REACH
This article was originally published in The Rose Sheet
Executive Summary
European Chemicals Agency's list of "substances of very high concern" (SVHCs) is likely to have profound effect on chemical production and use in the U.S., according to Sept. 30 report issued by Environmental Defense Fund. Chemicals deemed SVHCs are those identified by REACH as carcinogenic, mutagenic, reproductive toxins, bioaccumulative or otherwise injurious to human health. Use of SVHCs will have to be authorized by ECHA; a first draft of the SVHC list is likely to be released in late October. While ECHA's proposed SVHC list currently has 16 chemicals, Environmental Defense Fund says pressure from advocacy organizations could balloon list to nearly 300 chemicals, many of which are in active commerce in the U.S. - a move that would have "a major impact on chemical production" in this country. Some of the 300 chemicals are used in personal care or in personal-care packaging, such as formaldehyde and bisphenol A. The Environmental Defense Fund report, plus a list of the chemicals, is available at 1www.edf.org