Safer Chemicals Podcast
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This episode of the Safer Chemicals podcast, hosted by Adam Elwan from ECHA, dives into the work of the committees' work on the proposal to restrict per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Europe. Adam is joined by Roberto Scazzola and Maria Ottati, chairs of ECHA's Risk Assessment and Socio-Economic Analysis committees as they discuss the first steps of forming scientific opinions on the restriction proposal. The episode also touches on the committees' work on other areas, such as the harmonised classification of lithium salts and the use of chromium VI compounds in key industries. Listeners will come away with a clearer understanding of the importance of scientific and technical robustness in the committee's work, and the Agency's commitment to ensuring chemical safety in the EU. USEFUL LINKS __ __ MORE __ __ ************** __ __ Follow us on: __ __ Visit our website https://echa.europa.eu/
Our wellbeing depends on the health of animals, plants and our environment. What affects one affects all the others, and increasingly so. A One Health perspective is about joining forces to find integrated solutions to common challenges such as climate change and antibiotic resistance. Join us to hear from experts at five EU scientific agencies about how we can put One Health into practice. Whether it's safeguarding access to life-saving medicines or combating the next pandemics, a One Health approach will be essential to how our society navigates the future. This is the second of our two part episode with speakers from five EU agencies. Listen to the first episode here https://podcast.ausha.co/scpodcast/joining-forces-for-humans-animals-environment-one-health-part-1. HOST James Ramsay, Head of Communications - European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) GUESTS __ __ Check our website and stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter https://echa.europa.eu/subscribe. USEFUL LINKS __ __ ************** __ __ Follow us on: __ __ Visit our website https://echa.europa.eu/
Our wellbeing depends on the health of animals, plants and our environment. What affects one affects all the others, and increasingly so. A One Health perspective is about joining forces to find integrated solutions to common challenges such as climate change and antibiotic resistance. Join us to hear from experts at five EU scientific agencies about how we can put One Health into practice. Whether it's safeguarding access to life-saving medicines or combating the next pandemics, a One Health approach will be essential to how our society navigates the future. This is the first of our two part episode with speakers from five EU agencies. HOST James Ramsay, Head of Communications - European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) GUESTS __ __ Check our website and stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter https://echa.europa.eu/subscribe. USEFUL LINKS __ __ ************** __ __ Follow us on: __ __ Visit our website https://echa.europa.eu/
Welcome to the Safer Chemicals Podcast. In this episode, we explore an EU enforcement project that revealed concerning levels of banned chemicals in everyday consumer goods across Europe. The findings? A significant 18% non-compliance rate in various items like electrical devices, sports gear, toys, and fashion products. Join us as we discuss the project's key discoveries and recommendations with experts Karin Rumar and Maciej Baranski. They shed light on the presence of harmful substances like phthalates, lead, and cadmium in these items, and how enforcement measures were taken to address non-compliant products. The project's recommendations for industry emphasise the responsibility of companies in ensuring product safety. They advocate for heightened awareness, risk-based compliance checks, and stringent assessments to prevent hazardous chemicals in consumer goods. Check our website for the full report and stay updated on future initiatives by subscribing to our newsletter https://echa.europa.eu/subscribe. USEFUL LINKS __ __ ************** __ __ Follow us on: __ __ Visit our website https://echa.europa.eu/
Welcome to the Safer Chemicals Podcast. Join host Adam Elwan as he delves into the work of the European Chemicals Agency's scientific committees. In this episode, we talk about the record number of comments received for the proposed restriction of PFAS and the harmonised classification of tea tree oil. Discover the unprecedented public engagement as we explore the analysis of over 5 600 comments received on the proposed PFAS restriction. Our experts, Roberto Scazzola and Maria Ottati, shed light on the extensive input from various sectors, offering insights into the diverse perspectives and key concerns highlighted by industry experts and individuals alike. From electronic and semiconductor industries to discussions on cosmetics and textiles, we dig deeper into the breadth of feedback received and its potential impact on regulatory decisions. Stay tuned as the Risk Assessment Committee addresses the evaluation of tea tree oil, discussing its potential impact on various sectors including fragrances, cosmetics, and plant protection products. Join us for a deep dive into the world of chemical oversight, scientific opinions, and the profound impact of public input on shaping regulatory decisions. Subscribe to stay updated on our upcoming episodes covering crucial findings and insights on chemical regulations and safety. WHAT THE COMMITTEES DO The two committees prepare scientific opinions that are used by the European Commission and EU Member States when deciding how chemical risks need to be controlled. They are made up of scientists from EU Member States and have observers from EU organisations that represent different sectors and interests. USEFUL LINKS __ __ MORE __ __ ************** __ __ Follow us on: __ __ Visit our website https://echa.europa.eu/
Join Päivi Jokiniemi and Joost van Galen in this episode of the Safer Chemicals Podcast. The episode focuses on the most important outcomes of the November meeting of our Biocidal Products Committee. Joost tells, for example, about the adopted Union authorisation opinions and explains why the Committee will continue discussing its opinion on an active substance application for bronopol in an additional virtual meeting in December 2023. He also raises the issue of data gaps and gives tips to companies on how to avoid them. What the Biocidal Products Committee does: The Committee prepares scientific opinions for the European Commission on biocidal active substances and on EU-wide authorisations of biocidal products. MORE __ __ Give us feedback https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/podcast_feedback ************** __ __ Follow us on: __ __ Visit our website https://echa.europa.eu/
In this episode of the Safer Chemicals Podcast, we take you on a deep dive into the world of chemical safety with a spotlight on scientific research needs for the regulatory risk assessment of chemicals. Päivi Jokiniemi speaks with ECHA's experts, Wim De Coen and Fleur van Broekhuizen, who give insights into the significance of scientific research in chemical regulation. Together, they explore the fundamental questions: Why is scientific research crucial for EU chemicals regulation, and what is ECHA doing to address the ever-evolving challenges in this field? Learn why scientific research is the cornerstone of ECHA's efforts, enabling the identification of chemical hazards, assessment of risks, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Get an inside look at ECHA's collaborative approach, where engagement with the scientific community is paramount. Understand how ECHA actively cooperates with researchers, fostering dialogue and knowledge exchange to drive chemical safety. Explore the Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals (PARC), an initiative that allocates substantial funding to research projects aimed at enhancing regulatory practices and improving chemical safety. Discover the key areas of regulatory challenge highlighted in ECHA's recent report and gain insights into how increased scientific research can provide better protection against harmful chemicals, address chemical pollution in the natural environment, shift away from animal testing, and improve the availability of chemical data. Wim works as a head of unit in our Hazard Assessment Directorate and Fleur in the team coordinating ECHA's activities under PARC. USEFUL LINKS __ __ MORE __ __ ************** __ __ Follow us on: __ __ Visit our website https://echa.europa.eu/
Join Adam Elwan in the latest episode of the Safer Chemicals Podcast as he welcomes the new Chair of the Risk Assessment Committee, Roberto Scazzola, and Maria Ottati, Chair of the Socio-Economic Analysis Committee. They talk about the ongoing evaluation of the universal PFAS restriction proposal, France's proposal to restrict creosote-treated wood, the impact of new CLP hazard classes, and more. Get the latest updates on chemical risk assessment and regulation in Europe. WHAT THE COMMITTEES DO The two committees prepare scientific opinions that are used by the European Commission and EU Member States when deciding how chemical risks need to be controlled. They are made up of scientists from EU Member States and have observers from EU organisations that represent different sectors and interests. USEFUL LINKS __ __ MORE __ __ ************** __ __ Follow us on: __ __ Visit our website https://echa.europa.eu/
After the summer break, the Biocidal Products Committee is back in business discussing the latest active substance and Union authorisation cases. In this episode, we will introduce Joost van Galen, the new Chair of the committee, who tells about his background and how it has prepared him for this new role. He also shares his thoughts about the main challenges that the committee will be facing in the coming years. In addition, we cover the most important opinions that the committee concluded on during the September meeting. WHAT THE BIOCIDAL PRODUCTS COMMITTEE DOES The Committee prepares scientific opinions for the European Commission on biocidal active substances and on EU-wide authorisations of biocidal products. __ __ MORE Highlights from September Biocidal Products Commitee meeting https://echa.europa.eu/en/-/highlights-from-september-2023-bpc-meeting - ECHA news update, 20 September 2023 Biocidal Products Committee https://www.echa.europa.eu/about-us/who-we-are/biocidal-products-committee ************** Subscribe to our YouTube channel https://bit.ly/321VQgE Subscribe to our Safer Chemicals Podcast https://echa.europa.eu/podcasts Subscribe to our news https://echa.europa.eu/subscribe Follow us on: *Twitter https://twitter.com/EU_ECHA *Facebook https://www.facebook.com/EUECHA/ *LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/european-chemicals-agency Visit our website https://echa.europa.eu/ DISCLAIMER:
Welcome to the Safer Chemicals Podcast, where we delve into the world of chemical risk management. In this episode, we speak with Tim Bowmer and Maria Ottati, Chairs of ECHA's Risk Assessment and Socio-Economic Analysis Committees. They update us on the universal PFAS restriction proposal, an ambitious initiative to minimise the release of persistent chemicals. Tim Bowmer also reflects on his impressive 11 years as Chair and sheds light on the evolving regulatory landscape. Join us as we explore the latest developments and discuss the future challenges faced by ECHA's committees. WHAT THE COMMITTEES DO The two committees prepare scientific opinions that are used by the European Commission and EU Member States when deciding how chemical risks need to be controlled. They are made up of scientists from EU Member States and have observers from EU organisations that represent different sectors and interests. USEFUL LINKS __ __ MORE __ __ ************** __ __ Follow us on: __ __ Visit our website https://echa.europa.eu/
Join us in this episode of the Safer Chemicals Podcast as we explore the latest developments from the Enforcement Forum of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). In conversation with Katja vom Hofe, the outgoing Chair of the Forum, we reflect on the achievements and challenges faced in promoting chemical safety and enforcement. Discover how the Forum's collaborative efforts have shaped the future of chemical regulation in Europe and learn about the upcoming REACH enforcement project, REF-13. We dive into the topic of enforcing chemical products sold online, exploring the scope, impact, and potential changes in legislation. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights from Katja, an expert with a unique perspective from leading the Forum for many years and discover how enforcement authorities are working together to ensure compliance and protect consumers in the digital age. What the Forum does The Forum and the BPRS are a network of enforcement authorities from the EU and EEA. They are responsible for coordinating the enforcement of REACH, CLP, PIC, POPs and BPR chemicals legislation. Their aim is to protect peoples’ health and the environment while ensuring a level playing field for companies on the EU market. __ __ USEFUL LINKS __ __
This episode gives you the highlights from the June meeting of our Biocidal Products Committee. Our guest is the Chair of the committee, Erik van de Plassche. In this episode we cover, for example, topical active substance and Union authorisation cases. We also discuss some procedural topics related to data that is generated after an active substance has been approved as well as minor and major change applications in the context of Union authorisations. We also take a broader look at the work of the committee and hear Erik’s reflections on how it has developed during the past ten years, as this was his last meeting as the chair of the committee. WHAT THE BIOCIDAL PRODUCTS COMMITTEE DOES The Committee prepares scientific opinions for the European Commission on biocidal active substances and on EU-wide authorisations of biocidal products. Full episode transcript https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/47572414/200613_safer_chemicals_podcast_transcript_bpc_june_2023.docx/22ccc91a-47f9-057e-e78e-232bc098a987?t=1686637698951 Give us feedback https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/podcast_feedback MORE __ __ ************** Subscribe to our YouTube channel https://bit.ly/321VQgE Subscribe to our Safer Chemicals Podcast https://echa.europa.eu/podcasts Subscribe to our news https://echa.europa.eu/subscribe Follow us on: *Twitter https://twitter.com/EU_ECHA *Facebook https://www.facebook.com/EUECHA/ *LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/european-chemicals-agency Visit our website https://echa.europa.eu/
Tim Bowmer and María Ottati, Chairs of our committees for risk assessment and socio-economic analysis join us to share the highlights from their March 2023 meetings. ON THE AGENDA: • Restricting per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) The universal restriction proposal https://echa.europa.eu/registry-of-restriction-intentions/-/dislist/details/0b0236e18663449b prepared by the authorities of Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden was discussed for the first time in the committees. Both committees confirmed that the proposal conforms with the legal requirements of REACH. A six-month consultation starts on 22 March. An online info session https://echa.europa.eu/-/restriction-of-per-and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfass-under-reach to all stakeholders takes place on 5 April. • Restricting PFAS in firefighting foams This proposal https://echa.europa.eu/registry-of-restriction-intentions/-/dislist/details/0b0236e1856e8ce6 would ban the placing on the market, use and formulation of all PFAS in firefighting foams after specific transition periods. RAC adopted its opinion supporting the proposed restriction. SEAC agreed its draft opinion, which is subject to consultation until 15 May 2023. • Restricting DMAC/NEP This proposal https://echa.europa.eu/registry-of-restriction-intentions/-/dislist/details/0b0236e1844d552a would harmonise the occupational exposure limit on these two dipolar aprotic solvents to protect workers. RAC adopted its opinion supporting the initiative. SEAC agreed its draft opinion, which is subject to consultation until 15 May 2023. Both substances are harmful to reproduction and may harm the unborn child. Tim and María walk us through the committees' opinions and how they reached their conclusions. WHAT THE COMMITTEES DO The two committees prepare scientific opinions that are used by the European Commission and EU Member States when deciding how chemical risks need to be controlled. They are made up of scientists from EU Member States and have observers from EU organisations that represent different sectors and interests. MORE • ECHA’s Risk Assessment Committee backs PFAS ban in firefighting foams - ECHA news, 21 March 2023 • Risk Assessment Committee https://echa.europa.eu/about-us/who-we-are/committee-for-risk-assessment - official webpage • Socio-Economic Analysis Committee https://echa.europa.eu/about-us/who-we-are/committee-for-socio-economic-analysis - official webpage
This episode gives you the highlights from the March meeting of our Biocidal Products Committee. Our guest is the Chair of the Committee, Erik van de Plassche. The main topic of the episode is the nitrogen generated from ambient air. We cover the main points of discussion and motivation for the committee’s opinion. BACKGROUND The Committee prepares scientific opinions for the European Commission on biocidal active substances and on EU-wide authorisations of biocidal products. Full episode transcript (coming soon) More Highlights from March BPC meeting https://echa.europa.eu/-/highlights-from-march-2023-bpc-meeting ************** Give us feedback https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/podcast_feedback Subscribe to our YouTube channel https://bit.ly/321VQgE Subscribe to our Safer Chemicals Podcast https://echa.europa.eu/podcasts Subscribe to our news https://echa.europa.eu/subscribe Follow us on: *Twitter https://twitter.com/EU_ECHA *Facebook https://www.facebook.com/EUECHA/ *LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/european-chemicals-agency Visit our website https://echa.europa.eu/
The Forum on Enforcement’s EU wide project on assessing REACH authorisation duties found that the majority of users of substances of very high concern (SVHC), mainly SMEs, already comply with the authorisation requirement to control risks. Inspectors from 28 European countries checked compliance with REACH authorisation requirements in the Forum REF-9 project. Authorisation applies to substances of very high concern (e.g. substances that cause cancer or are toxic to reproduction or mutagenic), which are included in the authorisation list (Annex XIV) of REACH. These substances may only be used or marketed if companies receive an authorisation from the European Commission for their specific uses. Authorisation is meant to protect workers and the environment while phasing out these highly hazardous substances from the market. We are joined by Eugen Anwander, the Chair of the working group for the project who also represent the enforcement authorities and Maciej Baranski who works in the Harmonised Enforcement Team at the European Chemicals Agency. They share their insights into the results and explain the main recommendations and follow-up actions. Full episode transcript (coming soon) More Authorities and ECHA push for compliance with authorisation duties https://echa.europa.eu/-/authorities-and-echa-push-for-compliance-with-authorisation-duties?_cldee=mKp0CW2zI1WlIugKMA4rOUW28e2pejxXXI30PrGLgnI1TiJZMx4rRGKtCSirX6eY&recipientid=lead-36715268b1e0e71180fa005056952b31-dc38d6fbb0e14b56bcf6014e01d1b4aa&esid=05d65d76-8abd-ed11-8146-005056952b31 - news, 8 March 2023 REF-9 project report on enforcement of compliance with REACH authorisation obligations https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/17088/project_report_ref-9_en.pdf/b2110033-262e-1075-b50c-11b20754bc80 - PDF document Forum enforcement projects https://echa.europa.eu/about-us/who-we-are/enforcement-forum/forum-enforcement-projects - official webpage ************** Give us feedback https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/podcast_feedback Subscribe to our YouTube channel https://bit.ly/321VQgE Subscribe to our Safer Chemicals Podcast https://echa.europa.eu/podcasts Subscribe to our news https://echa.europa.eu/subscribe Follow us on: *Twitter https://twitter.com/EU_ECHA *Facebook https://www.facebook.com/EUECHA/ *LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/european-chemicals-agency Visit our website https://echa.europa.eu/
In this episode we focus on nanomaterials, and more specifically, on how they persist in the environment and how their safety should be considered already when the products are being designed. Nanomaterials have different properties than larger materials. Producing them opens new opportunities in many fields - but they may also have different effects on our health and the environment than larger forms. The European Union Observatory for Nanomaterials, also known as EUON, recently concluded a study looking at what tools are available for assessing the biodegradation of nanomaterials, and how these can be used for regulatory processes. The study also looked at the Safe by design concept for nanomaterials, and if and how safety considerations are introduced when designing and developing products and processes. You will hear three experts discussing the topic: Dr RICHARD CROSS, an Ecotoxicologist from the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology who is an expert on biodegradation. He has a particular interest in the fate and behaviours of engineered nanomaterials, microplastics and nanoplastics and how this relates to their biological interactions. Dr SOCORRO VÁZQUEZ-CAMPOS who is the lead of the Human and Environmental Health & Safety Group at LEITAT Technological Centre in Barcelona. She leads an EU project that aims to develop a platform to guide the Safe by Design concept for nanomaterials. VIRGINIA RODRIGUEZ UNAMUNO, a Scientific Officer from the European Chemicals Agency who will talk us through the study and its findings. EUON website https://euon.echa.europa.eu/ MORE: Nanomaterials’ (bio)degradation, persistence, and safe by design (SbD) examined in a recent study https://euon.echa.europa.eu/view-article/-/journal_content/title/nanomaterials-bio-degradation-persistence-and-safe-by-design-sbd-examined-in-a-recent-study - news, 12 December 2022 Report https://euon.echa.europa.eu/documents/2435000/3268573/safe_by_design_study_final_report.pdf/90fc66d4-bd2b-5d89-d970-2694f75a49c5?t=1670838038799 ************** Give us feedback https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/podcast_feedback Subscribe to our YouTube channel https://bit.ly/321VQgE Subscribe to our Safer Chemicals Podcast https://echa.europa.eu/podcasts Subscribe to our news https://echa.europa.eu/subscribe Follow us on: *Twitter https://twitter.com/EU_ECHA *Facebook https://www.facebook.com/EUECHA/ *LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/european-chemicals-agency Visit our website https://echa.europa.eu/
Our scientific committees have had their last meetings of the year and in this episode we cover the outcomes of the Risk Assessment and Socio-Economic Analysis committees. Tim, the Chair of the Risk Assessment Committee and Maria who chairs the Socio-Economic Analysis Committee join us. We talk about the restriction of LEAD AMMUNITION FOR HUNTING AND OUTDOOR SPORTS SHOOTING and lead used in FISHING TACKLE. Here, the Socio-Economic Analysis Committee adopted its opinion on the costs and benefits and the Risk Assessment Committee carried out a further analysis of data from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on the risks from ingesting lead through game meat. Also on the agenda were the restriction of Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in clay targets for shooting and an opinion on occupational exposure limits for COBALT AND INORGANIC COBALT COMPOUNDS. Tim also talks us through setting a derived no-effect level for DOTE to protect workers, a chemical which is on the REACH Authorisation List https://echa.europa.eu/authorisation-list of substances of very high concern. WHAT THE COMMITTEES DO The two committees prepare scientific opinions that are used by the European Commission and EU member states when deciding how chemical risks need to be controlled. They are made up of scientists from EU Member States and have observers from EU organisations that represent different sectors and interests. Related episodes: __ __ Give us feedback https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/podcast_feedback MORE __ __ ************** __ __ Follow us on: __ __ Visit our website https://echa.europa.eu/
This episode gives you the highlights from the November meeting of our Biocidal Products Committee. Our guest is the Chair of the Committee, Erik van de Plassche. The main topic of the episode is the comparative assessment of anticoagulant rodenticides. We cover the main points of discussion and motivation for the committee’s opinion. We also discuss the guidance on analysis of alternatives that was on the agenda for agreement, most interesting opinions on active substance approval and hear how the committee is planning to harmonise and streamline its processes to get ready for the future work load. For more background, you can listen to our previous episodes where the comparative assessment of anticoagulant rodenticides were discussed: Biocidal Products Committee: Sulphur dioxide, iodine & anticoagulant rodenticides https://www.buzzsprout.com/1823152/11435027-biocidal-products-committee-sulphur-dioxide-iodine-anticoagulant-rodenticides Highlights from the December 2021 Biocidal Products Committee https://www.buzzsprout.com/1823152/9684226-highlights-from-the-december-2021-biocidal-products-committee More: Rodent traps can be effective at controlling house mice infestations https://echa.europa.eu/-/rodent-traps-can-be-effective-at-controlling-house-mice-infestations - news, 29 November 2023 Biocidal Products Committee https://www.echa.europa.eu/about-us/who-we-are/biocidal-products-committee BACKGROUND The Committee prepares scientific opinions for the European Commission on biocidal active substances and on EU-wide authorisations of biocidal products. ************** Give us feedback https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/podcast_feedback Subscribe to our YouTube channel https://bit.ly/321VQgE Subscribe to our Safer Chemicals Podcast https://echa.europa.eu/podcasts Subscribe to our news https://echa.europa.eu/subscribe Follow us on: *Twitter https://twitter.com/EU_ECHA *Facebook https://www.facebook.com/EUECHA/ *LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/european-chemicals-agency Visit our website https://echa.europa.eu/
Katja Vom Hofe, the Chair of the Enforcement Forum joins us to shed light on the discussions of the Forum in their November meeting. We talk about: __ __ Next EU-wide REACH enforcement project to focus on imported products https://echa.europa.eu/-/next-eu-wide-reach-enforcement-project-to-focus-on-imported-products - More: __ __ Background The Forum and the BPRS are a network of enforcement authorities from the EU and EEA. They are responsible for coordinating the enforcement of REACH, CLP, PIC, POPs and BPR chemicals legislation. Their aim is to protect peoples’ health and the environment while ensuring a level playing field for companies on the EU market. The Forum met on 7-11 November and the BPRS on 16 November. The next Forum and BPRS meetings takes place in March 2023. ************** Give us feedback https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/podcast_feedback Subscribe to our YouTube channel https://bit.ly/321VQgE Subscribe to our Safer Chemicals Podcast https://echa.europa.eu/podcasts Subscribe to our news https://echa.europa.eu/subscribe Follow us on: *Twitter https://twitter.com/EU_ECHA *Facebook https://www.facebook.com/EUECHA/ *LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/european-chemicals-agency Visit our website https://echa.europa.eu/
Highlights from the September 2022 meeting of our Biocidal Products Committee. Our guest is Erik van de Plassche, the Chair of the Committee. We talk about: ACTIVE SUBSTANCE APPROVALS __ __ REQUESTS FROM THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION __ ____ UNION AUTHORISATIONS __ __ WHAT THE BIOCIDAL PRODUCTS COMMITTEE DOES The Committee prepares scientific opinions for the European Commission on biocidal active substances and on EU-wide authorisations of biocidal products. MORE Biocidal Products Committee https://www.echa.europa.eu/about-us/who-we-are/biocidal-products-committee Highlights from September BPC meeting https://echa.europa.eu/-/highlights-from-september-2022-bpc-meeting - ECHA news, 5 October 2022 ************** Give us feedback https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/podcast_feedback ************** Subscribe to our YouTube channel https://bit.ly/321VQgE Subscribe to our Safer Chemicals Podcast https://echa.europa.eu/podcasts Subscribe to our news https://echa.europa.eu/subscribe Follow us on: *Twitter https://twitter.com/EU_ECHA *Facebook https://www.facebook.com/EUECHA/ *LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/european-chemicals-agency Visit our website https://echa.europa.eu/
Tim Bowmer and Maria Ottati, Chairs of our committees for risk assessment and socio-economic analysis join us to share the highlights from their September meetings. On the agenda: __ __ Tim and Maria walk us through the committees opinions and how they reached their conclusions. WHAT THE COMMITTEES DO The two committees prepare scientific opinions that are used by the European Commission and EU member states when deciding how chemical risks need to be controlled. They are made up of scientists from EU Member States and have observers from EU organisations that represent different sectors and interests. Give us feedback https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/podcast_feedback MORE __ __ ************** __ __ Follow us on: __ __ Visit our website https://echa.europa.eu/
In 2022, the Chemicals Programme of the OECD – the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development – celebrates its 50th anniversary. The aim of the programme has been to improve chemical safety worldwide. In this episode, we’ll speak with Bob Diderich, Head of the Environment, Health and Safety Division of the OECD. We first have a look back and reflect on some of the successes of the organisation before going into more details on what still needs to be done to further harmonise chemicals assessment across the world. But we also discuss the challenge of animal testing that is common to many OECD countries and how the road towards wider acceptance of alternative methods might look. Give us feedback https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/podcast_feedback ************** Subscribe to our YouTube channel https://bit.ly/321VQgE Subscribe to our Safer Chemicals Podcast https://echa.europa.eu/podcasts Subscribe to our news https://echa.europa.eu/subscribe Follow us on: *Twitter https://twitter.com/EU_ECHA *Facebook https://www.facebook.com/EUECHA/ *LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/european-chemicals-agency Visit our website https://echa.europa.eu/
This episode gives you the highlights from the June 2022 meeting of our Biocidal Products Committee. Our guest again is the Chair of the Committee, Erik van de Plassche. The Biocidal Products Committee prepares scientific opinions for the European Commission on biocidal active substances and on EU-wide authorisations of biocidal products. In June 2022, the Committee adopted a record number of opinions, altogether nine opinions on Union Authorisations and five concerning active substance applications. We also talk about two requests from the European Commission related to hexaflumuron and formaldehyde releasers. Give us feedback https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/podcast_feedback MORE Biocidal Products Committee https://www.echa.europa.eu/about-us/who-we-are/biocidal-products-committee ************** Subscribe to our YouTube channel https://bit.ly/321VQgE Subscribe to our Safer Chemicals Podcast https://echa.europa.eu/podcasts Subscribe to our news https://echa.europa.eu/subscribe Follow us on: *Twitter https://twitter.com/EU_ECHA *Facebook https://www.facebook.com/EUECHA/ *LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/european-chemicals-agency Visit our website https://echa.europa.eu/
Katja vom Hofe, the Chair of the Enforcement Forum joins us. She is just out of the Forum’s June meeting, and will be sharing the highlights. We talk about the Forums upcoming and on-going enforcement projects, including preliminary results of an EU-wide project on REACH authorisation (REF-9) where inspectors conducted more than 450 inspections to control REACH authorisation requirements for substances of very high concern. Also in this episode, an update on the follow-up of a Forum project on online marketplaces. It looked at whether online sellers were giving enough safety information to customers when buying products with hazardous chemicals online and found a high level of incompliance. Listen https://www.buzzsprout.com/1823152/9678089 to our earlier episode on the project results. Katja also talks about the Forums work on harmonising the way member states report their inspections to ensure consistent numbers in the EU and gives insight into how the Forum prepares inspectors for upcoming projects through training and other support material. BACKGROUND The Forum is a network of enforcement authorities from the EU and EEA. They are responsible for coordinating the enforcement of EU chemicals legislation. the REACH, CLP, PIC, POP and the Biocidal Product regulations with the aim of protecting our health and the environment while ensuring a level playing field for companies across the EU market. Give us feedback https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/podcast_feedback MORE __ __ ************** __ __ Follow us on: __ __ Visit our website https://echa.europa.eu/
Bisphenols are widely used and many are also known endocrine disruptors, which means that they can affect the hormonal systems of people and animals. Bisphenol A, or BPA, is probably the most known chemical in this group. It has been used since the 1960s in many consumer goods like re-usable plastic tableware, plastic bottles, CDs and sports equipment, such as helmets. Due to its harmful properties, BPA’s use has already been limited. But it’s not a secret that when authorities have regulated one substance companies often switch to another substance with a similar structure – and many times, one that also has similar effects. This has happened, for example, with BPA in thermal paper where it has largely been replaced by Bisphenol S. Together with some EU Member States, we have been assessing the need to regulate bisphenols as a group. Our expert, Maarten Roggeman, joins us to explain how the assessment was done and what we can expect as next steps for managing their risks. Give us feedback https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/podcast_feedback MORE: __ __ SUBSCRIBE: __ __ FOLLOW US ON: __ __ Visit our website https://echa.europa.eu/
Tim Bowmer and Maria Ottati, Chairs of our committees for risk assessment and socio-economic analysis join us for this episode to give us the highlights from their June meetings. We talk about two opinions on harmonised classification and labelling adopted by the Risk Assessment Committee: glyphosate, a common herbicide used in agriculture and horticulture to combat weeds and silver, used as an antimicrobial in biocidal products like disinfectants and preservatives. Glyphosate has had a lot of public attention recently and the committee has agreed to keep its current classification as causing serious eye damage and being toxic to aquatic life. Based on a wide-ranging review of scientific evidence, the committee concluded that classifying glyphosate as a carcinogen is not justified. We also cover the EU-wide proposal to restrict the use of lead in ammunition for hunting, outdoor sports shooting, and fishing. Here the Risk Assessment Committee adopted its final opinion while the Socio-Economic Analysis Committee agreed on its draft opinion. Tim and Maria walk us through the committees opinions and how they reached their conclusions. WHAT DO THE COMMITTEES DO? The two committees prepare scientific opinions that are used by the European Commission and EU member states when deciding how chemical risks need to be controlled. They are made up of scientists from EU Member States and have observers from EU organisations that represent different sectors and interests. Give us feedback https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/podcast_feedback MORE __ __ ************** __ __ Follow us on: __ __ Visit our website https://echa.europa.eu/
Martin Hojsík, a Slovak activist, environmental expert and Member of the European Parliament joins us for this episode. He is a Member of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety and Vice-Chair of the Committee of Inquiry on the Protection of Animals during Transport. He is the European Chemicals Agency’s so-called liaison MEP, the one following the agencys work in the environment committee and overall in the European Parliament. In the European Parliament, his work focuses on chemical policies, including pesticides, pollinator protection, climate, and biodiversity financing. He has a lot of experience in environmental protection and climate change. Martin talks about EU chemicals policy: how the EUs Green Deal and Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability will help pave the way to a greener and safer use of chemicals in the future. He also talks about how the chemicals industry in Europe can become the global leader in innovation when it comes to safe and sustainable chemicals and how he sees the role of alternatives to animal testing in regulatory science. Give us feedback https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/podcast_feedback More https://echa.europa.eu/-/highlights-from-march-rac-and-seac-meetings __ __ ************** __ __ Follow us on: __ __ Visit our website https://echa.europa.eu/
This episode gives you the highlights from the first 2022 meetings of the Committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC). We interviewed the Chairs of the two committees, Tim Bowmer (RAC) and Maria Ottati (SEAC). Both Committees are made up of scientists nominated by EU Member States but appointed by the management Board of ECHA in their personal capacity and both have observers from different EU organisations representing civil society, academia and industry. They are responsible for making scientific opinions that are then used by the European Commission and EU member states when deciding how chemical risks need to be controlled. You will hear about opinions on harmonised classification and labelling proposals, restrictions and applications for authorisation. We also talk about the use of human bio-monitoring in to protect workers from exposure to harmful chemicals and much more. __ __ ************** __ __ Follow us on: __ __ Visit our website https://echa.europa.eu/
This episode covers the highlights from the first Biocidal Products Committee meeting in 2022, with Erik van de Plassche, Chair of ECHA’s Biocidal Products Committee. The Biocidal Products Committee prepares scientific opinions for the European Commission on biocidal active substances and on EU-wide authorisations of biocidal products. The Commission takes the final decisions based on the opinions they receive from the Biocidal Products Committee. You will get an overview on active substance and union authorisation applications discussed in the meeting and learn about the committee’s expectations for the rest of the year. Biocidal Products Committee https://www.echa.europa.eu/about-us/who-we-are/biocidal-products-committee ************** Subscribe to our YouTube channel https://bit.ly/321VQgE Subscribe to our Safer Chemicals Podcast https://echa.europa.eu/podcasts Subscribe to our news https://echa.europa.eu/subscribe Follow us on: Twitter https://twitter.com/EU_ECHA Facebook https://www.facebook.com/EUECHA/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/european-chemicals-agency Visit our website https://echa.europa.eu/
In this episode, we speak with Peter van der Zandt, ECHA’s Risk Management Director about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS in short. These so-called ‘forever chemicals’ are a family of over 4 000 synthetic chemicals that have been and continue to be widely used by society. The problem though is that their use has resulted in worldwide environmental pollution and human exposure. They are called forever chemicals because they resist degradation, and some can be easily transported in the environment. Some of them have also been shown to be harmful to both people and the environment. The EU’s Chemicals Strategy https://ec.europa.eu/environment/pdf/chemicals/2020/10/Strategy.pdf puts PFAS policy front and centre. The Commission commits to phasing out all PFAS, allowing their use only where they are proven essential to society. As part of this work, ECHA proposes to restrict all PFAS used in firefighting foams. Another restriction proposal is in the making by five European countries that covers PFAS in any other use – for example in product packaging, cosmetic products, and non-stick kitchenware. This episode takes a deep dive into PFAS used in firefighting foams and how the EU is preparing to restrict them. More https://echa.europa.eu/-/proposal-to-ban-forever-chemicals-in-firefighting-foams-throughout-the-eu ************** Subscribe to our YouTube channel https://bit.ly/321VQgE Subscribe to our Safer Chemicals Podcast https://echa.europa.eu/podcasts Subscribe to our news https://echa.europa.eu/subscribe Follow us on: *Twitter https://twitter.com/EU_ECHA *Facebook https://www.facebook.com/EUECHA/ *LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/european-chemicals-agency Visit our website https://echa.europa.eu/
