Governments Begin to Help Consumers Avoid Toxic Products

Summary

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The EU's REACH program began on June 1, when it required that every company register chemicals sold in the EU, in bulk or in consumer products. Companies must reveal the chemical composition and toxicity of their consumer products and must finance their own toxicity studies. All of this information will be entered into a public registry. Until a company proves the safety of its product, it cannot be sold in the EU.

"On the level of depth and breadth of coverage, the REACH program wins on both accounts," John Margeson, Industry Canada's chemical specialist, said.

There is also no obligation for the government to keep a dangerous chemical off the shelves. The law gives the government up to two years after assessing a chemical to take action, but does not oblige it to ban a dangerous chemical.

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Extract

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Governments Begin to Help Consumers Avoid Toxic Products

By William Marsden

MONTREAL -- Viviane Maraghi expected the blood tests to show she would have some chemical pollution in her body, but nothing like this.

After all, she viewed herself as "very environment...

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