Safer Chemicals Podcast
The Safer Chemicals Podcast provides updates on how chemicals are regulated in the EU, covering topics such as microplastics, glyphosate, endocrine disruptors, and chemicals in tattoo inks. Hosted by Adam Elwan and Päivi Jokiniemi from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), it offers expert views on chemical safety and discusses harmful substances being phased out. The podcast is aimed at professionals, journalists, and anyone interested in the impact of chemicals on health and the environment.
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Moving away from animal testing: how new methods can support chemical safety
The European Commission published its roadmap for phasing out animal testing on 1 June 2026, and the first meeting of ECHA’s Collaborative Platform on Alternatives to Animal Testing has now taken place.In this episode, we explore what these developments mean for regulators, researchers and industry. Tomasz Sobanski from ECHA explains how new approach methodologies (NAMs) are moving from research i
PFAS restriction proposal: Closer look at ECHA committees' latest opinions
In this episode of the safer chemicals podcast, we take a more detailed look at the committees’ opinions on the proposed restriction of PFAS in Europe. Host Adam Elwan speaks with Roberto Scazzola, Chair of the Committee for Risk Assessment, about the committee’s adopted opinion on PFAS, what it concludes and why persistence remains such a central concern. He is also joined by Maria Ottati, Chair
Biocidal Products Committee: Ethanol opinion explained
This episode of our Safer Chemicals Podcast focuses on the Biocidal Product Committee’s (BPC) conclusion on the use of the active substance ethanol. The BPC supports its approval for use in hand and general disinfectants (product-types 1, 2 and 4) but does not take a position on whether ethanol should be considered a carcinogenic or reprotoxic substance.Listen to the Committee Chair Joost van Gale
PFAS restriction proposal and new hazard classes: December committee updates
In this episode, we deconstruct the outcomes of the December meetings of the Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) and the Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC).Topics include:Universal PFAS restriction proposal: The interviewees break down the latest discussions on the proposal, with a particular focus on PFAS manufacturing and the so-called “horizontal issues” that cut across all sectors. The SEAC'
EU enforcement project: targeted checks uncovered non-compliances in imported products.
In this episode of the Safer Chemicals Podcast, host Päivi Jokiniemi is joined by Henrik Hedlund, Chair of ECHA's Enforcement Forum, and Maciej Baranski, Team Leader of ECHA's Harmonised Enforcement Team, to discuss the results of a recent EU-wide REACH enforcement project. Inspectors from 29 countries conducted targeted checks on over 2 600 imported products, focusing on compliance with EU chemic
PFAS, titanium dioxide, and new tasks: September committee updates
In this episode of the Safer Chemicals Podcast, host Adam Elwan is joined by Roberto Scazzola, Chair of the Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC), and Maria Ottati, Chair of the Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC). Together, they unpack the latest updates from the recent committee meetings, with a special focus on the universal PFAS restriction proposal.Listeners will hear about:The finalisatio
PFAS, Chromium VI and worker safety: June committee updates
In this episode of the Safer Chemicals Podcast, host Adam Elwan is joined by Roberto Scazzola, Chair of the Risk Assessment Committee (RAC), and Maria Ottati, Chair of the Socio-economic Analysis Committee (SEAC), to unpack the latest developments from the June committee meetings.We talk about:The evolving PFAS restriction proposal, with a focus on medical devices, lubricants, and the electronics
Biocidal Products Committee: Analysing alternatives to anticoagulant rodenticides
ECHA’s Biocidal Products Committee met on 12-16 May 2025.In this episode, the committee chair Joost van Galen joins host Päivi Jokiniemi to discuss the key outcomes from the meeting. Topics covered include Union authorisations and data gaps, harmonised list of environment endpoints for pyrethroid metabolites, and the renewal applications for anticoagulant rodenticides and the related analysis of a
PFAS restriction update: energy, transport and fluorinated gases
In this episode, we dive into the highlights of ECHA's Risk Assessment and Socio-Economic Analysis committees' meetings.First, we explore the ongoing discussions on restricting PFAs, including new sectors like transport and energy. We discuss the challenges of assessing complex sectors, stakeholder engagement, and addressing information gaps on alternatives.Next, we give an overview of the harmoni
ECHA committees give update on PFAS restriction proposal and discuss harmonised classification
In this episode of the Safer Chemicals Podcast, Adam Elwan is joined by Roberto Scazzola, Chair of the Risk Assessment Committee (RAC), and María Ottati, Chair of the Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC). They discuss highlights of the November committee meetings, focusing on the scientific evaluation of the proposal to restrict PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in sectors such as con
EU enforcement project checks safety data sheets - still room for improvement
In this episode we talk about one of the core tools for chemical safety in the workplace: safety data sheets. They contain information on how to safely handle, store, and dispose of chemicals. It is the responsibility of the supplier to provide safety data sheets to their customer when selling hazardous chemicals or mixtures. In 2021, new requirements for safety data sheets were introduced under
New approach methodologies: shaping research for non-animal test methods
In this episode of the Safer Chemicals Podcast, we dive into ECHA’s new initiatives in advancing non-animal testing methods through the New Approach Methodologies Framework Contract.Our guests, Sylvia Escher from the Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, and Tomasz Sobanski from ECHA’s Alternative Methods Team, discuss research projects aimed at transforming how chemicals
ECHA committees discuss PFAS restriction and hazards of Talc
In this episode of the Safer Chemicals Podcast, Adam Elwan is joined by Roberto Scazzola, Chair of the Risk Assessment Committee (RAC), and María Ottati, Chair of the Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC). They talk about the September committee meetings, discussing the scientific evaluation of the proposal to restrict PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) across multiple industries, inclu
ECHA’s Member State Committee: Resolving divergences for chemical safety
In this episode of the Safer Chemicals Podcast, we explore the vital work carried out by the European Chemicals Agency’s Member State Committee. Host Päivi Jokiniemi is joined by Katinka van der Jagt, Chair of the Member State Committee, alongside two of the committee's national members, Katarzyna Malkiewicz from the Swedish Chemicals Agency KEMI, and Agnieszka Dudra from the Polish Bureau for Che
Restricting PFAS in the EU: Next sectors to be evaluated by ECHA's committees
In this episode of the Safer Chemicals Podcast, host Adam Elwan is joined by Roberto Scazzola, the Chair of ECHA's Risk Assessment Committee and Maria Ottati who chairs the Socio-Economic Analysis Committee to discuss the ongoing efforts and challenges in regulating harmful chemicals.The episode focuses on the universal PFAS restriction proposal, addressing its persistency and health impacts, and
Biocidal Products Committee: Applicants responsible for making sure their dossiers are complete
ECHA’s Biocidal Products Committee met during the last week of May 2024 and adopted altogether 18 opinions.Join Päivi Jokiniemi and Joost van Galen, the Chair of the Biocidal Products Committee, in this episode of Safer Chemicals Podcast. They discuss, for example, what happens when the assessment of endocrine disrupting properties is lacking from applications. Joost also comes back to the topic o
Advancing chemical safety: the impact of new hazard classes in the CLP Regulation
The Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation, also known as the CLP Regulation, requires companies to classify, label and package their hazardous chemicals appropriately before placing them on the EU market to protect health and the environment but also to ensure free movement of substances, mixtures and article. In this episode, the host Päivi Jokiniemi and the head of ECHA’s Hazard cla
Assessing EU's chemicals legislation: more needs to be done to make chemicals safe and sustainable
Welcome to this episode of the Safer Chemicals Podcast, where we look into the EU indicator framework for chemicals, focused on improving chemical safety across Europe.The transition towards safer and more sustainable chemicals is progressing in some areas, while in others, it is just beginning. This is the finding of a first, joint Europe-wide assessment of the drivers and impact of chemical poll
PFAS restriction sectoral approach: Risk Assessment and Socio-Economic Analysis Committee highlights
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 re
Joining forces for humans, animals, environment: One Health - Part 2
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
Joining forces for humans, animals, environment: One Health - Part 1
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
EU enforcement project: excessive levels of harmful chemicals found in consumer products
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
Unpacking 5 600 comments on PFAS restriction: Risk Assessment and Socio-Economic Analysis Committee highlights
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
Biocidal Products Committee: Data gaps slowing down substance approvals and product authorisations
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 addi
Bridging the gap between scientific research and chemicals regulation
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 th
Banning creosote-treated wood: Risk Assessment and Socio-Economic Analysis Committee highlights
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
Biocidal Products Committee: New Chair's outlook on future challenges
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
ECHA's committees in focus: Tim Bowmer reflects on 11 years as Chair, PFAS restrictions, and future outlook
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 im
Enforcement Forum's impact and future: insights from the Forum's outgoing Chair
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 futur
Biocidal Products Committee: reflecting on ten years of committee work
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
Risk Assessment Committee backs PFAS ban in firefighting foams
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 prepared by the authorities of Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden was discussed for the first time in the
Biocidal Products Committee: Nitrogen generated from ambient air as a low-risk active substance
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
EU enforcement project: full compliance with EU chemicals law needed
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
What we know about (bio)degradation and safety by design of nanomaterials
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
Limiting lead use for outdoor shooting and fishing: Risk Assessment and Socio-Economic Analysis Committees
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 fishi
Biocidal Products Committee: Rodent traps can be effective at controlling house mice infestations
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
EU enforcement project to focus on imported products: Enforcement Forum November highlights
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:
The next REACH enforcement project that will investigate how companies fulfil their registration, authorisation and restriction obligations for products and chemicals they import from outside the EU.
The publication of the Forum's future advice
Biocidal Products Committee: Sulphur dioxide, iodine & anticoagulant rodenticides
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
Properties that lead to meeting exclusion or substitution criteria, specifically persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic or very persistent and very bioaccumulative substances.
Sulphur dioxide generated from sulp
Cancer-causing PAHs in clay targets need an EU-wide ban: Risk Assessment and Socio-Economic Analysis Committees' highlights
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:
Restricting polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in clay targets for shooting
The restriction prevents further environmental emissions of these toxic and very persistent substances that build up in people and ani
OECD – 50 years of improving chemical safety worldwide
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 org
Record number of opinions adopted in June meeting of the Biocidal Products Committee
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 op
EU projects and transparency: Enforcement Forum June meeting highlights
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 Forum's 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 sub
Group assessment identifies need to restrict more than 30 bisphenols
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 propertie
Glyphosate, lead and silver: Risk Assessment and Socio-Economic Analysis Committees Highlights - June 2022
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 a
EU Green Deal: paving the way for greener and safer chemicals
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 agency's work in the e
Highlights from the March 2022 Risk Assessment and Socio-Economic Analysis committees
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 obse
Highlights from the March 2022 Biocidal Products Committee
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
Protecting our drinking water and food – EU restriction of PFAS in firefighting foams
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
Highlights from the December 2021 Biocidal Products Committee
When companies apply to get their biocidal active substances approved or have their biocidal products authorised across the whole EU, individual EU member states check and evaluate the applications. Then, it is the Biocidal Products Committee that forms an opinion on the evaluation. These opinions are sent to the European Commission which takes the final decision on whether or not to approve the s
Most inspected products sold online do not comply with EU chemicals law
This episode covers an EU-wide project where national authorities inspected nearly 6 000 products sold online in the EU and EEA. The project looked at different webshops and online marketplaces and whether they followed the rules set by EU chemicals legislation. The inspections covered both professional products such as lead used for welding and consumer goods like textiles, leather, toys, and jew
Assessing chemicals in groups: faster action on harmful chemicals
If you imagine chemicals as being stars in the sky, together they form a universe of substances, some closer to each other and others further apart with different properties and hazard profiles.To help map this universe and speed up the identification of chemicals that need to be regulated, ECHA currently assesses them in groups. This means that we put structurally similar chemicals together, with
Making tattoos and permanent make-up safer
Tattoos are a popular form of body art – at least 12 % of Europeans have them. In the 18-35 age group, twice as many are likely to have a tattoo.
The health risks of using dirty needles to inject the inks have been under scrutiny for a long time. Now, their chemical-related concerns have also been analysed and their risks have been regulated at the EU level.
To protect European citizens, thousan
Nanomaterials in EU waste streams
A recent study has looked at product lifecycles, waste recycling and the circular economy for nanomaterials. Its findings show that we don’t currently have a full picture of how nanomaterials in products – and consequently in waste streams – may impact our health or the environment.These knowledge gaps make it difficult to know how to recycle, treat or dispose of nanomaterials efficiently once pro
Highlights from the October Biocidal Products Committee
When companies apply to get their biocidal active substances approved or have their biocidal products authorised across the whole EU, it is the Biocidal Products Committee that checks them and forms an opinion on the applications. The opinions are then sent to the European Commission which takes the final decision on the applications. In this episode, we interview Erik van de Plassche, Chair of EC
SCIP: transparency on hazardous chemicals in products
The SCIP database aims to improve transparency on the use of substances of very high concern (SVHCs), also known as Candidate List substances, in all products on the EU market. It can help consumers to make more informed purchasing choices and waste operators to further develop the re-use of articles and the recycling of materials. It can also be seen as a driver for substitution to get these extr
Restriction of lead in outdoor shooting: Philip Taylor, ELEY Limited
Lead has been used in ammunition for hunting and sports shooting and in fishing tackle for centuries. It is estimated that each year around 100 000 tonnes of lead is dispersed into the EU environment from these uses. The European Chemicals Agency has looked into the possible risks from these uses to wildlife, livestock, the environment, and human health. It concluded that there are risks that are
Restriction of lead in outdoor shooting: David Scallan, European Federation for Hunting and Conservation (FACE)
Lead has been used in ammunition for hunting and sports shooting and in fishing tackle for centuries. It is estimated that each year around 100 000 tonnes of lead is dispersed into the EU environment from these uses. The European Chemicals Agency has looked into the possible risks from these uses to wildlife, livestock, the environment, and human health. It concluded that there are risks that are
Restriction of lead in outdoor shooting: Hans Steinkellner, European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)
Lead has been used in ammunition for hunting and sports shooting and in fishing tackle for centuries. It is estimated that each year around 100 000 tonnes of lead is dispersed into the EU environment from these uses. The European Chemicals Agency has looked into the possible risks from these uses to wildlife, livestock, the environment, and human health. It concluded that there are risks that are
Restriction of lead in outdoor shooting: Niels Kastrup, Danish Hunting Academy
Lead has been used in ammunition for hunting and sports shooting and in fishing tackle for centuries. It is estimated that each year around 100 000 tonnes of lead is dispersed into the EU environment from these uses. The European Chemicals Agency has looked into the possible risks from these uses to wildlife, livestock, the environment, and human health. It concluded that there are risks that are
Restriction of lead in outdoor shooting: Nina Mikander, UN Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Water Birds (AEWA)
Lead has been used in ammunition for hunting and sports shooting and in fishing tackle for centuries. It is estimated that each year around 100 000 tonnes of lead is dispersed into the EU environment from these uses. The European Chemicals Agency has looked into the possible risks from these uses to wildlife, livestock, the environment, and human health. It concluded that there are risks that are
Restriction of lead in outdoor shooting: Ruth Cromie Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT)
Lead has been used in ammunition for hunting and sports shooting and in fishing tackle for centuries. It is estimated that each year around 100 000 tonnes of lead is dispersed into the EU environment from these uses. The European Chemicals Agency has looked into the possible risks from these uses to wildlife, livestock, the environment, and human health. It concluded that there are risks that are
EU checks imported products for dangerous chemicals
In 2019, inspectors and customs officers in 16 EU countries carried out a project to check around 1 400 imported products. Nearly 1 in 4 products violated EU chemical safety laws.We interviewed Maria Orphanou, an inspector from Cyprus and the Chair of the Forum Working Group, Erwin Annys, ECHA's Head of Unit for Support and Enforcement activities as well as Miquel Aguado from the European Commissi
Restricting microplastics and PFHxS in the EU
Interview with Peter Van Der Zandt, ECHA's Director of Risk Management about the restriction proposal for perfluorohexane-1-sulphonic acid (PFHxS) and intentionally-added microplastics.The European Union is looking into restricting the use of intentionally added microplastics in products, small particles that create big problems, and PHFxS (and related substances) that belong to the PFAS family, a
How is the EU making sure PFAS chemicals don’t stick around?
Interview with Bjorn Hansen, ECHA's Executive Director about poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). They are manufactured chemicals widely used since the 1940s to produce many different consumer products.Tests show some of them can cause serious health effects such as cancer and liver damage. The good news is that the EU is taking action to reduce their use.Where exactly are they used, what a
Do nappies for infants contain harmful chemicals?
Interview with Karine Fiore, Regulatory and Socio-Economic Projects Manager from the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) about France's intention to propose a restriction of PAHs, furans, dioxins, PCBs and formaldehyde in single-use nappies for infants and children.Give us feedbackMoreWebinar: call for evidence on possible restriction of substances of
