Testing of chemicals, safety evaluation and regulation at European Community level

Regulations regarding safety of chemicals are covered by the following main programmes: health and safety at work, internal market and technical harmonization, environmental and consumer protection. The elaboration of draft Community legislation by the Commission for transmission to Council and the European Parliament requires an evaluation of the scientific data together with a determination of the technical possibilities and economic impact. Studies, scientific committees, national experts and tripartite advisory committees are used. For new chemicals premarketing testing is required for labelling. The testing scheme is described. From the legislative point of view chemical safety is considered essentially in terms of six broad categories: air and water pollution and handling of toxic wastes, classification and labelling of dangerous chemicals and preparations, limitations of use of dangerous substances and preparations, occupational health and safety measures, prevention of major industrial chemical accidents, public health measures related to dangerous chemicals. The classification and labelling of carcinogens and the regulation of the various facets of the use of lead will illustrate these regulatory procedures.