from the SUBSPORT substitution training concept. Participants were trained on substitution in practice by sharing case studies including analysis of the search process and safety assessment for substitute chemicals.

Go to: www.ChemSec.org

300 case stories published in the growing SUBSPORT database

The case story database presenting substitution examples from enterprises and literature is a central element of the SUBSPORT web portal. It is constantly growing and the number of published cases exceeded 300 at the end of March. For about one third of the cases the English case story descriptions have been translated to French, German and Spanish.

Go to: SUBSPORT case story database

Conference: Meeting Flame Resistance Requirements for Green Electronics

Pinfa North America and HDP User Group sponsored  a one day conference and networking event on ‘Meeting Flame Resistance Requirements for Green Electronics’.  Pinfa is a non-profit trade organisation that brings together and represents manufacturers and users of the major flame retardant technologies. HDP User Group is a non-profit trade organisation composed of companies involved in all facets of the electronics supply chain. The conference has been organised to present trends in the electronics design and manufacturing industry on flame retardency and more sustainable, greener materials technology solutions.

The conference will be held on Thursday, April 4, 2013.

Go to: conference information

Denmark: New regulation for substitution

The Danish Working Environment Authority has introduced a new tool in the work on substitution. If the authorities inspectors give a company an improvement notice on substitution, the company has to use an authorized Health and Safety consultant. The consultant shall make a survey on the company’s possibility to substitute the chemical of concern with not hazardous or less hazardous chemicals or working processes. The chemicals of concern are:

1. Classified as poisonous or very poisonous, acute toxic cat 1,2 or 3, specific target organ toxic cat 1  or reprotoxic cat 1A or 1B

1. Carcinogenic according to the Danish Executive Order No. 908 of 27 September 2005 on Measures to Protect Workers from the Risks related to Exposure to Carcinogenic Substances and Materials at Work

Go to: the new regulation (in Danish)

GESTIS DNEL Database: Hazardous substance information system of the German Social Accident Insurance

The GESTIS DNEL Database provides workplace-related DNELs which have been established by manufacturers and importers under their own responsibility and have been published by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), in the first instance without review. Key data for each substance are also listed for its identification (synonyms, index numbers, formulae) together with a link to further substance data in the GESTIS Substance Database.

The GESTIS hazardous substance information system currently contains DNELs for employees (local and/or systemic effects in the event of inhalative long-term exposure) with additional information for approximately 1,000 substances.

Go to: GESTIS DNEL database

Sweden investigates use of taxes to drive toxics’ substitution

Sweden’s Chemicals Agency (Kemi) has published a report on economic instruments that could be considered, along with regulatory controls, as part of the country’s action plan for non-toxic living.
It cites specific examples of chemical use where taxes might be effective in driving substitution. These include: use of phthalates, anti-bacterials and highly fluorinated substances in clothing and shoes and use of brominated flame retardants in home electronic products.
The report also notes areas where economic policy instruments would have little effect, including addressing short term problems, or where substances pose acute risks to health.
Kemi is now developing firm proposals, including impact assessments, based on the report, in discussion with other authorities.

Go to: the KEMI report (in Swedish, includes English summary)

Roadmap on Substances of Very High Concern

The European Commission has published its roadmap for the identification of substances of very high concern (SVHCs) and implementation of REACH risk management measures from now to 2020. According to a preliminary, worst case estimation, up to 440 substances will be evaluated between 2013 and 2020. Categories of SVHCs are:

• CMR – substances that are carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction
• PBTs – substances that are persistent, bioaccumulative or toxic for the Environment
• vPvBs – substances that are very persistent and very bioaccumulative
• substances of equivalent concern, such as endocrine disruptors or sensitisers.

The Roadmap describes how to examine the substances that may belong to one of the categories of SVHCs, by giving priority to those that have been registered and are not used only as chemical intermediate. The Roadmap is based on the Risk Management Options (RMO) approach. Consistent with the principles of better regulation, the RMO identifies the best regulatory option to manage the risk, either in REACH (authorisation, restriction or substance evaluation) or outside of REACH (with another legislation). The EU executive estimates that about 55 RMOs will be required each year to process the 440 substances.

Go to: scn.sap.com or to the Road map: register.consilium.europa.eu

EU-OSHA brings experts together to support the fight against work-related cancer

The World Cancer Day was held on 4 February to raise awareness about cancer and to encourage its prevention and treatment. On this occasion the main conclusions drawn from the workshop ‘Carcinogens and Work-related Cancer’, organised by EU-OSHA in September, 2012 and hosted by the German ministry of labour and social affairs in their offices in Berlin were published. The workshop included a presentation of SUBSPORT, which was regarded a valuable tool to facilitate the substitution of hazardous substances.

Go to: osha.europa.eu

Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency recall cosmetic products

The Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes) has recalled 20 cosmetics products at the end of 2012 due to their chemical content and failures in labelling. Most were in the field of hair dyes and teeth whiteners. Tukes supervises and promotes the technical safety and compliance of products, services and production systems, consumer safety and chemical safety.

Go to: www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com or to Tukes’ Announcement (in Finish): www.tukes.fi

Webinar: Chemical-Intensive Products Sustainability-Driven Innovation

What chemicals could likely represent the “next chemical backlash”? How might these chemicals affect your business and your brand? What can you do now to manage this risk? And what can you do to transform environmental sustainability from a burden and a risk into an opportunity for advantage vs. less well-prepared competitors?
ChemRisk, ATMI, SingingDog and B2Bwebinars.net provide an interactive web conference to address these urgent issues. The webinar followed by an interactive Q&A discussion will be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2013 from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM ET.

To register go to: www.b2bwebinars.net

Differential Effects of Bisphenol A and Diethylstilbestrol on Human, Rat and Mouse Fetal Leydig Cell Function

Endocrine disruptors (ED) have been incriminated in the current increase of male reproductive alterations. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widely used weak estrogenic environmental ED and it is debated whether BPA concentrations within the average internal exposure are toxic. The French research group from Réné Habert (University Paris Diderot) observed a negative effect of BPA on testosterone production and INSL3 (an insulin like hormone produced mainly in gonadal tissues in males and females) expression during fetal life: It can impair the masculinisation of internal and external genitalia. The results presented in this publication should encourage prospective epidemiological studies to investigate the possible association between environmental exposure to BPA during pregnancy and anogenital distance at birth.
The researchers show for the first time that concentration of BPA as low as 10−8 M are sufficient to reduce fetal testis endocrine activity in humans. The mechanism of action of BPA will need further investigation, but it is likely to involve non-classical estrogen receptors.

Go to: www.plosone.org

Forum Safer Chemical Substitution in China: based on the SUBSPORT training

Greenpeace East Asia Beijing office is working with SUBSPORT to organise a forum on chemical substitution in Hangzhou, China. The forum aims to provide a platform where industry and policy makers could communicate the method and approaches about safe chemical substitution. The format and content of the forum is based on the SUBSPORT training programme, which has been carried out for more than 15 sessions with great success.

Go to: chemlinked.com

ECHA recommends 10 SVHCs for authorisation

The fourth ECHA recommendation of substances for authorisation from the Candidate List include 10 new substances. In its recommendation, the Agency took into account the comments received during public consultation last summer and the opinion of the Member State Committee from December 2012, which is supporting ECHA’s recommendation. For each substance recommended for inclusion in Annex XIV, a deadline (the sunset date) is suggested after which companies will only be able to use it within the EU if an authorisation has been granted.

Go to: echa.europa.eu

China publishes catalogue of substitutes for hazardous substances

Companies encouraged to substitute 81 hazardous chemicals: The final version of the 2012 List of Substitutes to Toxic and Hazardous Substances has been published by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) on 14 Jan 2013 since its draft publication ended in November last year. The list includes in total 81 categories of toxic and hazardous substances combined with their safe alternatives that are widely used in sectors of textiles, daily chemicals, printing and package, plastics and rubber, mining, agrochemicals, and electric and electronics and others.

Go to:chemlinked.com

eSDS’s – what works for users?

A free webinar entitled  ‘eSDS: what works for users’  is  organised by Chemical Watch  on January 30 at 3 p-m- CET.   The 90 minutes webinar will include expert presentations on:
1.    Comparison between the chemical agents Directive (CAD), which obliges employers to control risks associated with carcinogenic, mutagenic and reptrotoxic (CMR) substances, and REACH. How to implement both without duplication of effort;
2.    Details of how companies should approach implementation of both CAD and REACH by incorporating new information generated by REACH into their risk management activities;
3.    Comment from a member state regulatory authority on its activities relating to what should go into an exposure scenario, including data models and assessments.

More information and registration available at:  www2.gotomeeting.com

Minamata Convention Agreed by Nations

The Minamata Convention on Mercury-named after a city in Japan where serious health damage occurred as a result of mercury pollution in the mid-20th Century-provides controls and reductions across a range of products, processes and industries where mercury is used, released or emitted. On 19 January 2013 Governments have agreed on a range of mercury containing products whose production, export and import will be banned by 2020. These include:

Batteries, except for ‘button cell’ batteries used in implantable medical devices
Switches and relays
Certain types of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)
Mercury in cold cathode fluorescent lamps and external electrode fluorescent lamps
Soaps and cosmetics

Certain kinds of non-electronic medical devices such as thermometers and blood pressure devices are also included for phase-out by 2020.

Go to: www.unep.org/hazardoussubstances

Material Recycling without Hazardous Substances – interview study

One of the main barriers to increase the use of recycled materials in new products is the risk that the material may contain hazardous substances. The Swedish Chemicals Agency interviewed ten manufacturers of consumer products about their experiences and future outlook.  The aim of this report is to support continuing processes and discussions, primarily within the EU and internationally, to stimulate and promote non-toxic and resource-efficient recycling.

Go to the report: www.kemi.se

200 case stories published in the growing SUBSPORT database

The SUBSPORT case story database presents practical examples of substitution, and many of the case stories are provided directly by companies carrying out substitution efforts. In December, the number of case stories published in the database exceeded 200. They can serve as inspiration and offer concrete help to companies or organisations searching for substitutes to hazardous chemicals. You can contact the SUBSPORT team to share your substitution experience in the growing case story database and promote your green and innovative image.

Go to: SUBSPORT case story database

Candidate List for authorisation updated with fifty-four new substances of very high concern (SVHCs)

The European Chemical Agency ECHA added fifty-four Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) to the REACH candidate list. The Candidate List now contains 138 substances and the target set by Vice-President Tajani and Commissioner Potočnik to have 136 SVHCs on the Candidate List by the end of 2012 has been reached. As foreseen by REACH, a specific procedure will be followed to decide whether the substances should also be included in the List of substances subject to authorisation (Annex XIV of the REACH Regulation).

Go to: www.echa.europa.eu

Chemical Exposures of Women Workers in the Plastics Industry in Relation to Breast Cancer Risk

Women employed in the plastics industry are exposed to a multitude of toxic chemicals used in plastics production. These include styrene, acrylonitrile, vinyl chloride, phthalates, bisphenol-A (BPA), brominated flame retardants, heavy
metals, a host of solvents, and complex chemical mixtures. This study presents strong evidence that women employed in the plastics industry are exposed to workplace chemicals that can increase their risk of breast cancer and reproductive abnormalities.

Go to: nnewh.org or to the report

BizNGO – New “Guide to Safer Chemicals”

The Guide to Safer Chemicals was released on 3 December 2012. BizNGO is a collaboration of leaders from businesses, environmental organizations, government agencies, and universities. Their mission is to promote the creation and adoption of safer chemicals and sustainable materials.  The BizNGO Guide to Safer Chemicals—is a unique resource for downstream users of chemicals. It is a hands-on-guide that charts pathways to safer chemicals in products and supply chains for brand name companies, product manufacturers, architects and designers, retailers, and health care organisations. SUBSPORT is mentioned in the guide as a publicly available source of alternatives.  The guide also refers to a SUBSPORT case story on substitution of broiminated flame retardants (HP).

Go to www.bizngo.org or to  the report

Electronic companies once again rated by Greenpeace – now including SUBSPORT case stories

Greenpeace has published the 18th edition of their Guide to Greener Electronics, evaluating leading consumer electronics companies based on their environmental commitment and progress.
In this edition of the Guide to Greener Electronics, Greenpeace has included the sharing of substitution case stories in the SUBSPORT case story database as a way of gaining points.

“Top marks are only given to those companies who also publicly advocate for the use of alternatives to hazardous substances, for example, by providing case studies on the process of substituting these substances (…) with safer alternatives,” states Greenpeace.

So far HP and Dell are the companies who have gained points for submitting their case stories to SUBSPORT. HP describes how they have evaluated, and now use, alternatives to brominated flame retardants. Dell describes elimination of mercury in displays.

“Information on available and functioning alternatives is often identified as one of the main barriers to the phase-out of hazardous substances. Therefore, sharing such knowledge among companies is crucial. These two companies have put effort into describing their substitution work for the benefit of others, and I am pleased to see that they have now also been ‘rewarded’ for this in the Greenpeace ranking”, comments Anna Lennquist, ChemSec toxicologist.

The Greenpeace guide scores companies on overall policies and practices, not on specific products, and is intended to provide consumers with a snapshot of the sustainability of the biggest names in the electronics industry.

Go to the Guide to Greener Electronics and to the Ranking Criteria

If you would like to share your experiences in substituting hazardous substances with safer alternatives, contact us at info@subsport.eu or use the entry form

The Danish Consumer Council and the Danish Ecological Council in cooperation with DTU Environment launches Nanodatabase in English

Nanomaterials are used in ordinary consumer products such as cosmetics, clothes and dietary supplements, but no one has a clear overview of where the nanomaterials are used or in which quantities. The Danish Consumer Council and the Danish Ecological Council has in cooperation with DTU Environment developed a database, which help consumers identify more than 1,200 products that may contain nanomaterials. The Nanodatabase gives consumers a choice.

Go to: http://nano.taenk.dk/

Norwegian study links phthalate metabolites to childhood asthma

High-molecular weight phthalates in indoor dust have been associated with asthma in children, but few studies have evaluated phthalate biomarkers in association with respiratory outcomes. Norwegian scientist could associate current asthma in children with urinary concentrations of breakdown products of common phthalates, following a study of over 600 ten-year old Norwegian children. But the authors remain caution to the result of this study due to the cross-sectional design and the short half-life of the phthalate metabolites.

Go to: ehp.niehs.nih.gov

Updated Guidance on the Application of the CLP Criteria

The European Chemicals Agency has published on its website an update of the Guidance on the Application of the CLP Criteria related to health hazards following the conclusion of a consultation process.
The updated guidance provides:

• Guidance on the setting of lower and higher specific concentration limits (SCLs) for the following four health hazard classes: skin corrosion/irritation, serious eye damage/eye irritation, reproductive toxicity and specific target organ toxicity – single exposure (STOT-SE).

• Relevant background information on setting SCLs for the reproductive toxicity hazard class based on potency considerations included in the new Annex “Annex VI

Go to: http://echa.europa.eu

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons – harmful to the environment – toxic – inevitable?

Germany’s Federal Environment Agency (UBA) has published a briefing paper on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) “Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons – harmful to the environment – toxic – inevitable?”. It includes information about risk and hazards of PAH as well as tips for private households to reduce PAH emissions.

Go to the report (German): www.umweltdaten.de

Cefic Guidance on Specific Environmental Release Categories (SPERCs)

The guidance is issued by the Cefic Exposure Scenario Task Force, which provided the project lead for the SpERC-project. The SpERCs  (Specific Environmental Release Categories) have been developed by the industry to comply with the REACH requirements for ERC (Environmental Release Categories) but with realistic data and assumption for a particular use. This document outlines the concepts behind the SpERCs and presents the terminology used in conjunction with the SpERCs (Section 1). In Section 2 the concept of emission assessment under REACH is addressed in order to provide the necessary background information. Section 3 explains the SpERC factsheet, in which the full set of SpERC information is documented. It also outlines the relation of SpERCs with CHESAR (CHEmical Safety Assessment and Reporting tool).

Go to: www.cefic.org

Marks & Spencer to eliminate hazardous chemicals from clothing

On 24 October 2012, fashion retail giant Marks & Spencer (M&S) has made a breakthrough commitment  to eliminate all releases of hazardous chemicals throughout their entire supply chain and products by 2020, in response to the Greenpeace “Detox” campaign. The commitments relate to the safe use of chemicals in textile production. They are now part of the M&S approach to managing chemicals in its supply chain and will support its existing Environmental & Chemical Policy (ECP) – the environmental standards that all dyehouses have to meet in order to work with M&S suppliers.

Go to: www.greenpeace.org or to M&C environmental and chemical policy

Greenpeace calls for ban on PFCs in outdoor clothing

Environmental campaign group Greenpeace is calling on the outdoor clothing industry to ban perfluorinated and polyfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) from production after tests found the toxins in a number of leading brands. Outdoor clothing brands are selling women’s and children’s clothes with perfluorinated and polyfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) and other hazardous chemicals, according to findings from two independent laboratories commissioned by Greenpeace Germany. Greenpeace is now urging the outdoor clothing industry to ban PFCs from production and to speed the development of fluorine-free alternatives.

Go to: http://fashionsnoops360.com or to the report (German)

10th Edition of World’s largest Sustainable Palm Oil Meeting

From 30 October to 1 November, the 10th Annual Roundtable Meeting on Sustainable Palm Oil (RT10), the world’s largest sustainable palm oil meeting was held in Singapore. The meeting, presented by international multi-stakeholder organisation the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), reflected the strong commitment from palm oil stakeholders worldwide towards Sustainable Palm Oil.

Presentations can be found at:  http://rt10.rspo.org./

Plastic shoes analysed for harmful chemicals

The Swedish Chemicals Agency has analysed 30 pairs of soft plastic shoes to see if they contain harmful chemicals. Several shoes contained phthalates that are considered to be endocrine disruptors. The phthalates found were DIBP, DBP and DEHP. These phthalates are not prohibited in shoes, but they are banned in some other products, such as toys, childcare products and products intended to be put into the mouth.

Go to: : kemi.se

Risk assessment of endocrine active chemicals: Identifying chemicals of regulatory concern

The guidance proposed by ECETOC in  2011 provides a structured, science based framework to evaluate results from a variety of apical, mechanistic and screening toxicity studies. It integrates knowledge of adverse effects and mode of action from these studies to reach a conclusion regarding the endocrine disrupting properties of substances, in accordance with the International Programme on Chemicals Safety (IPCS ) and other related definitions. This paper proposes refinements mainly to the second part of the original ECETOC guidance, in order to discriminate between chemicals of low concern from those of higher concern (for regulatory purposes).

Go to: ecetoc.org

Bisphenol A – EFSA met national experts from Member States

On 29-30 October 2012, experts from European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA’s)  Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes, Flavourings and Processing Aids (CEF), other European scientific advisory bodies and the Member States met together with EFSA staff to exchange information about their previous or ongoing work related to the safety assessment of bisphenol A (BPA). The meeting is part of the scientific discussions contributing to the development of EFSA’s new assessment of human health risks associated with BPA, scheduled for completion in May 2013.

Go to:  efsa.europa.eu

Acrylamide levels in food largely unchanged states EFSA’s latest report

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published its annual update report on acrylamide levels in food in 25 European countries. Acrylamide is a chemical compound that typically forms in starchy food products such as potato crisps, French fries, bread, biscuits and coffee, during high-temperature processing, including frying, baking and roasting. An EFSA statement in 2005 noted that there may be a potential health concern with acrylamide which is known to be both carcinogenic and genotoxic . The report covers the monitoring period 2007-2010 and does not reveal any considerable change from the last report for the majority of the food categories assessed. Since 2008 the number of results submitted to EFSA declined, limiting the reliability of the trend analysis.

Go to: efsa.europa.eu

WECF France: Endocrine disruptors: Threat to women’s health

WECF has launched a report in French called Menace sur la santé des femmes. The report explains what hormone disruptors are and how these chemicals affect women’s reproductive systems – particularly at critical stages of development. It highlights key scientific research regarding contaminants linked to conditions including early puberty, infertility, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, breast cancer and others.

Go to: www.wecf.eu

Final report on Nanoscale Silver in Disinfectant Spray

This final report published by US EPA presents a case study of engineered nanoscale silver (nano-Ag), focusing on the specific example of nano-Ag as possibly used in disinfectant sprays. This case study is organised around the comprehensive environmental assessment (CEA) framework, which structures available information pertaining to the product life cycle, environmental transport and fate, exposure-dose in receptors (i.e., humans, ecological populations, and the environment), and potential impacts on these receptors. The report is intended to be used as part of a process to identify what is known and, more importantly, what is not yet known that could be of value in assessing the broad implications of certain nanomaterials.

Go to:  cfpub.epa.gov

Launch of online tool for risk assessment in the leather and tanning industry

Leather and Tanning is a potentially high risk sector dealing with heavy machines and various chemicals. Wrong handling of machines and chemicals can cause severe damage to the human body. The tool is meant as a reference to give valuable information and suggestions to perform a risk assessment for the tannery in order to minimise and eliminate health and safety risks. The tool covers all major areas in a tannery, including OSH management, in-house transport, use of chemicals, working with raw hides and skins, etc. The software of the online tool has been provided by the European Agency on Health and Safety (EU-OSHA) in Bilbao.

Go to: www.euroleather.com or to the online tool

36 Phones Tested for Lead, Mercury, Hazardous Flame Retardants and More

To learn more about chemicals in phones on the market today, HealthyStuff.org researchers took apart 36 phones and submitted their components to X-ray fluorescence spectrometry – a process that determines the chemical composition of a material. The researchers rated and ranked the phones on a scale of 0 – 5, lowest being best, in three ways: by chemical (for each of 12 commonly found hazardous chemicals, such as bromine, mercury, and lead), by component (case, screen, solder, circuit board, etc.), and overall. The sample represents the largest set of samples ever released for a type of electronic product. In total 1,106 samples were analyzed for 35 different chemicals and elements.

Go to: www.healthystuff.org

ECHA invited SUBSPORT to contribute to a workshop on analysing alternatives

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) organised a workshop on analysing alternatives and socio-economic impacts in applications for authorisation, which was held on 2-3 Oct 2012 in Helsinki with 30 participants from industry. Dr. Lothar Lissner from SUBSPORT made a presentation on the ‘economic feasibility in alternative assessment methodologies’.

More information on the workshop and the presentations can be found at echa.europa.eu. The audio recordings of the event will be available in November.

Date palm juice: A potential new “green” anti-corrosion agent for aerospace industry

The search for a “greener” way to prevent corrosion on the kind of aluminum used in jetliners, cars and other products has led scientists to an unlikely source: the juice of the date palm. The influence of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) (PDL) fruit juice on 7075 type aluminum (AA7075) alloy in 3.5% NaCl solution was investigated by Tafel extrapolarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. It was found that PDL fruit juice acted as a slightly cathodic inhibitor, and inhibition efficiencies increased with the increase of PDL fruit juice concentration.

Go to: Chemistry for life or to the article

Nestlé intends to produce Bisphenol A-free cans

The leading food company Nestlé made a statement to globally phase out cans with coatings containing Bisphenol A. The statement was made following a request of EcoAid end of August 2012. EcoAid is an independent consultancy advising and lending support to businesses and organisations whose aim is to conduct their business in a responsible and sustainable way – economically, ecologically and socially.

Go to: www.lebensmittelzeitung.net/(information in German)

The 13th European Forum on Eco-innovation

The 13th Forum on Eco-innovation will will take place on 26th and 27th November 2012 in Lisbon, Portugal. The Forum will highlight the main challenges and opportunities in research, development and innovation when entering the global market, and aims to promote and support the international collaboration in eco-innovation. It will look specifically at local, regional and global water challenges, and the need for partnerships, demonstrate technologies, methodologies and strategies for better water management in new markets and examine mobilisation of the necessary finance, investment and public-private partnerships.

European Commission organises the Forum on Eco-Innovation where three European networks are co-operating for meaningful discussions: Eco-Innovera – boosting eco-innovation through co-operation in research and dissemination; Ecopol – public innovation partnership for better policies and instruments in support of eco-innovation; and Environmental-NCP-Together – promoting partnerships and co-operating to improve their effectiveness.

Go to: ec.europa.eu/environment

SUBSPORT at the third session of the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM3) in Nairobi

The Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) is a policy framework to promote chemical safety around the world. SAICM held the third session of the International Conference on Chemicals Management from 17 to 21 September 2012 at the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON, Kenya). The Conference evaluated and addressed emerging policy issues, considered new activities for addition to the Global Plan of Action, evaluated the financing of its Strategic Approach and took strategic decisions for the future.

SUBSPORT was presented as part of the exhibition and in a side event to the conference.

Go to: www.saicm.org

Give your input on triclosan in cosmetic products

The European Commission has launched a public consultation on triclosan in cosmetic products. Triclosan is currently under evaluation in the context of both REACH and the Biocides Directive. The Commission invites any interested parties, including authorities of the Member States, manufacturers of cosmetic products, producers of those substances, relevant industry and consumers associations, to submit their comments on the considered measure and on its possible economic impact. The deadline for input is 19 October 2012.

Go to: ec.europa.eu

Policy Workshop: Chronic Diseases and Endocrine Disruptors (EDCs)

The Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) organises a workshop on chronic diseases and endocrine disruptors (EDCs) on 14 September. The policy workshop aims to highlight the growing body of science and tools on the links between EDCs and chronic diseases, and the important role that groups working on these diseases can play in this critical dossier for human health.

Go to: env-health.org or to the  programm

Increased risk of asthma for children exposed to household chemicals

A new study conducted by researchers at Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health (CCCEH) has found that children exposed to diethylphthalate (DEP) and butylbenzylphthalate (BBzP) have an increased risk of developing asthma-related airway inflammation. DEP and BBzP are widely used in personal care and plastic products.

Go to: european-lung-foundation.org

Proposal for a Swedish ban on bisphenol A in receipts

The Swedish Chemicals Agency (KemI) presented on 29 June a proposal to the Swedish Government for a national ban on bisphenol A in thermal paper used, for example, in cash receipts and tickets. The report is the result of a government assignment and one step in the work for a toxic-free everyday environment.

Go to: www.kemi.se

Johnson & Johnson plan to reformulate its products to phase out dangerous chemicals like triclosan and formaldehyde-releasers

Johnson & Johnson (J&J) made a commitment to globally reformulate its baby products – including the No More Tears Baby Shampoo – and to remove carcinogens 1,4 dioxane and formaldehyde by the end of 2013. By 2015 J&J will phase out not only 1,4 dioxane and formaldehyde, but also triclosan, phthalates and parabens, as well as certain fragrance ingredients that are not disclosed on product labels.

Go to: pharmalot.com or to the ingriedient policies of J&J: safetyandcarecommitment.com

Four phthalates banned in Denmark

After banning Bisphenol A in children’s food containers and two parabens in children cosmetics, Denmark proves once again a frontrunner among EU Member States in the phase out and substitution of endocrine disrupters. Four phthalates will no longer be allowed in shower curtains, table cloths and other consumer goods on the Danish market. As from this fall a ban on DEHP, DBP, DIBP and BBP will be implemented and new products will therefore no longer contain the endocrine disrupting chemicals.

Go to: www.wecf.eu

New rules on e-waste to boost resource efficiency

Improved rules on the collection and treatment of e-waste enter into force, August 13.  E-waste (i.e. waste electrical and electronic equipment, or WEEE) is one the fastest growing waste streams, and it offers substantial opportunities in terms of making secondary raw materials available on the market. Systematic collection and proper treatment is a precondition for recycling materials like gold, silver, copper and rare metals in used TVs, laptops and mobile phones. The new Directive is a clear step forward in terms of environmental protection and a major boost to resource efficiency in Europe.

Go to: europa.eu

Assessment of Alternatives to Perchloroethylene for the Dry Cleaning Industry

The Toxic Use Reduction Institute (TURI) conducted an alternative assessment of seven common alternatives to perc to help dry cleaners find technically viable and environmentally preferred methods for cleaning clothes. The alternatives evaluated include: Professional Wet Cleaning, Liquid Carbon Dioxide, High Flash Hydrocarbons, Acetal, Propylene Glycol Ethers, Cyclic Volatile Methyl Siloxane, and N-Propyl Bromide (nPB). The results are compiled in detail in this 54-page methods and policy report. TURI also published a four-page fact sheet that summarizes the information.

Go to: TURI

EPA Identifies Substitutes for Toxic Flame Retardant Chemical

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a draft report on alternatives for a toxic flame retardant chemical known as decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE). This comprehensive assessment, developed with public participation under EPA’s Design for the Environment (DfE) program, profiles the environmental and human health hazards on 30 alternatives to decaBDE. The alternatives to decaBDE characterized in the report are already on the market and will be used increasingly as decaBDE is phased out.

Go to: yosemite.epa.gov  or to epa.gov/dfe/

Enhancing qualities of starch-based bioplastic

 New research has produced a starch-based bioplastic with similar properties to equivalent traditional oil-based plastics. By adding an ammonium salt to thermoplastic starch (TPS) the study demonstrated an improvement in the plasticisation process, rendering it flexible, mouldable and potentially recyclable.

Go to: ec.europa.eu

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Turkey – First List of Prioritized Chemicals published

The first List of Priority Substances, consisting of 131 chemicals, has been published by Turkey’s Ministry of Environment and Urban Planning (MoEU). The Chemical Inventory and Control By-law implemented by December 2008 had its first notification deadline by March 2011 and the first update to notifications are covered by first half of 2012 by both the local industry and chemical exporters to Turkey. By the end of 2011 the inventories for HPV and LPV were published by MoEU.

Go to: crad.com.tr or to the List

EU Cosmetics Directive makes hair dyes safer

On 3 August 2012, the EU Commission adopted a Directive on Hair Dyes that restricts the use of an additional 24 substances in hair dyes. With an estimated 60% of women and about 10% of men colouring their hair regularly, sales of hair dye products in the EU are worth billions and rising steadily. The EU Cosmetics Directive aims to ensure that such products contain only safe substances.

Go to: ec.europa.eu or to the new Cosmetics Directive

Impact of the REACH regulation on the innovativeness of EU chemical industry

The European Commission published a study on the impact of the REACH regulation on the innovativeness of EU chemical industry. It has been found that the Regulation’s objectives regarding the innovativeness of the EU chemical industry are highly relevant in terms of EU industrial and innovation policies. The industrial information creation, capture and dissemination mechanisms created by the Regulation have acted as stimuli to product conception or innovation to varying degrees among survey respondents.  Some 72% of companies surveyed thought it had led to an increase in access and scrutiny of information about chemical substances and 24% indicated that they had been able benefit from this through increased knowledge of substances and properties. However, this has come at a significant cost to the industry.  More positive results may be apparent in the longer term, as companies reorient their R&D and innovation programmes.

Go to: ec.europa.eu or to the final report

Free webinar: New EU RoHS Recast Standards

A free webinar on the new European standards for EU RoHS recast will present the following topics:
– EN 50581 (Technical File Standard)
– EN 62321:2011 (Updated Testing Standard)
– EN 62474 (Material Declaration Standard)
– Timelines
– Interaction for the purposes of creating a technical file
– Changes in compliance methodology
– Relationship to IEC standards
Date: 18 July 2012
Time: for 4 pm CET register here , for 8 pm CET register here
Duration: one hour plus Q&A
Registration can be also done on Claigan Environmental Inc. website.

New study of PVC blood bags

A new report commissioned by the EU Life+ project, PVCfreeBloodBag, shows that blood bags made of DEHP-plasticised PVC pose a significant risk to human health, due to both DEHP (di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate) and PVC (polyvinylchloride).  A Life Cycle Assessment of a PVC/DEHP  blood bag was performed to provide a quantitative overview of the environmental impact of the PVC blood bag over its life cycle. The study compares the impact of the blood bag made of PVC and DEHP with that of a fictional blood bag made of  HDPE (high density polyethylene). The study shows that today’s PVC bag has a significantly higher potential for harming human health than a polyethylene bag, as regards both DEHP and PVC.

Go to: www.pvcfreebloodbag.eu or the study

International Conference on the Science of Exposure Assessment

The British Occupational Hygiene Society is hosting the 7th International Conference on the Science of Exposure Assessment (X2012) in Edinburgh, Scotland on 2 – 5 July 2012. X2012 will bring together the leading international experts and provide a platform for the exchange of knowledge and expertise in exposure assessment sciences. X2012 will contribute to the developments in state-of-the-art methodologies and practices in this field, and thereby improve our knowledge base to effectively control exposure to hazardous agents in the work environment, at home and elsewhere in the general environment. The programme will cover the following topics:

– Nanotechnology and other new technologies or industries
– New developments in exposure modelling
– Application of novel monitoring methods, including the use of mobile phone technology, for exposure assessment
– Studies on/of exposome/omics/epigenetics
– Exposure assessment methods for population-based occupational epidemiological studies
– Exposure assessment following man-made and natural disasters
– Application of GIS and other tools for occupational exposure assessment
– Methods of correcting for measurement error in epidemiological studies
– Measurement strategies and methods for epidemiology and other applications
– Dermal and inadvertent ingestion exposure
– Non-chemical exposure (e.g. noise, EMF, work posture, psychosocial factors)
– Exposure assessment in developing countries
– Cumulative / aggregate exposure assessment in occupational and non-occupational situations
– Biological and infectious agents

Go to: www.x2012.org

Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint

The Second meeting of the Global Alliance to eliminate Lead Paint will be held in Bangkok, Thailand from 9 to 11 July 2012. The purpose of this second meeting of the Global Alliance is understand current  knowledge about lead in paint, present the business plan for the Global Alliance, promote new developments, catalyse collaborative work, and welcome new and potential contributors to the work of the Global Alliance.  The meeting will also provide a forum for discussing the matters that could be brought to the attention of the third session of the International Conference on Chemicals Management when it meets later in the year.

Go to: www.unep.org

Candidate List updated with thirteen new Substances of Very High Concern

ECHA has added thirteen new Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) to the Candidate List. All substances included are classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction. The Candidate List now contains 84 substances. As foreseen by REACH, a specific procedure will be followed to decide whether the substances should also be included in the List of Substances Subject to Authorisation (Annex XIV of the REACH Regulation).

Go to: echa.europa.eu

Mineral oil hydrocarbons: EFSA publishes opinion on these complex compounds

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published a scientific opinion on human exposure through the diet to a diverse group of mixtures known as ‘mineral oil hydrocarbons’ (MOH). The potential human health impact of MOH varies widely; so-called ‘aromatic’ MOH may act as genotoxic carcinogens (that is they may damage DNA, the genetic material of cells, as well as cause cancer), while some ‘saturated’ MOH can accumulate in human tissue and may cause adverse effects in the liver. The potential human health impact of MOH varies widely; so-called ‘aromatic’ MOH may act as genotoxic carcinogens, while some ‘saturated’ MOH can accumulate in human tissue and may cause adverse effects in the liver. The opinion identifies some potential concerns in relation to exposure to MOH through food.

Go to: www.efsa.europa.eu or to the scientific opinion

Voluntary Agreements under the Ecodesign Directive

Voluntary agreements may be an alternative for implementing measures under the Ecodesign Directive.
The European Commission is likely to endorse an industry agreement for complex set-top boxes (television recievers). It would be the first voluntary agreement on the ecodesign of products.

Go to: www.eceee.org

France – prevention of chemical risks at work: review 2011

The French Ministry of Labour has just published a review of the working conditions for 2011. Focus is on the prevention of chemical risks. The Standing Committee of the Working Condition Advisory Committee examined the working condition for the year 2011. This document reflects the French prevention system, the main concerns of health and safety policy at work, as well as EU activities. One chapter is dedicated to the prevention of chemical risks.

Go to:  www.actu-environnement.com (French)  or to the report (French)

Denmark tops new cleantech investment index

Denmark has the best conditions for investing in clean technology in the world, according to the first Global Cleantech Innovation Index. The index, published by Cleantech Group and WWF, analyses where cleantech industries are currently developing and where they might thrive in the future. According to Coming Clean: The Global Cleantech Innovation Index 2012, Israel, Sweden and Finland are the next best countries for cleantech development.

Go to: eep.org

To download the index click here

Winners of European Business Awards for the Environment 2012

The winners of the 2012 European Business Awards for the Environment (EBAE) were announced during a prestigious award ceremony held in Brussels on 24 May 2012. They represent large corporations and SMEs, old and new Member States, and sectors from retail to energy to material engineering. Most of the applicants were SMEs. The greatest number of entrieswas in the newly introduced “business and biodiversity” category. They were selected from a shortlist of 14 candidates from nine European countries and wide-ranging economic sectors. They are companies that successfully combine innovation, competitiveness and outstanding environmental performance.

Go to: ec.europa.eu

Disrupting Food

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) are on the loose today. They are used for the composition of most common products including pesticides that can be found in our food. Despite alarming scientific evidence linking EDCs to severe chronic diseases, exposure to pesticides with endocrine disrupting properties remains disregarded by current regulations.  PAN Europe has decided to repair this by publishing this consumer guide with a special ranking of the 10 most “disrupting” food items in the European Union.
Go to the report in English or in French

The Ecological Council: New publication on the substitution of hazardous chemicals

More and more substances are studied and classified as hazardous to health or the environment, and an increasing number of companies choose to replace potentially dangerous substances. This publication is a follow up to “Hazardous chemicals can be substituted” from 2006 and can serve as inspiration to companies and public institutions as well as an information source for all other interested parties.

Read more or go to the report

CMR substances registered or notified after the 2010 registration deadline

ECHA publishes the first report on the CMR substances registered or notified after the 2010 registration deadline. ECHA has received information from the first REACH registration deadline and the CLP notification deadline, which should cover all hazardous substances on the market in the EU today.  The report is a screening of the information available at the Agency in April 2012. It also presents the first opportunity to take a look at the CMR – carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction – substances which have now been registered and/or notified.

Go to: echa.europa.eu or to the report

Communication from the Commission on Combination effects of Chemicals (Chemical mixtures)

In this report, the Commission engaged to launch a new process to ensure that risks associated with chemical mixtures are properly understood and assessed. The report states that EU laws set strict limits for the amounts of particular chemicals allowed in food, water, air and manufactured products, but that the potentially toxic effects of these chemicals in combination are rarely examined. Under the new approach, the Commission will identify priority mixtures to be assessed and ensure that the different strands of EU legislation deliver consistent risk assessments for such priority mixtures. The Commission will also tackle some of the data and knowledge gaps to improve understanding of the mixtures to which people and the environment are exposed. The report is available in English, French and German.

Go to: ec.europa.eu or to the report

EU tackles sulphur emmissions from ships

EU governments agreed on legislation to limit the maximum sulphur content of shipping fuels that will come into effect in Europe at the end of the decade. Under the new law, the maximum sulphur content of fuels will be limited to 0.5% for all ships from 2020, down from currently 3.5% for cargo vessels and 1.5% for passenger ships. A tighter limit of 0.1% will apply from 2015 to ships operating in “sulphur emission control areas”, which include the North Sea, the Baltic Sea and the Channel. The limit in these areas is currently 1%.

Go to: www.euractiv.com

Interim Evaluation: Functioning of the European chemical market after the introduction of REACH

The objective of the  Centre for Strategy & Evaluation Services (CSES) study has been to evaluate the implementation of the REACH Regulation in relation to its impact on the operation of the single market and the competitiveness of the European chemicals industry. The analysis of the findings indicates that the REACH Regulation remains relevant in relation to both the maintenance and enhancement of the competitiveness of the EU chemical industry and in the protection of the internal market. However, the analysis also indicates that important part of the potential benefits still remain to be seen as the implementation of the Regulation goes forward.

Go to the final report

ECHA Webinar: SMEs and Reach

A free webinar is organised by ECHA on the 11th of June 2012. The webinar is targeted towards small and medium sized companies and provides an overview of the SME definition and its benefits with respect to the REACH regulation. The webinar aims to cover the SME verification process and available tools and support for SMEs in preparing their registration dossiers. The webinar starts at 11 am (GMT +3).

Go to: the agenda or to ECHA to see the presentations and recordings.

Chemical substances in electronic components

The Swedish Chemicals Agency (Kemi) has published a survey of chemical substances in electronic components. The report highlights the large number of compounds used to make electronic components. The report concludes that it is not currently possible to find out the exact composition of a circuit board. However, circuit board manufacturers should be able to find out if components contain any banned substances. The survey is in Swedish with an English summary on page 7.
Go to the report

Improved EU rules for A Non-Toxic Environment – report of a governmental assignment

The report contains an examination of EU legislation in around ten areas linked to chemicals control and the Swedish environmental objective of A Non-Toxic Environment. The account of the existing rules is supplemented by an analysis of shortcomings and needs for development in the EU rules as well as proposals for amendments that should be considered and that should be pursued by Sweden.

Go to the English abstract or to the report (Swedish)

Invitation: Official launch of SUBSPORT and release of case story database

24 MAY 2012 – HELSINKI CHEMICALS FORUM

There is an urgent need to phase out harmful chemicals and replace them with safer alternatives or techniques to reduce adverse health effects and environmental pollution. SUBSPORT, the Substitution Support Portal, shows you how this can be done, and which alternatives can be used. SUBSPORT is a free-of-charge multilingual web portal providing tools and guidance for substance evaluation and substitution management. The launch includes the first-time release of the case story database presenting practical real-case examples of companies and other stakeholders that have done successful substitution work.

PROGRAMME

• SUBSPORT – Substitution Support Portal: moving towards safer alternatives
  Raluca Aurora Stepa, Kooperationsstelle Hamburg and Tatiana Santos Otero, ISTAS

• Collaboration helps substitution of hazardous materials: a case story example from Skanska
  Eva-Lena Carlen-Johansson, Manager Sustainability Projects, Skanska

• Workers’ role in promoting substitution: a case story example from CCOO
  Ana García Oliver, Unión Sindical Madrid Región de Comisiones Obreras

• Bright science for a brighter living: a case story example from DSM
  Annette Wilschut, Senior Advisor Product Safety & Toxicology, Royal DSM N.V

• Q&A and discussion

WHEN: 24 May 17.00-18.00

WHERE: Side event at the Helsinki Chemicals Forum, Room 216, Helsinki Exhibition & Convention Centre, Helsinki, Finland (www.helsinkicf.eu). Free of charge event. Refreshments will be served.

For more information about the launch event, please contact Amanda Huss at amanda.huss@chemsec.org

Go to: invitation

Nyco goes for low-toxin jet engine oil

French oil manufacturer Nyco claims to have come up with a new jet engine lubricant that will be less harmful to passengers and air crew should an in-cabin fume event occur. These events occur fairly regularly in all aircraft types with engine bleed air cabin pressurisation systems when the engine oil seals fail and hot oil fumes enter into the air supplied to the cockpit and cabin.

Go to: flightglobal.com

The Global Outlook on Sustainable Consumption and Production Policies

The Global Outlook on Sustainable Consumption and Production Policies, developed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) with the financial support of the European Commission, identifies examples of effective policies and initiatives being implemented worldwide. It is illustrated by 56 case studies ranging from global multilateral agreements and regional strategies to specific policies and initiatives being implemented by governments, businesses and civil society organisations.

Go to the report

DyStar Denim & RedElec start sustainable Indigo dyeing

DyStar Denim is collaborating with the Swiss RedElec Technologie on a process intended to improve the environmental profile of indigo. They have decided to develop a more environmentally friendly electrochemical process for dyeing denim with indigo, a sustainable solution that will eliminate harmful substances in dyeing and waste water.

Go to: Chemical & Engineering News

France takes action on perchloroethylene cleaning chemicals

The French Ministries of Ecology and Labour have announced a ban on the use of perchloroethylene in dry cleaning laundry facilities.The use of the substance will not be permitted in new facilities. This ban will become effective immediately. Meanwhile, a total ban will be implemented in stages for different facilities, with a total ban effective from 1 January 2022.

Go to: chemicalwatch.com or to the French governemental announcement

SUBSPORT celebrates LIFE’s 20th anniversary

The LIFE programme celebrates its 20th anniversary throughout May 2012. To mark this important milestone in the history of the EU’s financial instrument for the environment, the LIFE units warmly invited all LIFE projects to contribute.
SUBSPORT adds four events to the LIFE at 20 calendar at www.life20.eu:

• 19 April, Alternatives Identification & Assessment Training, Denmark
• 23 April, Alternatives Identification & Assessment Training, Romania
• 24 May, SUBSPORT Launch at Helsinki Chemicals Forum, Finland
• 1 June, Alternatives Identification & Assessment Training, Sweden

Official Launch of SUBSPORT – 24 May 2012

SAVE THE DATE: In two months time, on 24 May, the SUBSPORT portal will be officially launched, and an important part of the portal, the case story database, will be made public online. The case story database is an interactive tool to search for practical real-case substitution examples provided by companies and other stakeholders as well as examples and information on substitution options found in literature.

The official launch of SUBSPORT will be held as a free of charge side event at the Helsinki
Chemicals Forum (www.helsinkicf.eu).

When: 24 May 17.00-18.00
Where: Helsinki Exhibition & Convention Centre, Helsinki, Finland

Share your substitution experience

Take the opportunity to contribute to the SUBSPORT case story database under construction by sharing your experience in substituting hazardous chemicals with safer alternatives.
Contact us at info@subsport.eu or use the entry form.

Study on the potential for reducing mercury pollution from dental amalgam and batteries

The European Commission (Dg Environment) commissioned a study about the potential for reducing mercury pollution from dental amalgam and from batteries. This report presents the findings of the study carried out by the BIO Intelligence Service and consists of two parts:
Part A an assessment of policy options to reduce environmental impacts from dental amalgam use
Part B an assessment of policy options to reduce environmental impacts from mercury-containing batteries, with particular focus on button cell batteries.

Go to the report: ec.europa.eu

Nestlé removes artificial ingredients from entire confectionery range

Nestlé, has removed artificial colours, flavours and preservatives from its entire confectionery range. The company, which was responding to consumer demand, says it is the first big UK confectioner to remove all artificial products. Concentrates of fruit, vegetables and edible plants such as carrot, hibiscus, radish, safflower and lemon are among ingredients used to provide colour.

Go to: guardian.co.uk

Dirty Laundry: Reloaded

New research commissioned by Greenpeace International shows that residues of the hazardous chemicals nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) – used in textile manufacturing – remain in many clothing items sold by major international clothing brands and, when washed, a significant percentage of the chemicals in these clothes is released and subsequently discharged into rivers, lakes and seas, where they turn into the even more toxic and hormone disrupting chemical nonylphenol (NPs).

Go to the report or to greenpeace.org

Paris Council vows for a ban on perchloroethylene in dry cleaners

The Paris council vows unanimously to replace the use of perchloroethylene in dry cleaners with alternative technologies. Percloroethylene is used as solvent in 90% of dry cleaners and is suspected of causing cancer, known to be toxic to aquatic organisms, and neurotoxic. With this vow Paris plays a leading role as whistleblower and precursor, as it did also for bisphenol in baby bottles.

Go to: (French) Europe Écologie les Verts (EELVA)

Pesticide mon amour

The film “Pesticide mon amour” will be shown as part of the 7th Pesticides Action WEEK on 22 March at Mundo-B , Brussels at 6.30 pm. The film produced by Erik Fretel shows the extensive use and the impact of pesticides. After the film there will be an open discussion on organic gardening. The event has been organized by PAN Europe and the Foundation Baudouin.
The film is in French.

Go to: events information or to the trailer

Low-Cost Jewelry Still Ranks High for Toxic Chemicals

Researchers tested low-cost children’s and adult jewelry for chemicals – including lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury, bromine and chlorine (PVC) – which have been linked to acute allergies and to long-term health impacts such as birth defects, impaired learning, liver toxicity, and cancer. Over half (59%) of the products tested had a “high” level of concern due to the presence of one or more hazardous chemicals detected at high levels.

Go to: www.healthystuff.org

Britax and Orbit Baby Commit to Phase Out Hazardous Flame Retardants & PVC from Children’s Car Seats

Britax and Orbit Baby are phasing out brominated and chlorinated flame retardants, which are added to plastics for fire resistance, and have been associated with thyroid problems, learning and memory impairment, decreased fertility, and behavioral changes. Although fire retardants in foam are necessary to meet certain fire-safety standards, non-halogenated fire retardants are available, and many have a better safety profile.
Both companies are also phasing out chlorine, associated with the use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is widely used in plastics and is of concern to the environment and public health during all phases of its life cycle. PVC contains chemicals called phthalates, which have been associated with decreased fertility, pre-term deliveries, and damage to the liver, testes, thyroid, ovaries, kidneys, and blood.

Go to: www.healthystuff.org

SUBSPORT training in Madrid

On 7 March 2012 an Alternative Identification and Assessment training session was realised for the Spanish Trade Union Confederación Syndical de Comisiones Obreras CC.OO. The training took place at the training facilities of CC.OO. with 19 participants.

The SUBSPORT trainers from ISTAS received positive feedback from participants highlighting in particular the work in small groups, the practical orientation as well as achieving knowledge about tools to assess alternatives presented on SUBSPORT.

If you are interested in a training session please contact us or find more information at www.subsport.eu/training.

Green School practices and students’ science scores are related

A nationwide survey shows a positive correlation between Green School practices and student achievement in science. The study was conducted by the University of Colorado Denver’s Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences.
Schools that took part in the survey observe GreenPrint core practices as defined by the Green Schools National Network (GSNN)
The core practices are:
• Curriculum that advances environmental literacy and sustainability
• Stewardship and service learning
• Sustainable facilities design and management
• Health and well being
• Strong partnerships and networks

Go to: www.greenenvironmentnews.com

Campbell’s soup phasing out BPA in can linings

Campbell’s Soup has agreed to stop using the chemical BPA in the lining of its cans, joining a host of other brands moving away from using the substance. Campbell’s Soup Co. spokesman Anthony Sanzio said the company has been working on alternatives for five years and will make the transition as soon as “feasible alternatives are available.”

Go to: JSOnline

SUBSPORT training in Cairo

Another SUBSPORT training session on Alternative Identification and Assessment was held by the SUBSPORT team in Cairo (Egypt) in February 2012. The training session was organized by the Regional Activity Centre for Cleaner Production CP/RAC of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) – Mediterranean Action Plan and the Egyptian National Cleaner Production Center ENCPC.

The training session was a great success: 20 women and men holding key positons in companies, organisations and academia participated and provided very positive feedback. An interview with Tatiana Santos, the SUBSPORT trainer from ISTAS, was presented on the TV channel Manara.

The SUBSPORT team conducts training sessions also according to your requirements. If you are interested please contact us or find more information at www.subsport.eu/training.

Substance evaluation starts under REACH: The first list of substances published

The first Community Rolling Action plan (CoRAP) addresses 90 substances that are suspected of posing risk to human health or the environment. The CoRAP list has been prepared in close cooperation with the Member States, taking into account the agreed risk based criteria for the selection of substances. ECHA has adopted the CoRAP on the basis of the favourable opinion of ECHA’s Member State Committee (MSC), which was adopted by consensus on 9 February 2012.

Go to: echa.europa.eu

ECHA publishes the Evaluation Report 2011

The Evaluation report presents details and figures on ECHA’s REACH dossier evaluation activities and their respective output. The report contains recommendations to registrants with regard to the relevance of particular tests, the test material for the specific substance, substance identity and reproductive toxicity testing. There are also tips to avoid shortcomings in the chemical safety assessment, hazard assessment, PBT assessment, exposure assessment and its scope, risk characterisation and classification and labelling.

Go to: echa.europa.eu

Extended Safety Data Sheets Webinar

Chemical Watch is running a webinar on extended safety data sheets on 28 March at 14.00-15:30 GMT, 15:00-16:30 CET, 9.00-10.30 EST. Join experts from CEFIC, AISE and Apeiron to discuss Extended Safety Data Sheets.
You will hear among others about:
• Good practice for manufacturers on how to write an eSDS
• How to establish an efficient system to manage eSDSs within the company
• Challenges and duties of a downstream user when they receive an eSDS
• Highlighting the solutions for industry
• Scaling in relation to eSDSs to adapt exposure scenarios to real life conditions
• eSDS compliance checks and practical tips & tricks

Subscribe at chemicalwatch.com

4th International Bio-based Chemicals Conference

The 4th International Bio-based Chemicals Conference will put in front of its participants information about the bio based chemicals like a number of bio based chemicals that are already in use either as singly or in combination with other products. In fact, these bio based chemicals are set to become extremely commercially beneficial and useful products.
The Bio- based Chemicals Conference will welcome over 180 industry leading attendees for 2 days of intense networking and discussion. Over 30 speakers representative of the complete bio- based value chain will explore key topics ranging from product scale up to future market trends to the latest in bio- based chemical development.

The conference will take place in Rotterdam (Netherlands), March 13 -14 .

Go to: www.worldbiofuelsmarkets.com

Antibacterial substances leaking out with the washing water

In the context of the action plan, the Swedish Chemicals Agency analysed 30 textile articles with respect to their levels of three antibacterial agents (biocides): silver, triclosan and triclocarban. The antibacterial treatment is usually marketed with the function of preventing odours in textiles. This report describes the purpose of the study, provides background to antibacterial treatment of textiles and the environmental and health hazards posed by the studied biocides, presents results and discusses the conclusions to be drawn from this study.

Go to the report

French NGOs highlight perchloroethylene health risks

The French Environmental Health Network (RES), Générations Futures (GF) and ADVEPP, the organisation representing victims of perchloroethylene fumes have asked for a ban on perchloroethylene in new dry-cleaning facilities. They draw the attention to perchloroetylene on the occasion of the World Cancer Day 2012 in February. Perchloroethylene is a carcinogen (classified by the IARC as Group 2A) and neurotoxic solvent but still widely used in dry cleaning.

Go to (in French):actu-environment.com

Eight chemicals added to the list of substances subject to REACH Authorisation

Eight more substances of very high concern have been added to the REACH Authorisation list, following a decision adopted by the European Commission on 14 February 2012 and published in the Official Journal of the European Union.These eight chemicals, which are all carcinogenic and/or toxic for reproduction, are diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP), diarsenic trioxide, diarsenic pentaoxide, lead chromate, lead sulfochromate yellow (C.I. Pigment Yellow 34), lead chromate molybdate sulphate red (C.I. Pigment Red 104), tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) and 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT).

Go to: Commission Regulation (EU) 125/2012

The European Commission has added new substances to the REACH Annex XVII

The new restrictions concern in particular newly classified entries concerning CMR substances that will be prohibited for sale to the general public. However, the amendment of the Annex XVII provides a time-limited derogation for boron compounds used as household detergents and cleaners.

Go to: Commission Regulation (EU) No 109/2012

Health Care Without Harm – Building a Worldwide Network

A project of Health Care Without Harm, the Global Green and Healthy Hospitals Network will be formally launched in early 2012. Hospitals and health systems from Argentina, India, Nepal, and England have already signed on as Founding Members. A sister network in the US, the Healthier Hospitals Initiative, has more than 300 hospitals members.
The Network will serve as a virtual community for hospitals and health systems seeking to implement the Agenda by charting progress in achieving measurable outputs, while sharing best practices and finding solutions to the challenges they share.
Health Care Without Harm is one of the organiser of the world’s leading conference CleanMed focusing on sustainable health care. SUBSPORT will participate and conduct a training session on Alternative Identification and Assessment at CleanMed.

Go to: www.greenhospitals.net

PVCfreeBloodBag.eu – A cooperation between industry and healthcare for a non-toxic Life+

Blood bags for red blood cells currently contain a substance that is classified as reproductive disruptor and there is no acceptable alternative on the market. A new 4-year project, PVCfreeBloodBag, which is funded by the EU’s Life+ programme, will try to change this. The project was launched at a Kick Off seminar in Copenhagen, Denmark, on 7 and 8 of February 2012.

Go to: www.pvcfreebloodbag.eu

Pesticides Action Week: for a pesticide-free world

The 7th Pesticide Aktion Week will take place in March 20 to 30, with activities in many countries in Europe and internationally. This event has been initiated by the association “Generation Futures” and a collective of 170 organisations. The week aims to raise awareness on the health and environment risks of synthetic pesticides, highlight alternative solutions, and build a global grassroots movement for a pesticide-free world.

Go to: www.pesticideactionweek.org

IKEA phases out endocrine disrupting chemicals from all their personal care products

After massive criticism from the Danish Consumer Council (DCC) IKEA personal care products no longer contain any of the 17 EDCs, found on the EU list of EDCs and allowed in cosmetics and personal care products.
The phase-out applies globally, and will therefore benefit consumers worldwide. However, consumers can still encounter the old products on the shelves at IKEA, until there are no more old products in stock. IKEA has not recalled the old products.

Go to: http://taenk.dk/

Communication on the safe use of chemicals

By the date set in the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) submitted to the European Commission its study on communication of information on the safe use of chemicals to the general public. The study provides insights on how to further improve hazard communication to EU citizens.

Go to: echa.europa.eu

Alternative Identification and Assessment Training in Paris

SUBSPORT will conduct a training session on Alternative Identification and Assessment in Paris, January 27. The training session is organised in cooperation with ETUI, the European Trade Union Institute, the independent research and training centre of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) which itself affiliates European trade unions into a single European umbrella organisation.
The SUBSPORT training session will be part of the internal Trade Union seminar “7th Seminar on workers’ protection and chemicals”.
The Alternatives Identification and Assessment training provides participants with basic concepts and tools to facilitate the substitution of hazardous chemicals in products and processes with safer alternatives. The training is designed for authorities, industry, trade unions, NGOs and other interested parties in substitution of hazardous chemicals in products and processes with safer alternatives.

Our SUBSPORT Team also conducts training session according to your company/organisation requirements. If you are interested in our training sessions and would like to organise a training session, please contact SUBSPORT

Hidden Hazard In Your Nursery?

A new report by Washington Toxics Coalition has found toxic Tris flame retardants in many popular baby products, including nursing pillows and car seats. Washington Toxics Coalition and Safer States tested newly purchased baby and children’s items. 85% of the products tested contained these chemicals, which are linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and other health effects and 80% of the products contained chlorinated Tris (TDCPP), which was used in children’s pajamas back in the 1970’s and was removed when it was found to be mutagenic, making it potentially cancer-causing.

Go to watoxic.org or directly to the report

Consumer Concern for Chemicals Drives New Business Solutions

On November 30, the Business NGO Working Group for Safer Chemicals and Sustainable Materials (BizNGO), a coalition of businesses and environmental health NGOs, released two important frameworks to help companies choose more sustainable plastics and safer chemicals for their products: The Principles for Sustainable Plastics, and Chemical Alternatives Assessment Protocol (v.1.0): How to Select Safer Alternatives to Chemicals of Concern to Human Health or the Environment.

Go to: bizngo.org

ECHA recommends thirteen Substances of Very High Concern for authorisation

The European Chemicals Agency has submitted to the European Commission a recommendation that thirteen Substances of Very High Concern should in future not be used without authorisation. These substances are all classified because of their carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction (or a combination thereof) properties. They are used in applications where there is potential for worker exposure.
The protection of human health and the environment is at the heart of REACH. Making these thirteen Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) subject to authorisation seeks to ensure that their risks are properly controlled and that the substances are progressively replaced with suitable alternative substances or technologies.

Go to: echa.europa.eu

ECHA updates the Candidate List with twenty new Substances of Very High Concern

ECHA has added twenty substances to the Candidate List which now contains seventy-three substances. Among these recent additions, twelve have been included in the Candidate List following the unanimous agreement of the Member State Committee while the other eight, which did not receive comments challenging the identification as SVHC during public consultation, were directly added to the Candidate List. Nineteen SVHCs are carcinogenic and/or toxic for reproduction. Additionally, for the first time a substance 4-tert-octyl phenol – has been identified as an SVHC because of its endocrine disrupting properties which give rise to an equivalent level of concern due to its probable serious effects to the environment.

Go to: echa.europa.eu

Mix of hazardous chemicals under your bed

ChemSec, together with the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation (SSNC) and other NGOs, have analysed dust in bedrooms across the EU, Africa and Asia. The resulting report, Home sweet home – dusty surprises under the bed, shows that a hazardous mix of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) lie hidden under beds all around the world, in levels higher than earlier found. EDCs have been increasingly linked to a range of health problems including impaired fertility, cancer and attention deficit disorders.

Go to: Chemsec.org

BPA banned in baby bottles but used in drinking water pipes

Since the spring of 2011 Bisphenol A (BPA) is banned in baby bottles throughout the EU, and lately the presence of this chemical in food tin cans has been increasingly questioned. However, there is also the risk of BPA leaching into drinking water from water pipes being restored with a method called ‘relining’.

Go to: ChemSec.org or to the factsheet

EFSA statement on the ANSES reports on bisphenol A

On December 1, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published a statement on bisphenol A (BPA) in response to reports from the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES). The ANSES reports gave a different assessment of the hazard posed by exposure to BPA, particularly at low levels, concluding it poses a risk for human health.

Go to the EFSA statement

Hasbro to eliminate polyvinyl chloride from all new core toy and game packaging beginning in 2013

Hasbro, Inc., a multinational toy and boardgame company from the US, announced that it will eliminate polyvinyl chloride (PVC) from all new core toy and game packaging beginning in 2013. Hasbro has already begun to phase out PVC from some packaging, and has committed to completely eliminating PVC in packaging for new product beginning in 2013.

Go to: www.risiinfo.com

EU paper industry commits to phase out mineral oils in food packaging

Recent studies on mineral oils found in foodstuffs have raised concerns about consumer safety. According to these studies, traces of mineral oils migrate to food from inks found on the printed surface of packaging and in recycled packaging papers.
The Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI) and the International Confederation of Paper and Board Converters in Europe (CITPA) have agreed a Europe-wide commitment to phase out the use of printing inks based on mineral oils for printing paper and board packaging, and mineral-oil based process chemicals for food contact paper and board packaging material.

Go to: www.endseurope.com

Washington State introduces bill to ban “tris” flame retardants in children’s products

Many health and environmental groups concerned about children’s exposure to toxic chemicals have endorsed the legislation. Washington’s Environmental Priorities Coalition, a coalition of 24 leading state environmental groups, has made the bill one of three environmental priorities for the 2012 session.
The proposed bill will help manufacturers avoid switching to equally toxic chemicals by requiring makers of children’s products who use the following toxic chemicals: Tris flame retardants, formaldehyde, bisphenol A (BPA), or antimony, to determine whether their products can be made with safer chemicals or materials.

Go to: watoxics.org

Toxic heavy metals found in children’s products on the Chinese market

A survey conducted by Greenpeace and the International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN) found toxic metals in 500 children’s products purchased in five Chinese cities: Beijing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Wuhan. The results showed that one-third of tested products contained at least one toxic metal at levels of concern. Forty-eight samples (9.6% of the products) contained more than one toxic metal, including antimony, arsenic, cadmium, chromium and mercury. None of the tainted products contained warning labels to inform consumers about their toxic ingredients.

Go to: ipen.china.org or greenpeace.org

Continued high levels of lead in electrical toys

Earlier analyses of electrical and electronic toys carried out by the Swedish Chemical Agency showed that one of five electric toys contained lead in high concentrations. This year’s analysis showed that about 30 per cent contained lead in illegal levels (22 of 76 tested toys). It is mainly in solders and cables that high lead levels were measured. Two of the tested toys contained excessive levels of cadmium and one of them contained high levels of the flame retardant PBDE.

Go to: www-kemi.se

Community Rolling Action Plan

The draft plan introduces 91 substances that are proposed for review by the Member
States under the substance evaluation process of the REACH Regulation (EC) No
1907/2006 (Articles 44 to 48). The substances are tentatively divided for evaluation in
years 2012, 2013 and 2014. After the first year, the plan will be updated to include substances for the additional year as well as any revision to the substances that were included in the second and third year of the original plan. By publishing this draft ECHA wishes to inform the stakeholders of the progress made.

Go to: echa.europa.eu

adidas Group, C&A, H&M, Li Ning, Nike and Puma Partner to Reach Zero Discharge by 2020

adidas Group, C&A, H&M, Li Ning, NIKE, Inc. and Puma announced the release of a joint roadmap towards zero discharge of hazardous chemicals (ZDHC) in the supply chain by 2020. It is an ambitious plan, one that sets a new standard of environmental performance for the global apparel and footwear industry. The roadmap includes specific commitments and timelines to realize this shared goal.

Go to: Joint Roadmap

EU Council and the European Parliament reach a provisional agreement on biocidal products

The new biocides regulation is aimed to improve the functioning of an EU-wide biocidal product market through the harmonization of biocidal legislation, the placing on the market and use of biocidal products. Concerned products include insecticides, disinfectants and repellents, but not medicines or agricultural pesticides. It also introduces the possibility for granting an Union authorization of biocidal products, in addition to the current system of national product authorization. A first series of product-types may be authorized at Union level as from 2012. From 2020 onwards, most biocidal products will qualify for this procedure.

Go to: www.reach24h.com

Johnson & Johnson Promises to Remove Carcinogens from Baby Products

Johnson & Johnson has started to remove formaldehyde-releasing preservatives from its baby products. Johnson & Johnson delivered a letter to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics laying out commitments and timelines for the company’s plans to reformulate all of its baby products worldwide to remove cancer-causing chemicals.

Go to: www.safecosmetics.org

L’Oréal Removing All Endocrine Disruptors from its Products

L’Oréal seeks to remove all endocrine disruptors from their products. All new raw materials are tested in advance in order to determine any potential interaction with certain biological receptors. Ingredients that give rise to justifiable doubt are withdrawn. This was the case with DEP, triclosan and long-chain parabens and the removal of these from the portfolio is almost complete. Certain development projects have been discontinued as a result of these test findings.

Go to: www.sustainabledevelopment.loreal

Alternatives Identification and Assessment Training

SubsPort will conduct a training session on Alternative Identification and Assessment in Barcelona, December 13. The training session is organised in cooperation with the UNEP Regional Activity Centre for Cleaner Production (CP/RAC) and will be part of the CP/RAC Programme of Work “Promotion and diffusion of Alternative Products and Processes to reduce the use of POPs and other chemicals”.
The CP/RAC is one of the six Regional Activity Centres (RAC) within the Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP). Each one of these centres is responsible for a specific thematic area. The main goal of the CP/RAC is the promotion and dissemination of prevention and the reduction of pollution at source in the industrial, agriculture and tourism sectors.
The Alternatives Identification and Assessment training provides participants with basic concepts and tools to facilitate the substitution of hazardous chemicals in products and processes with safer alternatives. The training is designed for authorities, industry, trade unions, NGOs and other interested parties in substitution of hazardous chemicals in products and processes with safer alternatives.
The training will take place in the Catalan Waste Agency of Catalonia, Barcelona. The workshop will be given in English. Maximum number of participants: 20

The training session is an activity in the context of the International Year of Chemistry 2011

If you are interested please contact: Virginia Vidal Touza from CP/RAC

Sustainable Chemistry: A Challenge and an Opportunity for International Chemicals Management

The General Federal Environment Agency (UBA), the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) organised a conference to get a comprehensive view on new developments and trends in sustainable chemistry. The conference took place on 6 and 7 October 2011. The documentation of the conference is now available. It includes conference summary report, the list of participants as well as the presentations of the speakers.

Go to: sustainablechemistry2011

Green cleaning in healthcare: current practices and questions for future research

The Health Care Research Collaborative published a research report on green cleaning in healthcare. Green cleaning is a new, promising approach to environmental cleaning that aims at reducing harm to human health and the environment while maintaining or improving the hygiene of the healthcare environment. The aims of this project were: To conduct a literature review in order to establish a conceptual framework for green cleaning, to conduct five best practice case studies in order to gather information about the current status and effectiveness of green cleaning practices, and to conduct a questionnaire survey of practitioners and experts in the field to identify high priority research questions around green cleaning in healthcare.

Go to the report

Webinar – How to get the best out of SIEFs and consortia

On December 7, Chemical Watch presents a webinar on how to get the best out of SIEFs and consortia. The webinar lasts 90 min and will start at 2 pm GMT/ 3 pm CET/ 9 am EST.
If you attend the webinar you will
-Hear lessons learned from REACH 2010
-Gain insights for company preparations for 2013
-Find out how to get the best out of SIEFs/Consortia
-Learn how downstream users are cooperating with chemical producers.
The webinar is not free of charge.

To book the webinar go to:  chemical watch.com

Webinar – Update on status of and process for Conflict Minerals compliance

On October 25, Claigan Environmental Inc. (www.claigan.com), media sponsored by Chemical Watch, will present a webinar on updates to the compliance requirements for conflict minerals compliance.  The webinar will include updates  on the progress of final SEC rules (and outcomes of October 18 SEC round table)  for conflict minerals compliance and process / approaches for corporate compliance.
Included in the webinar will be an overview of the OECD due diligence guidance on conflict minerals.

Go to: morning webinar or afternoon webinar

First steps to eliminate hazardous chemicals in plastic

Swedish researchers have studied the environmental and health hazards of chemicals in plastic polymers and products. Leaching tests, toxicity tests and Toxicity Identification Evaluations (TIEs) were made on plastic products, synthetic textiles, and discarded electronic products. A hazard ranking model was developed and used to rank plastic polymers based on monomer composition and environmental and health hazard classifications. Also other hazardous substances needed to produce each polymer were identified. The ranking model was useful for identifying and comparing hazardous substances, and the results from the hazard identification can be used for further hazard and risk assessment for decisions on the need for risk reduction measures, substitution or phase out.

Go to: original document or archived copy

Stockholm Convention review committee to consider three more chemicals

The European Union had proposed hexachlorobutadiene, chlorinated naphtalenes and pentachlorophenol for listing in the Stockholm Convention – these three chemicals were to be considered for by the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee at its seventh meeting from 10-14 October 2011 in Geneva. The committee will also evaluate possible control measures for the chemical hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), and consider information requirements for the risk profile of short-chained chlorinated paraffins (SCCP).
The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee (POPRC) is composed of 31 members appointed by the Conference of the Parties– who are all highly placed scientists representing their regions around the globe. The meetings of the committee are also open to observers from the NGO community, industry, research organizations and governments. Its mandate is to review proposals to add new chemicals to the Stockholm Convention.

Go to: chm.pops.int

SUBSPORT at the conference on sustainable chemistry

Dr. Lothar Lißner, project director, will present SUBSPORT at the International Conference on Sustainable Chemistry in Berlin.

The conference is organised by the German Federal Environment Agency (UBA), OECD, GIZ and UNIDO.  It will present new developments and trends in sustainable chemistry, including environmentally sound and economically profitable practices, tools and concepts. It will take place on 6 and 7 October 2011.

Go to: sustainablechemistry2011.com

No hazardous substances in new articles – Kemikalier i varor

Sweden will push the EU to ban more chemicals from consumer goods, it announced this week. It also wants more information made available on the substances used in products and to encourage manufacturers to substitute harmful ingredients.

The report  ‘kemikaler i varor (non hazardous substances in new articles)’ presents a comprehensive picture of challenges and problems associated with hazardous substances in articles, and describes desirable changes, strategic paths and measures that can contribute towards reducing the risks posed by hazardous substances in articles, from the perspective of the Swedish Chemicals Agency KEMI. The aim is to enable the strategy to provide a long-term basis for the control of chemicals with respect to articles in Sweden, in the EU and internationally so that the Swedish environmental quality objective ‘A Non-Toxic Environment’ can be met.

Go to the report: kemi.se (Swedish with summary in English)

Substitution of CMR substances: a complex process

Alcimed a consulting and decision company specialized in life sciences was commissioned by the French National Agency for food Safety to realise a study on CMR substances and substitution. The study looked at the substitution procedure for around 20 CMR substances. According to this study the substitution of CMRs remains complex despite the appearance of new products and new recycling solutions. Alcimed recommend a case-by-case approach for CMR substances.

Go to: actu-environnement.com (in French)

EPA Launches Green Products Web Portal

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is observing Pollution Prevention Week (September 19-25, 2011) by launching a new tool designed to provide Americans easy access to information about everyday products like home appliances, electronics and cleaning products that can save money, prevent pollution and protect people’s health.

The new green products web portal is available at epa.gov

H&M commits to eliminate hazardous chemicals from clothing

H&M committed to eliminate the use of hazardous chemicals from all production processes associated with the manufacture of its products by 2020 at the latest. The world’s second biggest clothing retailer, now joins Nike, Adidas and Puma as major international brands that have promised to commit to a toxic-free future in response to pressure from activists. As part of its commitment, H&M has agreed to address the principle of the “right to know” by ensuring public disclosure of all chemicals being released from its suppliers’ factories, releasing the first data by the end of 2012.

Go to: greenpeace.org or H&M.com

France bans 3-benzylidene-camphor in cosmetics

The French Agency for the Safety of Health Products (AFSSAPS) has decided to ban an ultraviolet filter that is suspected to behave as an endocrine disruptor. Considering that 3-Benzylidene-camphor can present “a serious danger to human health”, AFSSAPS has decided to prohibit its use in cosmetic products manufactured, imported or distributed in France. Concerned manufacturers and importers are asked to take, without delay, all necessary measures in order to stop the distribution of products that contain this substance.

Go to: premiumbeautynews.com or to the AFSSAPS decision (in French)

Study on flame retardant substances in consumer products in domestic environments

The European Commission has published a study on flame retardant substances in consumer products in domestic environments. The aim of this study was to acquire an up-to-date knowledge about flame retardants currently applied in consumer products used in dwellings, and thus to provide a contribution to move forward the debate.
The study has shown that, from the over 700 applications of flame retardants identified in consumer products in a domestic environment, 42 flame retardants in little more than 60 were relevant for risk assessment for consumer health and the environment.

Go to: ec.europa.eu or to the study report

Webinar on the Compliance Process for RoHS Recast

On September 15th from 10:00 am to 11:00 am EDT, Claigan Environmental Inc, media sponsored by Chemical Watch, will present a webinar on their process for compliance with Directive 2011/65/EU, otherwise known as RoHS Recast. Claigan’s RoHS Recast webinar will walk you through the specific steps and elements of Claigan’s process for RoHS compliance. Claigan’s process for RoHS compliance is a step-by-step approach to ensure RoHS compliance and produce a technical file conforming to the new Decision 768/2008 Module A standard.
Topics to be covered in this webinar include:
* Overview of RoHS Recast technical file requirements
* Process flow to create an EU RoHS technical file
* Component acceptance
* Product compliance
* Due diligence
* Processes for future compliance
* Creation of a standard operating procedure
* Integration of global restricted materials requirements into process
* PLM system requirements

Register here or on the Claigan website

ECHA publishes new guidance on the Scope of Exposure Assessment

ECHA has published a new chapter in the Guidance on information requirements and chemical safety assessment: Chapter B8 – Scope of Exposure Assessment. This new chapter aims to help registrants to determine the scope of the exposure assessment and when it is necessary to conduct it, based on the outcome of the hazard assessment for their substance.

Go to: echa.europa.eu or direct to the guidance

Cradle to Cradle: Desso goes a step further

Desso has decided to become a Cradle to Cradle® company and has made a commitment that all the company’s products will be fully cradle to cradle by 2020. Desso is the only carpet manufacturer with cradle-to-cradle (C2C) certification, with its products certified by the EPEA (Environmental Protection and Encouragement Agency).

go to: guardian.co.uk or to: desso.com

Puma commits to eliminate toxic chemicals from supply chain by 2020

Puma has responded to a Greenpeace challenge to ‘detox’, by publicly committing to the elimination of all releases of hazardous chemicals from its entire product lifecycle, and across its global supply chain by 2020.

Go to: greenpeace.org

Toxicity and Assessment of Chemical Mixtures

The European Commission’s Health and Consumer Protection Directorate General published a preliminary opinion approved for public consultation.  Three independent Scientific Committees propose screening criteria to identify mixtures of concern.

Go to ec.europe.eu

EU conducts a survey on the impacts of REACH

ECHA invites interested parties to participate in the survey on the impact of REACH aimed at manufacturers and importers of chemical substances, as well as downstream users, chemical distributors and other firms involved in the chemicals’ supply chain that may be affected by the REACH Regulation. The Centre for Strategy and Evaluation Services (CSES) has been commissioned by the European Commission Directorat General Enterprise and Industry to conduct  the survey.  The survey is open from July 15 2011 to August 6 2011.

Go to: cses.co.uk

Flame retardants found in groundwater

Organophosphates (OPs) used to protect materials from fire and in other industrial processes have affected the quality of groundwater, particularly in urban areas and near landfill sites, according to recent research. 72 groundwater samples from Germany were analysed to determine whether and to what extent groundwater is contaminated by OPs during groundwater recharge in natural aquifers.

Go to: ec.europa.eu

Sandblasting: call to ban worldwide

Major step forward in efforts to ban sandblasting: A ground breaking ‘Call to Action’ designed to ban sandblasting, a hazardous process that can cause illness and even death for workers, was adopted in Mai by ten leading garment brands and retailers in a meeting with the Global Union Federation for the sector. A number of other companies have expressed interest in signing on to the ban.

Go to: etuf-tcl.org

31st International Symposium on Halogenated Persistent Organic Pollutants

Dioxin 2011 will focus on the science of dioxins and other persistent organic pollutants following major advances in analytical determination, the understanding of emission, transport, fate, degradation, toxic behaviour, regulations, along with the growing attention in developing countries and global pollution issues. The 2011 congress will offer a high quality scientific programme, including keynote lectures, oral and poster presentations.

Go to: www.dioxin2011.org

Webinar: RoHS Recast – New Updates and Corrections

On June 8th, Claigan Environmental Inc., media sponsored by Chemical Watch, will present a morning webinar on the April 2011 changes to RoHS recast. The changes were primarily legislation clarification, text correction, revised nomenclature, and alignment with new rules on implementing acts. Topics covered in this webinar will include: overview of primary changes, review of changes to exemptions, review of changes to definitions, updated timelines, publication timelines.

Go to: webinar registration

EU Sustainable Chemicals Management Conference 2011

The European Sustainable Chemicals Management Conference 2011 will look in particular at REACH and CLP, providing an analysis of how the registration system has functioned to date and how it could be improved. Discussions will also focus on how REACH compares to global methods of chemical management and various research on a variety of areas of concern.

Go to: www.eu-ems.com

COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 2011/59/EU – Directive amending provisions of the Cosmetics Directive

COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 2011/59/EU of 13 May 2011, amending, for the purpose of adaptation to technical progress, Annexes II and III to Council Directive 76/768/EEC relating to cosmetic products. This Directive amending provisions of the Cosmetics Directive concerning the use of hair dye substances was published in the EU Official Journal on 14 May. The substance o-aminophenol has been added to Annex II and is now banned from use in cosmetic products. Also, 26 substances have been added to Annex III, prohibiting their use subject to certain conditions.

Go to: eur-lex.europa.eu

Free webinar: REACH & CLP Tips for Downstream Users

Chemical Watch are holding a free webinar on 8th June. This Chemical Watch webinar will examine the challenges facing Downstream Users and explain what to do if suppliers are not compliant or if they are not providing the required information.

Go to: Chemical Watch

ChemReg 2011

CHEMReg 2011, the international meeting on new chemical regulations, will take place on July, 7th 2011 in Romainville (France). CHEMReg proposes a technological, regulatory and economical overview of the issues related to the new European and international chemical regulations such as REACH, China REACH, TSCA, GHS / CLP. The global and common objective of those new regulations is to ensure an effective protection of human health and environment, while maintaining the free circulation of chemical substances on the global market.

Go to: www.chemreg-event.com

Study on waste related issues of newly listed POPs and candidate POPs

Based on the background of the amended Stockholm Convention the intention of the study is in particular to provide the European Commission with a compilation and evaluation of existing data on the new POPs and candidate POPs, an assessment of impacts of potential concentration limits under the POP regulation on waste flows and competing legislation, and justified proposal for low (LPCL) and maximum (MPCL) concentration limits for new POPs and candidate POPs.

Go to: draft final report

Consumer understanding of labels and the safe use of chemicals

The European Commission published a Special Eurobarometer report on the consumer perception of chemicals. Eurobarometer findings show that most people in the EU are unable to identify everyday household chemicals as potentially hazardous and rarely follow safety instructions. The understanding of chemical products and public awareness of how to use these safely varies considerably from one country to another.

Go to: Eurobarometer

Hexavalent Chromium Policy Analysis

TURI has published the Hexavalent Chromium Policy Analysis including the alternatives assessment  for the use of Hexavalent Chromium in three sectors: Decorative Chromium Electroplating of Consumer and Automotive, Hard Chromium Electroplating of Industrial Components, and Passivation of Zinc Plated Parts and Zinc Galvanized Steel.

Go to: Hexavalent Chromium Policy Analysis

POPs-free initiative

The Secretariat of the Stockholm Convention has launched an initiative on POPs-free products and processes, in order to assist Parties in meeting the obligations of the Stockholm Convention to exchange information regarding reduction or elimination of the production, use and releases of POPs, and alternatives to POPs. The initiative seeks to encourage manufacturers and retailers of consumer products, who have phased-out POPs, to provide information on POPs-free products, on possible alternatives and substitutes and processes for introducing such alternatives and substitutes.

Go to: chm.pops.int

Action plan for a toxin-free everyday environment

In December 2010 the Swedish government com­missioned the Swedish Chemicals Agency (KemI) to produce a national action plan for a toxin-free everyday environment. The plan is to apply between 2011 and 2014. The objective is for Sweden to become one of the leading member states in the EU in proposing new bans and restrictions. The action plan will lead to intensified cooperation and dialogue with other government agencies, industry, researchers, environ­mental and consumer organisations.

Go to: www.kemi.se or handlingsplan (action plan in Swedish)

Knowns and unknowns on burden of disease due to chemicals: a systematic review

Continuous exposure to many chemicals, including through air, water, food, or other media and products results in health impacts which have been well assessed, however little is known about the total disease burden related to chemicals. This is important to know for overall policy actions and priorities. In this article by Prüss-Ustün et al. a systematic review of the literature for global burden of disease to selected chemicals or their mixtures, main data gaps, and the link to public health policy was conducted.

Go to: article (pdf document) or html version

Packaged Foods Linked to High BPA and DEHP Levels

The purpose of this study by Rudel et al. was to determine how food packaging affects levels of the chemicals bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates in the urine of adults and children. These chemicals are a potential health concern because they can affect hormone systems. BPA and the phthalate DEHP are both found widely in food packaging.

Go to: article (pdf document) or html version

REACH and CLP terminology in 22 EU languages available now online

A test version of a multilingual terminology database provides the main REACH and CLP terms in 22 EU languages, including the CLP pictograms, hazard and precautionary statements. The database is now online, free of charge.

Go to: echa-term (database) or echa.europa.eu

France extends the validity of Formamide ban in puzzle mats

On 14 March 2011, France published a Decree extending the validity of the ban on Formamide in puzzle mats.  In December 2010, France banned Formamide in puzzle mats temporarily for three months. Now this ban is extended until 15 July 2011.

Go to: French Arrêté (in French)

France examines toxicity of formamide in consumer products

The French National Agency for Food Safety, Environment and Labour (Anses) has published a preliminary scientific report on the toxicity of formamide in consumer products. The agency examined scientific evidence of the toxicity of formamide and analysed the presence of formamide in consumer products. Regarding the toxicity the authors found out that there is significant evidence from animal studies, covering different species and different routes of exposure, indicating that formamide is embryotoxic and teratogenic. But further investigation is needed to determine toxicity to humans. Toxicity has to be analysed in particular to children aged six years and younger, because their reproductive system is not yet developed.

(more…)

Week for pesticides alternatives

This year, the international campaign ‘Week Without Pesticides’ will start on the 20th March. The initiative aims to raise awareness of the risks that pesticides pose to health and the environment and to highlight alternative solutions.

Go to: www.semaine-sans-pesticides.com

Dimethyl Fumarate in Footwear

On behalf of the Danish Environmental Protection Agency (DEPA) the National Environmental Research Institute, Aarhus University, has examined the content of Dimethyl Fumarate (DMF) in 302 pieces of footwear on the Danish market in order to comply with the EU Commission Decision. 1 of the 302 examined samples contained DMF in concentrations above the maximum limit of 0.1 mg/kg. The sample contained 0.10-0.17 mg DMF per kg.

CPSC Launches New Consumer Product Safety Information Database

The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) goes live with the SaferProducts.gov database mandated by Congress, as part of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. Consumers are encouraged to visit the SaferProducts.gov database to submit reports of harm or risks of harm, and to search for safety information on products they own or may be considering buying. Businesses can also make use of the database.

Go to: www.saferproducts.gov

Millions of imported tyres may not comply to EU Regulation

The ETRMA (European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association) announced the findings of the first phase of its tyre testing program (March 1st), which tested tyres sold throughout the European Union for the use of high-PAH oils. These oils are banned from use under European Regulation for all tyres produced and sold on the EU market after January 1st, 2010. 11% of all tested tyres were found to be non-compliant.

Go to: ETRMA press release (pdf document) or www.etrma.org

ECHA database for information on registered substances updated

The ECHA database for information on registered substances was last updated 14 March 2011. The database contains 1552 records. The information in the database was provided by companies in their registration dossiers.

Go to: database

ECHA’s Sixth Stakeholders’ Day

The European Chemicals Agency will organise its Sixth Stakeholders’ Day on 17-18 May 2011, in Helsinki. The event will be held on two days: the first day will be dedicated to training for the use of the Chemical Safety Assessment and Reporting tool (Chesar) and the second day will have sections for registration, authorisation and restriction, for downstream user obligations and for evaluation and dissemination. The Stakeholders’ Day is open to all, but it is particularly relevant for those involved in REACH and CLP. The Stakeholders’ Day can also be followed on the internet live via web-streaming. A link to the web-stream will become available at ECHA website 24 hours before the event. Participation in the meeting and web access are free of charge.

Go to: echa.europa.eu

International Year of Chemistry 2011

2011 is the year of Chemistry all around the world initiated and organized by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) and UNESCO. A series of events and activities are planned under the slogan “Chemistry – our life, our future”. Sustainable and green chemistry is one important topics of IYC 2011. A calendar is already available and includes important summits and local events since everyone is invited to submit ideas for activities that will ‘celebrate the art and science of chemistry’.

Go to: www.chemistry2011.org

Six dangerous substances to be phased out by the EU

Six substances of very high concern have been moved from the candidate list to the authorisation list, known as Annex XIV, under the EU’s REACH regulation. Substances in Annex XIV cannot be placed on the market or used unless authorisation has been granted for a specific use. The six dangerous substances to be phased out are three phthalates, a flame retardant, a synthetic musk, and a compound used in epoxy resins and adhesives.

Go to: europa.eu

Safer By Design: Businesses Can Replace Toxic Ingredients through Green Chemistry

Environment Massachusetts published a new report about Green Chemistry. The report highlights 14 businesses that developed  innovating solutions to eliminate toxic chemicals in their products and manufacturing processes, while creating green jobs.

Go to: Safer By Design (pdf document) or environmentmassachusetts.org

ECHA: Guidance on Registration, Version 1.6

ECHA publishes a corrigendum of the Guidance on Registration. This document describes when and how to register a substance under REACH. It consists of two parts: one on Registration tasks and obligations and the other on the preparation of the Registration Dossier.

Go to: Guidance version 1.6 (pdf document)

How to communicate with ECHA in Dossier Evaluation

The REACH Regulation requires EU companies to submit registration dossiers for substances manufactured in or imported to the EU in quantities of one tonne or more per year. This document contains guidance on REACH, explaining REACH obligations and advice on how to fulfil them.

Go to: practical guide 12 (pdf document)

Free webinar Impact Environmental Legislation for 2011

Wednesday, February 16, 2011 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EST you can participate in a  free  webinar  focused on practical issues regarding environmental compliance for electronic products. Principle legislations under discussion will be  RoHS Recast, REACH – Substances of Very High Concern , China RoHS, WEEE Directive , US Proposition 65 , US Mercury restrictions.

Go to: chemicalwatch.com

ECHA received 3.1 Million Classification and Labelling Notifications

By 3 January 2011, ECHA received 3.1 million notifications of around 24 500 substances for the Classification and Labelling Inventory. By this deadline, industry had to notify the classification and labelling of all chemical substances that are hazardous or subject to registration under the REACH regulation and placed on the EU market.

Go to: echa.europa.eu

French Supermarket U removes Bisphenol A from cash register receipts

French supermarket Super U says it will stop using Bisphenol A in its cash register receipts by February 2011 in order to protect its staff from potential health risks associated with the substance. Cash register receipts have been found to contain high levels of bisphenol A.

Go to: www.lsa-conso.fr (article in French)

ECHA publishes a new manual to explain how to derive a public name for a substance for use under REACH regulation

The new manual tells registrants how to derive a public name for a substance for which they request to keep the IUPAC name as confidential, as permitted in certain circumstances in accordance with the REACH Regulation. The rules presented in the manual describe the masking of various structural elements from the IUPAC name in order to derive a public name with a single level of masking.

Go to: Manual (pdf document) or echa.europa.eu

ECHA adds eight substances to the Candidate List for Authorisation

The European Chemicals Agency has added eight chemical substances to the Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) for Authorisation. Companies are advised to check the potential obligations that result from this listing.

Go to: echa.europa.eu

REACH Webinars

ReachCentrum experts deliver workshops and webinars on various topics to help keeping up-to-date with the REACH legislation. You can find information about the next webinars on the website of the ReachCentrum.

Go to: www.reachcentrum.eu

Swedish Companies Ask for Stronger Regulations: Today’s Industry Puts Non-Toxic Alternatives on Hold

Lack of technically sound alternatives is often seen as the bottleneck in the transition towards a toxic free world. This is a misconception, according to an article by Swedish businesses, environmental organisations, and academics published in Sweden’s largest financial newspaper. They urge the Swedish Government to introduce regulations making it profitable to replace hazardous chemicals with alternative solutions.

Go to: www.chemsec.org

New Version of the eChemPortal

A new version of the eChemPortal has been launched by OECD. It provides free public access to information on more than 600,000 records on chemical substances. Improvements include a search by chemical property, in addition to a search by substance name and identification number. The new eChemPortal is a project developed by OECD in collaboration with ECHA.

Go to: www.echemportal.org

Nearly 4,300 Substances pass REACH Deadline

The first major registration deadline under the REACH legislation passed on 30 November 2010. 24,675 registration dossiers have been successfully submitted for 4,300 substances including nearly 3,400 phase-in substances.

Go to: echa.europa.eu

The Fight to Know?

The report “The Fight to Know?” was published by the European Environmental Bureau (EEB). It is based on a campaign run by EEB, Europe’s largest federation of citizens’ environmental organisations. The report reveals that big retailers are breaching the EU’s flagship regulation on chemicals REACH, while many products such as school supplies, sports accessories and sex toys are shown to contain high concentrations of ‘substances of very high concern’.

Go to: The Fight to Know? (pdf document) or www.eeb.org

EU set to revise Law on Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment

The European Commission welcomes today’s vote by the European Parliament to revise legislation on the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. The draft legislation, proposed by the Commission in 2008, will strengthen the existing law by streamlining procedures for future substance restrictions and by making it coherent with other chemicals legislation. Today’s vote confirms the first reading agreement with the Council on the revised legislation.

Go to: europa.eu

EU set to revise Law on Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment

The European Commission welcomes today’s vote by the European Parliament to revise legislation on the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. The draft legislation, proposed by the Commission in 2008, will strengthen the existing law by streamlining procedures for future substance restrictions and by making it coherent with other chemicals legislation. Today’s vote confirms the first reading agreement with the Council on the revised legislation.

Go to: europa.eu

“MINIMIZA-R 2010” Trade Fair in Zaragoza, Spain

The Environment Centre of Aragón (OMA), organizes a “trade fair” on 2 December 2010 to promote products and processes that reduce waste and the presence of hazardous substances in various business sectors, both industrial and services. (more…)

Free Webinar: Latest Information on the CLP Regulation and Safety Data Sheets

Do you import or manufacture chemicals? Do you distribute chemicals? Do you create hazard labels? Do you package chemicals? Do you generate Safety Data Sheets or use Safety Data Sheets? Do you provide advice on CLP and Safety Data Sheets? If you answer yes to all or some of the above, you are invited to join the webinar, organized on 2nd December 2010 (15:00 hrs) by the Irish Health and Safety Authority. Registration is possible until the day of the webinar.

Go to: webinar site

Legislation and International Agreements Relevant to Substitution on SUBSPORT Website

Legislation provisions are a strong motivation for companies to implement substitution. Direct reference to substitution may be found in numerous legislative acts at European Union and international level. SUBSPORT has published a set of resumes of such legislation and agreements, written in accessible language and with references to original legal texts and other related documents.

Go to: Legislation on Substitution

Guide on “How to Notify Substances in the Classification and Labelling Inventory”

According to Article 40.3 of the EU Regulation 1272/2008 on the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures, substances placed on the market on or after 1 December 2010 shall be notified within one month after their placing on the market. Since the first notification deadline is approaching – first deadline is 3 January 2011 – the European Chemicals Agency (ECA) has published a guide that explains who should notify, in which situations and which are the steps of the procedure. The guide is available in 22 languages of the European Union Member States here.

Go to: English version (pdf document)

Environmental Policy Forum – Paths towards the Use of Safer Chemicals

The Institute for European Studies (IES) at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel and the Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP) announce their next Environmental Policy Forum in Brussels on October 28, 2010. The aim of this forum is to compare approaches in the EU and the US to fostering the substitution of hazardous chemicals with safer alternatives. (more…)

ETUC and EMCEF as REACH Ambassadors in Companies

The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) and the European Chemical Workers’ Federation (EMCEF) are launching an extensive information campaign aimed at companies that market or use chemicals. The two European organisations plan to draw on all their member organizations and their thousands of elected representatives in companies in Europe to raise awareness on employers’ obligations under REACH and the Regulation on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures. An information leaflet aimed at workers’ representatives is downloadable in 22 languages.

Go to: hesa.etui-rehs.org

Global Product Strategy. ICCA Guidance on Chemical Risk Assessment

The 150 pages guide on chemical risk assessment was developed by the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) so that companies with limited experience and resources will master basic principles, enabling them to implement appropriate risk evaluation and management.

Go to: ICCA Guidance on Chemical Risk Assessment (pdf document) or www.icca-chem.org

Search for Substitution Examples

To start the search for substitution case studies, the project team began to contact stakeholders and company representatives from European countries as well as international contacts. In case you are experienced in substitution and willing to let others benefit from your expertise, your knowledge and achievements may be included in the SUBSPORT database. We kindly ask you to contact us.

UK Chemicals Stakeholder Forum: A Guide to Substitution

This guide was published in August 2010 by the UK Chemicals Stakeholder Forum which is part of the UK Government Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. It provides an easily accessible introduction to the process of substitution and has been produced in order to influence stakeholder behaviour both at a national and international level in all parts of the supply chain. It will be of value to all those who wish to promote sustainable consumption and production.

Go to: A Guide to Substitution (pdf document) or www.defra.gov.uk

Safer Product Alternatives Analysis: Methods, Models and Tools

This report was prepared by the University of California Santa Barbara in August 2010 with the objective of identifying and evaluating existing tools, standards, methods and models for assessing and comparing alternatives, focusing on chemicals of concern in consumer products. (more…)

SUBSPORT Expert Committee agrees on the List of 10 Priority Substances for Comprehensive Search for

A selection of priority substances that will be studied comprehensively regarding substitution possibilities has been agreed with the SUBSPORT Expert Committee at its first meeting in September 2010, in Copenhagen. Detailed descriptions of substitution cases for these substances will be offered in the SUBSPORT database, along with examples of substitution for many other substances, for which more general information will be given. (more…)

Nine New POPs – Amendments of Stockholm Convention entered into force on 26 August 2010

In May 2009 nine substances have been added under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. At the expiry of one year after the communication the amendments adopted by the Conference of the Parties entered into force on 26th August 2010. (more…)

Risk Assessment in the Use of Dangerous Substances: European Campaign

SLIC, the European Union Senior Labour Inspectors Committee, with the support of the European Commission, is organising an inspection and communication campaign to improve working conditions associated with the use of dangerous substances in the workplace. The 2009-2010 SLIC Campaign which runs from January 2010 to March 2011 covers the following sectors of activity: wood transformation and furniture production, vehicle maintenance, cleaning (including dry-cleaning and industrial cleaning) and bakeries. The campaign’s target audience are employers, workers and worker representatives of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. Its preferential focus is on companies employing up to 50 workers.

Go to: www.chemicalscampaign.eu

SUBSPORT – Substitution Support Portal launched

SUBSPORT, the Substitution Support Portal, was launched in July 2010. General information about the three-year project is now online and will be completed by the stepwise publication of results. The internet portal will offer comprehensive information, tools and case studies in the range of substitution of hazardous chemicals in products and processes. In the first project period, all results will exclusively be available in English. The German, French and Spanish translations will be published in 2012.