On December 18, 2014 the Swedish Chemicals Agency (KemI) announced that it had participated in the European Commission’s public consultation on criteria to identify endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) (previously reported on by the FPF).
KemI is in favor of using the definition for EDCs of the World Health Organization (WHO). This definition was developed via the WHO’s International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS). Further, the definition shall be combined with division of substances into three categories based on strength of evidence for endocrine disrupting properties. The consultation also includes proposals focusing on how the criteria shall be implemented in the Plant Protection Product Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 and the Biocidal Products Regulation (EU) No 528/2012. According to KemI, the criteria shall be applied only based on hazard identification without additional requirements e.g., risk assessment elements or social-economic considerations. Only the current possibilities for exemptions in the regulations shall be used. KemI however urges the Commission to consider available studies, such as those on the health care costs of EDCs (previously reported on by the FPF). The public consultation is still open until January 16, 2015.
Read more
KemI (December 18, 2014). “The Swedish Chemicals Agency response to EU proposal of criteria for endocrine disrupting chemicals.”
KemI (December 18, 2014). “Swedish Chemicals Agency response.” (pdf)
