First chemicals banned in European Union.
Chemical & Engineering News
Cheryl Hogue
February 18, 2011
The European Union will phase out the use of three phthalates, a flame retardant, a synthetic musk, and a compound used in epoxy resins and adhesives. The move, announced Feb. 17 by the European Commission, marks the first time the EU has banned substances under its Registration, Evaluation, Authorization & Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) program.
Sale or use of the six chemicals will cease in three to five years unless a company obtains authorization from the commission. To use or sell any of these substances, a business would have to demonstrate that safety measures are in place to control risks adequately or that the benefits to the economy and society outweigh the risks of using the compound.
