REACH Exacts a Heavy Toll
Ever since its adoption, REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals) has excited a lot of discussion and controversy. Although few would argue about its noble goal of preventing the environment from being polluted and poisoned by toxic chemicals, the greatest concerns have always been the cost to industry and the future availability of critical chemicals.
Articles in this issue of LubesnGreases EMEA provide some insight on these issues. On Page 10, we report on a presentation by Stephan Baumgrtel, of the German Lubricants Industry Association, reviewing the high cost of compliance with both REACH and the Biocidal Product Regulation.
One of the most important points Baumgrtel makes is that testing under REACH does not take into account common handling and use. Thus, many substances are labeled as toxic under REACH that are perfectly safe under normal handling conditions. His review of the situation makes for interesting reading.
Many of Baumgrtels conclusions are validated in a study recently issued by the European Commission, Monitoring the Impacts of REACH on Innovation, Competitiveness and SMEs, which we cover on Page 42. The 250-page report draws some compelling conclusions about the costs associated with REACH compliance. For instance, the report shows money normally spent on developing new and innovative products has, instead, been diverted to toxicological testing, severely hampering companies competitiveness.
Going forward, you can rely on LubesnGreases to keep you abreast of the ramifications of REACH and other regulations on your ability to do business.
– Richard Beercheck
dick@LubesnGreases.com