The Second meeting of the Global Alliance to eliminate Lead Paint will be held in Bangkok, Thailand from 9 to 11 July 2012. The purpose of this second meeting of the Global Alliance is understand current  knowledge about lead in paint, present the business plan for the Global Alliance, promote new developments, catalyse collaborative work, and welcome new and potential contributors to the work of the Global Alliance.  The meeting will also provide a forum for discussing the matters that could be brought to the attention of the third session of the International Conference on Chemicals Management when it meets later in the year.

Go to: www.unep.org

ECHA has added thirteen new Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) to the Candidate List. All substances included are classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction. The Candidate List now contains 84 substances. As foreseen by REACH, a specific procedure will be followed to decide whether the substances should also be included in the List of Substances Subject to Authorisation (Annex XIV of the REACH Regulation).

Go to: echa.europa.eu

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published a scientific opinion on human exposure through the diet to a diverse group of mixtures known as ‘mineral oil hydrocarbons’ (MOH). The potential human health impact of MOH varies widely; so-called ‘aromatic’ MOH may act as genotoxic carcinogens (that is they may damage DNA, the genetic material of cells, as well as cause cancer), while some ‘saturated’ MOH can accumulate in human tissue and may cause adverse effects in the liver. The potential human health impact of MOH varies widely; so-called ‘aromatic’ MOH may act as genotoxic carcinogens, while some ‘saturated’ MOH can accumulate in human tissue and may cause adverse effects in the liver. The opinion identifies some potential concerns in relation to exposure to MOH through food.

Go to: www.efsa.europa.eu or to the scientific opinion

Voluntary agreements may be an alternative for implementing measures under the Ecodesign Directive.
The European Commission is likely to endorse an industry agreement for complex set-top boxes (television recievers). It would be the first voluntary agreement on the ecodesign of products.

Go to: www.eceee.org

The French Ministry of Labour has just published a review of the working conditions for 2011. Focus is on the prevention of chemical risks. The Standing Committee of the Working Condition Advisory Committee examined the working condition for the year 2011. This document reflects the French prevention system, the main concerns of health and safety policy at work, as well as EU activities. One chapter is dedicated to the prevention of chemical risks.

Go to:  www.actu-environnement.com (French)  or to the report (French)

Denmark has the best conditions for investing in clean technology in the world, according to the first Global Cleantech Innovation Index. The index, published by Cleantech Group and WWF, analyses where cleantech industries are currently developing and where they might thrive in the future. According to Coming Clean: The Global Cleantech Innovation Index 2012, Israel, Sweden and Finland are the next best countries for cleantech development.

Go to: eep.org

To download the index click here

The winners of the 2012 European Business Awards for the Environment (EBAE) were announced during a prestigious award ceremony held in Brussels on 24 May 2012. They represent large corporations and SMEs, old and new Member States, and sectors from retail to energy to material engineering. Most of the applicants were SMEs. The greatest number of entrieswas in the newly introduced “business and biodiversity” category. They were selected from a shortlist of 14 candidates from nine European countries and wide-ranging economic sectors. They are companies that successfully combine innovation, competitiveness and outstanding environmental performance.

Go to: ec.europa.eu

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) are on the loose today. They are used for the composition of most common products including pesticides that can be found in our food. Despite alarming scientific evidence linking EDCs to severe chronic diseases, exposure to pesticides with endocrine disrupting properties remains disregarded by current regulations.  PAN Europe has decided to repair this by publishing this consumer guide with a special ranking of the 10 most “disrupting” food items in the European Union.
Go to the report in English or in French

More and more substances are studied and classified as hazardous to health or the environment, and an increasing number of companies choose to replace potentially dangerous substances. This publication is a follow up to “Hazardous chemicals can be substituted” from 2006 and can serve as inspiration to companies and public institutions as well as an information source for all other interested parties.

Read more or go to the report

ECHA publishes the first report on the CMR substances registered or notified after the 2010 registration deadline. ECHA has received information from the first REACH registration deadline and the CLP notification deadline, which should cover all hazardous substances on the market in the EU today.  The report is a screening of the information available at the Agency in April 2012. It also presents the first opportunity to take a look at the CMR – carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction – substances which have now been registered and/or notified.

Go to: echa.europa.eu or to the report