To ensure that the Alternatives Assessment Criteria for Hazard Evaluation remain relevant and useful for distinguishing among chemicals, DfE may update the criteria based on experience conducting alternatives assessments and on stakeholder input.
The Technical Rules for Hazardous Substances (TRGS) reflect the state of technology, occupational safety and health and occupational hygiene as well as other scientific knowledge relating to the requirements concerning the placing on the market and handling of hazardous substances. The Committee on Hazardous Substances (AGS) establishes the rules and adapts them to the current state of development accordingly.
The TRGS are announced by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs in the Joint Ministerial Gazette.
The criteria for the sustainable selection and use of chemicals were developed by the Umweltbundesamt between 2008 and 2010 and reflect the current state of the expert discussion. They were compiled in a guide for small and medium sized enterprises (SME). These criteria and the systematic approach outlined in the guide were to be further tested and analysed within the scope of the current project using practical examples and reference experiences.
Authorisation provides a regulatory context for substitution. Substitution is a complex process and should be based on risk. Substitution should be goalorientated rather than prescriptive. Comparative risk assessment provides data for substitution decisions. Stakeholders should be consulted when developing substitution criteria. Risk profiles should be developed for candidate substitutes.
Concerns about the health and environmental impacts associated with some chemical products and processes have motivated a growing number of national, state, and local governments, manufacturers, and retailers to develop assessments and approaches for finding safer chemical substitutes.
A decision tool for substance manufacturers, formulators and end users of chemicals
As interest in the substitution of harmful chemicals continues to grow in industry, NGOs and the public sector, organizations are seeking guidance on the selection of appropriate methods and tools. OECD is responding to this need. The OECD’s 49th Joint Meeting of the Chemicals Committee and the Working Party on Chemicals, Pesticides, and Biotechnology established an Ad Hoc Group on Substitution of Harmful Chemicals with the goal of furthering tools and approaches to support decision making for the substitution of chemicals of concern.
The last decade has seen an increased focus on evaluating the safety and sustainability of chemicals in consumer and industrial products. In order to effectively and accurately evaluate safety and sustainability, tools are needed to characterize hazard, exposure, and risk pertaining to products and processes.
Liste initiale des membres du GT Substitution
L’action 66 de la feuille de route de février 2015 résultant de la conférence environnementale précise qu’un groupe de travail définira une méthodologie d’évaluation des solutions de substitution pour les entreprises en ce qui concerne les perturbateurs endocriniens.
La lettre jointe mandate l’INERIS et le MEDEF pour co-animer ce groupe.
