June 21, 2010

EPA Settles Case Concerning Human Subjects Protections Rule

On June 18, 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it has settled a lawsuit over its 2006 final rule regarding protections for subjects in human research. Under the settlement, EPA agrees to propose amendments to the rule consistent with language negotiated by the groups who challenged it — Natural Resources Defense Council, Pesticide Action Network North America, Pineros y Campesinos Unidos Del Noroeste, Physicians for Social Responsibility, Farm Labor...
June 18, 2010

ECHA Publishes Technical Manual for Including Nanoforms in an IUCLID Dossier

On June 11, 2010, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced the availability of a technical manual for including nanoforms in an International Uniform Chemical Information Database (IUCLID) dossier. The Nanomaterials in IUCLID 5.2 Industry User Manual “gives practical instruction to [Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH)] registrants on how to include information on different forms of a substance in a IUCLID 5.2 dossier.” The...
June 10, 2010

CDTSC Holds Alternatives Assessment Symposium

On June 9, 2010, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (CDTSC) held a conference entitled “Alternatives Analysis Symposium I: Issues and Evolution, Capitalizing on Success.” CDTSC states that the alternatives analysis process for chemicals used in consumer products is a “core element” of California’s Green Chemistry Initiative, and that identifying alternatives is a complex process, involving an analysis of a chemical’s impact on human health...
June 8, 2010

ECHA Clarifies the Definition of Intermediates

In a June 1, 2010, press release, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced that Member States have alerted ECHA and the European Commission (EC) “to industry positions on intermediates, which appear not to be in line with the definition of intermediates in [the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) legislation] and the guidance on intermediates.” The purpose of the guidance document, agreed among all authorities, is to explain to industry...
June 7, 2010

EP Committee Votes on Proposed Recast of the RoHS Directive

On June 2, 2010, the European Parliament (EP) Committee on the Environment, Public Health, and Food Safety approved the proposed recast of the Directive on the Restrictions of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) in Electrical and Electronic Equipment, with 55 votes in favor, one against, and two abstentions. Although the proposal by rapporteur Jill Evans would have added all brominated and chlorinated flame retardants, polyvinyl chloride, chlorinated plasticizers, and three phthalates — butyl...