Some PFAS of market relevance and with properties of concern are regulated by the European REACH Regulation on chemicals, the CLP Regulation on the classification, labelling and packaging of chemicals, or the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).
Chemicals are often blended during processing and frequently released into the environment together with other chemicals. REACH so far only assesses individual chemicals and derives acceptable environmental concentrations. Joint exposures and joint effects may give rise to additional risks. It is therefore important to assess and regulate mixtures of chemicals.
The AskREACH project has hosted a number of events for companies and industry associations regarding substances of very high concern (SVHCs) in their products. The latest web conference - "Compliance digital - Simplified corporate communication on SVHCs in articles"- took place on 7 September 2022.
The following reports are the result of the project “Advancing REACH”, which is funded within the research plan of the BMU. The project analyses various aspects of the REACH Regulation and its implementation and develops possible improvements, including possible amendments to the text of the Regulation and its annexes.
The European chemicals regulation REACH is intended to contribute to a more sustainable chemistry. A current UBA report provides a systematic analysis on the relations between main elements of REACH (e.g. Registration or Information in the supply chain) and main elements of sustainable chemistry (e.g. substitution of hazardous substances or corporate social responsibility of companies).
A large amount of petroleum- and coal-based chemicals is used as intermediates. A research project recently launched by UBA is intended to clarify, whether intermediate product applications result in the transfer of constituents of concern in the value chain or their release into the environment.
Certain chemical substances are harmful to man and the environment. As part of the “AskREACH” EU LIFE project, staff in companies which produce or sell consumer products are able to partake in an online survey on “Substances of Very High Concern” in manufactured products until 30 September 2018. The results will be incorporated in the development of a Europe wide database and app.
The AskREACH project aimed at raising awareness on Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) in articles among the European population, retailers and industry. AskREACH developed the smartphone app Scan4Chem which can be used to readily receive information on SVHCs in consumer articles or send information requests to suppliers. At the end of 2026, the AskREACH system & app, will be taken offline.
