The investigation has shown significant progress in identifying the hazardous properties of chemicals within the European Union (EU), thanks to stricter monitoring under EU chemicals law. This improved understanding has led to many measures to reduce and manage the risks associated with different groups of substances.
Although the use of the most harmful substances is still increasing, this increase is slower than the growth rate of the overall chemical market. These toxic chemicals include carcinogens, mutagens, and reproductive toxicants. According to the joint EEA-ECHA synthesis report, there is growing momentum to limit the use of substances of concern and apply the principles of the 'safe and sustainable by design' framework.
Europe has shown varying progress in transitioning to safer chemical use. Significant progress has been made in identifying hazardous substances according to EU regulations. The use of dangerous chemicals continues to increase. There is an urgent need for stronger enforcement and more comprehensive data to accelerate progress towards safer, sustainable operations.
The report calls for stricter enforcement to ensure consumer products do not contain the most dangerous chemicals, such as those that are endocrine system disruptors or are persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic, causes long-term risks even after use is discontinued.
Furthermore, the agencies call for more comprehensive data and insights to better understand the exposure and impacts of these toxic chemicals on humans and the environment. Despite the increase in available indicators, the findings highlight that a transition to safer, more sustainable chemicals is imperative and must be expedited.
“The health of European citizens and our environment must be a top priority and this first-ever standard shows that while chemicals have a positive role to play in our lives, more is needed. Urgent action to address the risks posed by unsafe and unsustainable use. building materials. The knowledge generated in this review will help us transition to using safe and sustainable chemicals in the future,” he said. Leena Yla-Mononen, EEA executive director.
“We need to accelerate the transition to safe and sustainable chemicals. Action by government and industry has helped reduce and control risks from toxic chemicals. But we need to further improve knowledge about chemicals and support risk management of chemical groups to protect people and the environment,” he said. Sharon McGuinness, ECHA chief executive.
Fiber2 Fashion News Desk (DP)
