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Chemicals

(Photo: Notat)

Concern regarding the potential risks of chemicals, and in particular existing chemicals, is rising in the EU. At present there are gaps in the EU legislation with regard to existing chemical substances. There is also a lack of information on the effects of many existing substances placed on the market prior to 1981, when the requirement for the testing and notification of new substances was introduced. Such substances account for approximately 99% of the total volume of substances available on the market.

In February 2001, the Commission presented a White Paper on a future EU chemicals policy. In December 2002, the Council held a public debate on the legislative package as required for the Commission's White Paper to be put into use.
NGO's and the public in general were concerned about the lack of progress.

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