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Chemicals Policy

Lack of data poses risks to health and environment; REACH policy aims at protecting with sustainable jobs. Substitution key for eliminating hazardous chemicals, with active involvement of workers and labor unions. Networking among various groups crucial for impactful change.

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Chemicals Policy

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  1. Chemicals Policy Estefanía Blount Boston, October 2003

  2. CURRENT SITUATION • We lack information to protect ourselves & environment • So, can’t manage risks we don’t know • Workers become ill & die because of occupational exposure to chemicals • Difficult & slow to eliminate the most hazardous chemicals • Need to protect healthy & sustainable jobs

  3. LACK FULL RELIABLE DATA EVOLUTION OF SOME TLVs-VLA (in ppm)

  4. Occupational diseases related to chemicals (EU) Assessment of the Impact of the New Chemicals Policy on Occupational Health, RPA. March 2003

  5. REACH • Integrated approach (health & environment) • Provide knowledge • Identifies and restricts use of undesirable chemicals • Shifts burden from authorities to industry • Favors prevention and substitution • Promotes R&D in sustainable products and processes (eg. green chemistry) • Saves lives & protects our health and environment • Protects & creates healthy jobs

  6. REACHSome weaknesses • Only 30% chemicals (< 1 ton?) • Intermediates • Substitution • Multiple exposure • Verification of data • Data not equal to information

  7. SUBSTITUTION • A century per chemical or chemical family...PCBs, DDT, CFCs........ • There are feasible technical solutions • Workers should engage actively in decision and implementation of alternatives • Regulation favors substitution (eg carcinogens)

  8. LABOR UNION PROACTIVITY • Workers & unions need to participate actively in the protection of health & environment. • Examples in CC.OO.: • REACH, POPs • Endocrine disruptors • Janitorial work • Substitution of toxic chemicals • Prompt and safe elimination PCBs • Integrating health & environment....

  9. NETWORKING • Unions in Europe and worldwide • Others: - Scientists/Academics - Healthcare professionals - Environmentalists - Sustainable, progressive bussines - Consumers - Women...... We have common interests and cannot achieve changes alone.

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