Chemicals: Research key to new EU chemical policy
The seminar was jointly organised with the Italian Presidency of the EU. Sound science and technical guidance are essential to effectively pave the way for the implementation of the new system for the Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals (REACH). ,This will allow Europe to gather the necessary knowledge on the toxicity of chemicals and their impact on human health and the environment, while introducing new and cost-effective testing methods. Ongoing EU research activities aim to reduce the need for animal testing of chemicals across Europe. They are phased in via effective partnerships with industry and national authorities. The cost of the implementation of REACH could be reduced by as much as 900 million through alternative methods, including in vitro tests and computer models of hazard assessment. The new EU chemicals policy aims to provide an effective instrument to policy-makers for making well-informed choices regarding the safe use of chemicals, said European Research Commissioner, Philippe Busquin. We must make sure that REACH will actually provide the tools for the cost-effective protection of human health and the environment, while maintaining and even boosting the European industrys competitiveness. EU research will play a key role in this process, both in terms of chemical substances innovation and in terms of finding appropriate modern alternative methods to time-consuming, expensive animal tests for the evaluation of chemicals safety. Networking scientific excellence The Commission invited some of the worlds leading experts in the assessment of chemicals to attend the workshop in Ispra. On this occasion, Commissioner Busquin and the President of the Region of Lombardy, Mr. Roberto Formigoni, were present at the signature of a Co-operation Agreement between Regione Lombardia and the JRC covering areas such as environment and health (see JRC press release on 1.12.2003). REACH and EU research The purpose of this new legislation is to better protect human health and the environment by reducing the risks related to chemicals. At the same time, it enhances the competitiveness and innovative capability of the EU chemicals industry. As a single EU regulatory system, it replaces over 40 EU directives and regulations and allows industry to market their products with a high quality image.,The proposed REACH system foresees the application of alternative methods to the testing of chemicals produced or imported in quantities above one tonne. The Commission advocates the use of non-animal testing methods, such as: (1) refined exposure information, (2) computer models, and (3) cell culture tests. These new risk assessment strategies are essential for the implementation of REACH and have the potential to significantly reduce the costs associated with it. JRC support to the implementation of REACH The JRC will help develop necessary guidance documents, software tools and infrastructure to support the implementation of REACH. Its expertise is based in particular on the support it has provided to Council Regulation EEC 793/93 on data collection, priority setting and risk assessment of chemical substances. ,The JRC has given technical and scientific input in the definition of the legislation since 2000. Its main contribution focused on the rules for handling substances of high concern such as persistent, biocumulative and toxic chemicals (PBTs) very persistent and very biocumulative ones (vPvB), and intermediates.,It has also been responsible for the development, introduction and adaptation to technical progress of harmonized testing methods of Annex V to Directive 67/548/EEC for the determination of the intrinsic properties of chemical substances. These allow for the characterization of potential hazards for people and the environment. In the context of the implementation of REACH, it will contribute to the building of strategic partnerships between industry and authorities, thus enabling the transfer of responsibility from the authorities (under the current legislation) to industry (under REACH). The European Chemicals Agency Having carefully examined every aspect, the Commission concluded that the establishment of a separate Agency is essential for effective implementation of the proposed REACH system. The Commission is paving the way for proper enforcement of the legislation over the transition period leading to the creation of the new agency. To this end, the European Chemicals Bureau in the JRC will continue to give its scientific and technical support. More chemical experts needed The need for sound science underpinning the implementation of REACH provides major new opportunities for European researchers. Of course, the need for more chemical testing once the REACH system is up and running will also increase the need for properly trained scientists in these methods. Young researchers now have the chance to respond to this career opportunity. Training in alternative methods can be further promoted by making the most of the JRCs in-house expertise and worldwide network.Commission Proposal from 29 October 2003COM (2003) 644 final: Proposal for the Registration, Evaluation and Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), establishing a European Chemicals Agency and amending Directive 1999/45/EC and Regulation (EC) on Persistent Organic Pollutants. Council Regulation (EEC) No 793/93 of 23 March 1993 on the evaluation and control of the risks of existing substances. Official journal NO. L 084 , 05/04/1993 P. 0001 - 0075 Council Directive 67/548/EEC of 27 June 1967 on the approximation of laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous substances. Official journal NO. 196 , 16/08/1967 P. 0001 - 0005 For further information please visit: JRC Corporate web site press room: http://www.jrc.cec.eu.int/pressroom(odnośnik otworzy się w nowym oknie) European Centre for the Evaluation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM) http://ecvam.jrc.it(odnośnik otworzy się w nowym oknie) ECVAM Scientific Information Service http://ecvam-sis.jrc.it(odnośnik otworzy się w nowym oknie) The European Chemical Bureau http://ecb.jrc.it/(odnośnik otworzy się w nowym oknie) Institute for Health and Consumer Protection http://ihcp.jrc.cec.eu.int/(odnośnik otworzy się w nowym oknie) Contact : Fabio Fabbi - +32 2 296 4174, Lone Mikkelsen - +32 2 296 9567