EC adopts proposal to restrict use of dangerous chemicals

The European Commission has adopted a proposal to restrict the use by the general public of 43 chemicals, which can cause cancer and are dangerous to human genes, or toxic to reproduction if used without care.

The substances in question are used in special paints, printing inks, varnishes and adhesives. The Commission proposes that their sale to consumers be banned starting from 1st April 2003.

The EU first introduced a European restriction on some of these CMR-substances (carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction) in 1994.

Since then, the Commission has, on several occasions, proposed adding further chemicals to the list of banned chemicals, as and when scientific evidence emerges that they have CMR properties.

For further information, log on to:

http://europa.eu.int/comm/enterprise/chemicals/index.htm