On April 29, the Commission adopted a Recommendation (Ref.: 2004/394/EC) on the results of the risk evaluation and the risk reduction strategies for 11 "existing substances".

Background

The risk assessments were carried out according to Regulation 793/93 on the evaluation and control of the risks of existing substances.

For each substance on a priority list under this Regulation, a Member State is designated as a "Rapporteur Member State" (RMS); it has to complete the required risk evaluation with regard to human health (workers and consumers safety, general health issues) and the environment (terrestrial, aquatic, atmospheric eco-systems and accumulation through the food chain) and to propose a risk evaluation strategy according to Regulation 1488/94 on the principles for the assessment of risks to man and the environment of existing substances. The "risk assessment report" (RAR) is sent to the Scientific Committee on Toxicity, Ecotoxicity and the Environment (CSTEE) which adopts an opinion on the findings of the RMS. On the basis of the RAR and the CSTEE opinion, the Commission will then propose the necessary legislative measures.

Content

In the Annex to this Recommendation, Part 1 to 11, the Commission summarizes the risk assessment findings for each substance and lists the priority legislative measures it will propose to implement the risk reduction strategy.

The 11 substances concerned by the Recommendation are:

Acetonitrile (RMS: ES / list 1) RAR

Proposed measures:

  • revision of current occupational exposure limit value under Directive 91/322/EEC;
  • inclusion in the priority list of Annex X to Directive 2000/60/EC (Water Framework Directive);
  • development of guidance on "Best Available Techniques";
  • development of national rules to control local emissions to the environment.

Acrylamide (RMS: UK / list 1) RAR

Proposed measures:

  • marketing and use restrictions (Directive 76/769/EEC) for use in grouts for small and large-scale applications;
  • setting of occupational exposure limit values.

Acrylonitrile (RMS: IE / list 1) RAR

Proposed measures:

  • setting of occupational exposure limit values;
  • development of guidance on "Best Available Techniques";
  • development of national rules to control local emissions to the environment.

Acrylic Acid (RMS: DE / list 1) RAR

Proposed measures:

  • setting of occupational exposure limit values;
  • adoption of practical non-binding guidance under Directive 98/24/EC (chemical agents at work) for the uses identified as of concern in the RAR;
  • development of a harmonized European testing and assessment scheme for chemical grouts;
  • regulation of general conditions for use of chemical grouts at EU level;
  • inclusion in priority list of Annex X to Directive 2000/60/EC (Water Framework Directive);
  • development of guidance on "Best Available Techniques";
  • development of national rules to control local emissions to the environment.

Butadiene (RMS: UK / list 1) RAR

Proposed measures:

  • setting of occupational exposure limit values.

Hydrogen Fluoride (RMS: NL / list 1) RAR

Proposed measures:

  • prohibition of use in building surface cleaning (including floors) at work by inclusion in Annex III to Directive 98/24/EC (chemical agents at work);
  • require opinion from SCOEL on revision of occupational exposure limit values;
  • removing preparations classified as corrosive or toxic from the consumer market (general product safety directive 2001/95/EC);
  • development of guidance on "Best Available Techniques";
  • development of national rules to control local emissions to the environment.

Hydrogen Peroxide (RMS: FI / list 2) RAR

Proposed measures:

  • review of employers risk assessments produced according to Directive 98/24/EC (chemical agents at work) to take into account the RAR;
  • adoption of practical non-binding guidance under Directive 98/24/EC (chemical agents at work) for the uses identified as of concern in the RAR;
  • amendment to Directive 2003/83 as regards the percentage allowed in tooth bleaching products;
  • diminution of risk of eye irritation/corrosivity in formulation of textile bleaching and cleaning / emphasing risk on instructions / labeling;
  • extension of child-resistant fastening requirement to all household chemicals containing this substance;
  • development of guidance on "Best Available Techniques".

Methacrylic Acid (RMS: DE / list 1) RAR

Proposed measures:

  • setting of occupational exposure limit values;
  • development of a harmonized European testing and assessment scheme for chemical grouts;
  • regulation of general conditions for the use of chemical grouts at EU level;
  • development of national rules to control local emissions to the environment.

Methyl Methacrylate (RMS: DE / list 1) RAR

Proposed measures:

  • setting of occupational exposure limit values;
  • adoption of practical non-binding guidance under Directive 98/24/EC (chemical agents at work) for the uses identified as of concern in the RAR;
  • inclusion in priority list of Annex X to Directive 2000/60/EC (Water Framework Directive);
  • development of guidance on "Best Available Techniques";
  • development of national rules to control local emissions to the environment.

Toluene (RMS: DK / list 2) RAR

Proposed measures:

  • require opinion from SCOEL on revision of occupational exposure limit values;
  • marketing and use restrictions (Directive 76/769/EEC) for use in adhesives and spray paint;
  • inclusion in priority list of Annex X to Directive 2000/60/EC (Water Framework Directive);
  • development of national quality objectives, monitoring and reduction measures under Directive 76/464/EEC on pollution caused by certain dangerous substances discharged into the aquatic environment (List II);
  • development of guidance on "Best Available Techniques";
  • development of national rules to control local emissions to the environment.

Trichlorobenzene (RMS: DK / list 2) RAR

Proposed measures:

  • marketing and use restrictions (Directive 76/769/EEC) for all uses of TCB except as an intermediate and possibly of articles containing TCB.

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