FACTBOX - REACH, Europe's New Chemicals Legislation
Date: 14-Nov-05
Country: EUROPE
Here are some facts about the European chemicals legislation:
- The European Unions says REACH is designed to protect people and the environment from the adverse effects of chemicals found in a wide range of products such as paint, detergents, cars and computers.
- The law will require chemical makers to register the properties of about 30,000 substances with a central EU database. Those of highest concern, such as carcinogens, would require authorisation to be used.
- REACH also covers metals, steel, alloys and waste and scrap materials. The metals industry says they should be exempt from the legislation altogether. Environmentalists say metals should be covered because they can be dangerous and highly toxic.
- Germany, which has Europe's biggest chemicals industry, has argued that the law would lead to the loss of 1 million EU jobs and weaken growth. Germany's chemical sector employs around 440,000 workers. The EU Commission has estimated health savings will outweigh the cost to industry.
- The United States has criticised REACH for trade reasons, and African nations have said its requirements could harm their mining industries and push them further into poverty.
Sources: Reuters; www.europa.eu.int
