Reach: the critical challenge
In all likelihood, in the spring of 2007, the new European chemicals legislation REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals)) will enter into force. In spite of various substantial revisions and improvements of the proposal, REACH is, without question, the most important challenge for the chemical industry in the past decades. REACH assigns the responsibility for chemical safety to industry. All enterprises that manufacture or import more than one ton of a given chemical per year will be required to register the latter in a central database, by submitting a technical dossier. Most notably, the preparation of an extensive Chemical Safety Report, which is, in addition, required for substances in quantities above 10 tons per annum, represents a challenge, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises. Risk assessments for human exposure and the environment are key elements in this document. In order to adequately prepare such a report, which includes, for example, the development of exposure scenarios and the evaluation of the extensive physico-chemical, toxicological and ecotoxicological results obtained in the required test procedures, an in-depth knowledge of chemistry, biology, toxicology and ecotoxicology is indispensable. Given the above, it is likely that competent consulting companies, as well as contract research organisations, will play a key role as partners vis-à-vis the chemical industry, assisting it to meet the REACH requirements, facilitating the implementation of the new chemicals policy and reducing the costs. Cooperation will ensure the fulfilment of REACH objectives, ie the optimal protection of human health and the environment, as well as the free circulation of substances on the internal market, while at the same time enhancing competitiveness and innovation. Dr Knoell Consult, Ibacon and BSL Bioservice have established a cooperation in which Ibacon is responsible for the execution of physical/chemical and ecotoxicological studies, BSL for toxicological studies, and Dr Knoell Consult for the compilation of data, preparation of risk assessments for human exposure and the environment etc. Dr Knoell Consult GmbH is based in Leverkusen, Germany. |
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