European Parliament Approves Anti-Chemical Law

The European Parliament has approved the world's most stringent law aimed at protecting people and the environment from thousands of toxic chemicals -- legislation that will have a far-reaching effect on industries and products worldwide, including in the United States.

The new law, which regulates about 30,000 toxic substances, is far more restrictive and comprehensive than existing US regulations. The most hazardous -- an estimated 1,500 -- could be banned or restricted. Included on that list are some compounds used in electronics, furniture, toys, cosmetics and other everyday items.

Called REACH -- Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals -- the legislation is intended to force industries to register chemicals and submit health and safety data, replace the most hazardous ones with safer alternatives, and replace 40 existing European Union rules with a comprehensive program. A new European Chemicals Agency, based in Helsinki, Finland, will become a central regulatory authority.

The law will take effect in June and be phased in over 11 years. It must be approved next week by the European Council, which represents the EU's 25 nations.

Source: LA Times