News

REACH

Study: Trichloroethylene mostly substituted with perchloroethylene in metal parts cleaning

The study conducted by the FRAM centre of the University of Gothenburg investigates which solvents and methods have replaced trichloroethylene (TCE) in the metal parts cleaning industry in the EU.

The study is based on an industry survey, distributed to former users of TCE. It concludes that the main substitute for TCE is a chemically similar substance: perchloroethylene.

TCE is a substance of very high concern (SVHC) that has been subject to REACH authorisation since 2014, with a sunset date in 2016. In this case, progressive substitution has been achieved as ECHA has not received any review reports (applications for renewed authorisation) after 2020 for using TCE in metal parts cleaning.

Read the study

Candidate List updated with eight hazardous chemicals

The Candidate List of substances of very high concern now contains 219 chemicals that may harm people or the environment.

News | Candidate List of SVHCs for authorisation

Biocides

BPC work programme updated

The Work Programme of the Biocidal Products Committee (BPC), indicating the rolling agenda of the BPC and WG meetings (2021–2022) is now available.

Work programme for BPC 2021-2022

Consultation launched for a potential candidates for substitution

ECHA has launched a consultation for propiconazole (EC 262-104-4, CAS 60207-90-1) as a new potential candidate for substitution under the Biocidal Products Regulation. The deadline to comment is 6 September 2021.

Give comments | Consultation process and instructions

Occupational exposure limits

RAC opinions on scientific evaluations for asbestos and cadmium

The Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) has issued opinions on the evaluation of occupational exposure limits (OELs) for asbestos, and cadmium and its inorganic compounds.

On asbestos, the opinion describes how the level of excess cancer risk depends on the concentration of mixed asbestos fibres in air (the exposure response relationship). This will support the Commission in the review of the current occupational exposure limit.

RAC noted that while the use of all asbestos fibre types is already banned in the EU and stringent control measures apply to asbestos removal work, occupational exposure may still occur, for example, during uncontrolled demolition or maintenance activities involving old asbestos products.

Opinion