WEBVTT 1 00:00:00.296 --> 00:00:01.997 Safer Chemicals Podcast. 2 00:00:02.737 --> 00:00:04.859 Sound science on harmful chemicals. 3 00:00:11.462 --> 00:00:16.665 Both committees were able to draw provisional conclusions on the use of PFAS in the petroleum and mining industries. 4 00:00:17.405 --> 00:00:19.667 We will also take a further look at the textiles, 5 00:00:19.727 --> 00:00:20.287 upholstery, 6 00:00:20.407 --> 00:00:20.687 leather, 7 00:00:20.787 --> 00:00:24.990 apparel and carpet sector and at the food contact materials and packaging sector in November. 8 00:00:25.030 --> 00:00:28.952 And this is to incorporate the change in the way that RAC calculates the PFAS emissions. 9 00:00:29.480 --> 00:00:30.761 And then in the November meetings, 10 00:00:30.761 --> 00:00:32.382 we will also discuss a new sector, 11 00:00:32.542 --> 00:00:33.843 and that's construction products. 12 00:00:35.183 --> 00:00:37.585 Talc is widely used in several products, 13 00:00:37.625 --> 00:00:39.926 including in many consumer products. 14 00:00:40.467 --> 00:00:40.827 However, 15 00:00:41.327 --> 00:00:42.848 given also its widespread use, 16 00:00:42.888 --> 00:00:46.390 there were concerns about its potential to harm our health. 17 00:00:47.271 --> 00:00:51.133 After extensive discussions and reviewing a lot of scientific studies, 18 00:00:51.613 --> 00:00:56.336 the committee recommended classifying talc as a substance that can cause cancer. 19 00:00:57.056 --> 00:01:05.562 These findings were based on the latest scientific data and our independent assessment considered all the information submitted during the consultation as well. 20 00:01:07.223 --> 00:01:09.104 Welcome to the Safer Chemicals podcast. 21 00:01:09.545 --> 00:01:11.546 I'm here again with Roberto and Maria, 22 00:01:11.626 --> 00:01:15.209 the chairs of our Risk Assessment and Socio-Economic Analysis Committees. 23 00:01:16.469 --> 00:01:20.312 The committees have just ended their September meetings and we'll be going through the highlights. 24 00:01:21.693 --> 00:01:26.036 We'll first start with an update on evaluating the universal PFAS restriction proposal. 25 00:01:27.520 --> 00:01:38.289 We'll also be talking about the harmonised classification and labeling for talc and committee opinions on authorising the use of chromium-6 compounds in the aeronautics and defense industries. 26 00:01:39.770 --> 00:01:41.651 Great to have you both back after the summer break. 27 00:01:41.872 --> 00:01:43.273 Did you do anything exciting? 28 00:01:44.514 --> 00:01:45.375 Thank you for asking. 29 00:01:45.615 --> 00:01:46.075 Not really. 30 00:01:46.075 --> 00:01:46.936 What about you, 31 00:01:46.996 --> 00:01:47.256 Maria? 32 00:01:47.536 --> 00:01:47.716 Yeah, 33 00:01:47.816 --> 00:01:48.717 thanks very much for asking, 34 00:01:48.737 --> 00:01:48.937 Adam. 35 00:01:48.977 --> 00:01:50.919 I went on a cycling holiday in the Baltics, 36 00:01:50.979 --> 00:01:51.539 which was lovely. 37 00:01:51.840 --> 00:01:51.960 Oh, 38 00:01:51.960 --> 00:01:52.240 wow. 39 00:01:52.280 --> 00:01:53.001 How many kilometers? 40 00:01:53.441 --> 00:01:54.102 50 per day, 41 00:01:54.182 --> 00:01:54.642 more or less. 42 00:01:54.822 --> 00:01:55.142 Very painful. 43 00:01:56.383 --> 00:01:56.924 Nice scenery? 44 00:01:57.784 --> 00:01:58.285 Very lovely, 45 00:01:58.365 --> 00:01:58.565 yes. 46 00:01:58.665 --> 00:01:59.305 All right, 47 00:01:59.365 --> 00:02:00.006 good to have you here. 48 00:02:00.046 --> 00:02:02.827 So let's start with the universal restriction proposal for PFAS. 49 00:02:03.527 --> 00:02:04.628 In the September meetings, 50 00:02:04.628 --> 00:02:07.450 the committee has covered PFAS in petroleum and mining, 51 00:02:07.890 --> 00:02:09.030 a long list coming up here, 52 00:02:09.070 --> 00:02:09.851 so bear with me, 53 00:02:10.211 --> 00:02:11.252 textiles, upholstery, 54 00:02:11.552 --> 00:02:11.832 leather, 55 00:02:12.292 --> 00:02:12.793 apparel, 56 00:02:13.353 --> 00:02:13.833 carpets, 57 00:02:14.073 --> 00:02:16.475 and food contact materials and packaging. 58 00:02:17.615 --> 00:02:18.015 Roberto, 59 00:02:18.356 --> 00:02:20.697 what did the risk assessment committee look at in particular? 60 00:02:21.717 --> 00:02:22.038 Thank you, 61 00:02:22.238 --> 00:02:22.438 Adam, 62 00:02:22.498 --> 00:02:23.138 for the question. 63 00:02:23.458 --> 00:02:26.380 And perhaps I would start from an horizontal discussion that... 64 00:02:26.580 --> 00:02:28.141 is affecting horizontally all sectors, 65 00:02:28.141 --> 00:02:30.002 so I think it makes sense to start from there. 66 00:02:30.542 --> 00:02:35.526 And this relates particularly to the fate of PFAS at the end of its life. 67 00:02:35.826 --> 00:02:41.029 And the committee is looking to the possibility that PFAS could be released in the form of particles, 68 00:02:41.609 --> 00:02:43.010 in the form of polymer 69 00:02:43.671 --> 00:02:45.071 PFAS, polymeric PFAS, 70 00:02:45.212 --> 00:02:47.653 versus leachate of leachable PFAS. 71 00:02:47.833 --> 00:02:52.116 And they actually behave differently into the environment and 72 00:02:52.556 --> 00:02:55.038 this leads to different emission factors. 73 00:02:55.118 --> 00:02:56.900 So we had a good discussion into this. 74 00:02:57.520 --> 00:03:01.623 And this related also what happens once they reach the end of their life. 75 00:03:01.663 --> 00:03:02.524 So for instance, 76 00:03:02.524 --> 00:03:07.188 if they are disposed in a landfill or whether incinerated in waste incinerators. 77 00:03:07.668 --> 00:03:16.375 And this actually resulted in different emission factors that will affect the quantities that effectively reach the environment and then can cause damages. 78 00:03:17.356 --> 00:03:17.636 All right, 79 00:03:17.636 --> 00:03:19.338 so that covers the horizontal aspects. 80 00:03:20.118 --> 00:03:22.040 What other sectors did you look at then in particular? 81 00:03:23.384 --> 00:03:25.685 Perhaps we can start with petroleum mining, 82 00:03:25.765 --> 00:03:28.325 where we reached final provisional conclusions. 83 00:03:29.086 --> 00:03:35.287 In that sector PFAS are used in some applications such as water tracers or anti-foaming agents. 84 00:03:35.868 --> 00:03:39.889 We looked of course at emissions and also the volumes that are linked to this. 85 00:03:41.149 --> 00:03:46.631 I think the committee had a good discussion and we are not planning actually to come back to this specific sector. 86 00:03:47.171 --> 00:03:47.851 On the contrary, 87 00:03:48.011 --> 00:03:49.892 additional two sectors that we looked at, 88 00:03:50.072 --> 00:03:51.492 the so-called 89 00:03:51.756 --> 00:03:52.056 TULAC, 90 00:03:52.216 --> 00:03:54.677 so the textiles and similar sectors, 91 00:03:54.957 --> 00:03:58.418 and also the food contact materials have been looked at. 92 00:03:59.358 --> 00:04:04.200 But there we will have to come back in November and we will explain you later why this is so. 93 00:04:04.980 --> 00:04:05.160 Right, 94 00:04:05.180 --> 00:04:05.380 okay. 95 00:04:05.400 --> 00:04:10.521 So for provisional conclusions our audience won't know what those are until the actual final opinion? 96 00:04:10.922 --> 00:04:11.762 That's correct indeed, 97 00:04:11.802 --> 00:04:15.663 because there will be a sort of finalisation at the very end of the process, 98 00:04:15.743 --> 00:04:19.204 we'll have the full picture for all the elements and this will allow the committee to reach definitely a final conclusion. 99 00:04:22.266 --> 00:04:26.148 So fair to say that the evaluation is progressing then from the risk assessment side. 100 00:04:26.929 --> 00:04:27.549 What about you then, 101 00:04:27.589 --> 00:04:27.909 Maria? 102 00:04:28.350 --> 00:04:31.311 You covered the same sectors from the socio-economic perspective. 103 00:04:31.351 --> 00:04:32.512 So what can you share with us? 104 00:04:33.933 --> 00:04:34.093 Well, 105 00:04:34.133 --> 00:04:35.394 on the petroleum and mining, 106 00:04:35.494 --> 00:04:36.335 similarly to RAC, 107 00:04:36.475 --> 00:04:38.456 we were able to reach provisional conclusions. 108 00:04:39.288 --> 00:04:40.529 And as always in SEAC, 109 00:04:40.529 --> 00:04:43.712 we start by looking at the availability of alternatives to PFAS. 110 00:04:43.872 --> 00:04:46.394 And then that allows us to continue looking, 111 00:04:46.434 --> 00:04:46.974 for instance, 112 00:04:47.034 --> 00:04:48.075 into the costs, 113 00:04:48.075 --> 00:04:52.718 because depending on how many alternatives are available and what needs to be done to implement them, 114 00:04:53.239 --> 00:04:55.320 the cost will be higher or lower. 115 00:04:56.381 --> 00:04:57.882 Then we also consider the benefits, 116 00:04:58.663 --> 00:05:05.748 which are basically those that are associated with lower emissions from PFAS as a result of a restriction. 117 00:05:06.376 --> 00:05:12.004 And then we always bring it all back together by considering for particular sectors of particular uses, 118 00:05:12.164 --> 00:05:16.470 are derogations needed to be able to ensure that the restriction is proportionate. 119 00:05:16.470 --> 00:05:19.113 So that's always the analysis that SEAC does. 120 00:05:19.594 --> 00:05:20.355 And as I mentioned, 121 00:05:20.355 --> 00:05:21.356 in petroleum and mining, 122 00:05:21.356 --> 00:05:24.360 we were able to arrive at provisional conclusions as well. 123 00:05:25.588 --> 00:05:25.768 Then, 124 00:05:26.369 --> 00:05:27.809 we also looked at the other sectors, 125 00:05:27.849 --> 00:05:30.951 this famous TULAC and the food contact materials and packaging. 126 00:05:31.371 --> 00:05:32.052 And for those, 127 00:05:32.092 --> 00:05:34.413 the discussions will continue in the next meeting as well. 128 00:05:34.493 --> 00:05:38.495 And that is because of what Roberto said earlier about the emissions potentially changing. 129 00:05:38.555 --> 00:05:39.336 For these sectors, 130 00:05:39.476 --> 00:05:43.718 the emissions coming from fluoropolymers are quite a substantial proportion. 131 00:05:44.198 --> 00:05:45.399 So the emissions will change. 132 00:05:45.479 --> 00:05:45.939 Therefore, 133 00:05:46.159 --> 00:05:49.581 the benefits change and then the final considerations also change. 134 00:05:49.621 --> 00:05:52.843 So aspects such as availability of alternatives, 135 00:05:53.383 --> 00:05:54.584 we can consider that they are pretty much closed. 136 00:05:56.829 --> 00:05:58.630 Then the rest we will have to rediscuss. 137 00:05:59.750 --> 00:05:59.870 Well, 138 00:05:59.950 --> 00:06:02.411 let's then focus a little bit more on the famous TULAC, 139 00:06:02.711 --> 00:06:03.251 as you said it. 140 00:06:03.271 --> 00:06:03.391 So, 141 00:06:03.872 --> 00:06:07.793 can you talk a bit more about the kinds of uses within this sector? 142 00:06:09.274 --> 00:06:09.394 So, 143 00:06:09.474 --> 00:06:10.314 within this, 144 00:06:10.434 --> 00:06:10.814 as you say, 145 00:06:10.874 --> 00:06:11.595 famous tulak, 146 00:06:11.935 --> 00:06:14.696 the uses that are discussed were quite a variety. 147 00:06:14.776 --> 00:06:14.896 So, 148 00:06:14.976 --> 00:06:15.456 you have got, 149 00:06:15.516 --> 00:06:16.117 for instance, 150 00:06:16.157 --> 00:06:16.917 home textiles, 151 00:06:16.997 --> 00:06:19.478 and there we have items such as carpets, 152 00:06:19.898 --> 00:06:20.598 curtains, 153 00:06:20.638 --> 00:06:20.879 you know, 154 00:06:20.919 --> 00:06:21.519 that sort of thing. 155 00:06:22.659 --> 00:06:24.480 Then you have consumer and professional wear. 156 00:06:24.840 --> 00:06:25.501 They were talking, 157 00:06:25.561 --> 00:06:26.121 for instance, 158 00:06:26.141 --> 00:06:27.602 of outdoor garments and footwear. 159 00:06:28.402 --> 00:06:32.184 And also there is a use of PFAS in personal protective equipment, 160 00:06:32.244 --> 00:06:34.366 which is quite an important use within that sector. 161 00:06:34.946 --> 00:06:38.648 And this was all discussed within the disciplinary. 162 00:06:39.609 --> 00:06:41.550 But also there were other uses of 163 00:06:41.890 --> 00:06:47.253 PFAS that one may think could be part of the textiles sector, 164 00:06:47.333 --> 00:06:51.635 but they are not discussed this time and they will be discussed later on. 165 00:06:53.016 --> 00:06:58.919 So an example of that would be the use of PFAS in industrial equipment for the manufacturing of textiles, 166 00:06:58.959 --> 00:07:00.799 such as conveyor belts and that sort of thing. 167 00:07:00.839 --> 00:07:01.880 So that will come later on. 168 00:07:01.880 --> 00:07:03.040 All right. 169 00:07:03.080 --> 00:07:03.280 Okay. 170 00:07:03.320 --> 00:07:06.041 So a wide range of uses for the committee to assess. 171 00:07:06.642 --> 00:07:08.903 What about then the food contact materials and packaging? 172 00:07:08.923 --> 00:07:10.203 Can we talk a little bit about that? 173 00:07:10.863 --> 00:07:14.105 This is also an important sector with a variety of uses. 174 00:07:14.205 --> 00:07:16.386 According to the dossier submitted proposal, 175 00:07:17.026 --> 00:07:19.327 we group them in four categories. 176 00:07:19.787 --> 00:07:21.288 So the first one is food packaging, 177 00:07:21.328 --> 00:07:21.748 such as the... 178 00:07:22.036 --> 00:07:25.617 plastics for food packaging that you can normally buy in any supermarket, 179 00:07:26.257 --> 00:07:27.558 but also feed packaging, 180 00:07:27.698 --> 00:07:28.498 like for instance, 181 00:07:28.578 --> 00:07:29.118 pet food. 182 00:07:29.938 --> 00:07:31.879 The third category is non-food packaging. 183 00:07:31.919 --> 00:07:34.019 So any packaging used for goods, 184 00:07:34.219 --> 00:07:36.560 even like car wrapping or similar. 185 00:07:37.040 --> 00:07:37.540 And finally, 186 00:07:37.600 --> 00:07:40.321 the considered food content materials, 187 00:07:40.501 --> 00:07:42.522 such as the cookware and bakeware, 188 00:07:42.582 --> 00:07:46.183 like non-sticking pans or similar items. 189 00:07:46.503 --> 00:07:47.923 So it's a quite diverse, 190 00:07:48.643 --> 00:07:48.943 let's say, 191 00:07:49.103 --> 00:07:49.524 sector, 192 00:07:49.624 --> 00:07:51.144 but I think the committee was able to... 193 00:07:51.144 --> 00:07:53.585 to address them in a coherent and homogeneous manner. 194 00:07:53.665 --> 00:07:54.886 So I think they did a good job. 195 00:07:56.546 --> 00:07:56.947 And just, 196 00:07:57.187 --> 00:07:59.108 I think we might have talked about this in a previous episode, 197 00:07:59.108 --> 00:08:01.128 but now we're talking about food contact materials. 198 00:08:01.289 --> 00:08:03.610 Does this fall also somehow within the remit of EFSA? 199 00:08:03.670 --> 00:08:04.830 Do they have some kind of a role? 200 00:08:04.830 --> 00:08:06.511 Will this impact their work in any way? 201 00:08:07.171 --> 00:08:07.431 Yes, 202 00:08:07.491 --> 00:08:07.831 indeed. 203 00:08:08.252 --> 00:08:13.654 There are relationships that have been looked at by the committee because there is a specific regulatory environment. 204 00:08:13.734 --> 00:08:17.836 And so we need to be sure to harmonize any provisions that REACH will. 205 00:08:18.280 --> 00:08:21.661 take into this area with the existing regulatory framework. 206 00:08:21.821 --> 00:08:22.361 And indeed, 207 00:08:22.461 --> 00:08:26.202 EFSA also colleagues are participating attending the discussion as observers. 208 00:08:26.782 --> 00:08:26.962 Right, 209 00:08:27.082 --> 00:08:27.303 okay. 210 00:08:28.383 --> 00:08:28.583 Well, 211 00:08:29.023 --> 00:08:31.084 thank you both for your insights and to summarize, 212 00:08:31.224 --> 00:08:34.384 you covered first of all PFAS in petroleum mining, 213 00:08:34.485 --> 00:08:35.465 textiles and upholstery, 214 00:08:35.545 --> 00:08:38.266 as well as food contact materials and packaging. 215 00:08:39.346 --> 00:08:42.867 So for petroleum you reached your provisional conclusions, 216 00:08:43.267 --> 00:08:47.008 while for textiles and food packaging discussions will then continue in November. 217 00:08:47.468 --> 00:08:50.410 I think this is actually a nice bridge to what is coming next. 218 00:08:50.550 --> 00:08:55.634 And I think our listeners are also eager to hear what new sectors are on the horizon for November, 219 00:08:55.654 --> 00:08:56.654 but also beyond. 220 00:08:57.595 --> 00:08:57.755 Well, 221 00:08:57.775 --> 00:08:58.476 as you mentioned, 222 00:08:58.476 --> 00:08:59.036 in November, 223 00:08:59.036 --> 00:09:02.538 we continue with TULAC and with food contact material and packaging. 224 00:09:03.199 --> 00:09:04.940 But then we take a new sector as well, 225 00:09:04.980 --> 00:09:06.281 which is construction products. 226 00:09:07.342 --> 00:09:09.083 And then when we move to 2025, 227 00:09:09.083 --> 00:09:12.165 we expect to cover fluorinated gases applications, 228 00:09:12.325 --> 00:09:13.526 transport and energy. 229 00:09:14.146 --> 00:09:15.647 And I think we should also remind that, 230 00:09:15.647 --> 00:09:16.228 as usual, 231 00:09:16.328 --> 00:09:16.668 we are... 232 00:09:16.808 --> 00:09:18.589 dependent on how the five authorities, 233 00:09:18.629 --> 00:09:20.230 what we call the dossier submitters, 234 00:09:20.670 --> 00:09:24.752 are able to update with regard to their initial restriction report. 235 00:09:25.113 --> 00:09:28.795 And also following the consultation input that resulted in many comments. 236 00:09:29.775 --> 00:09:31.156 And as a reminder to our listeners, 237 00:09:31.216 --> 00:09:34.638 these authorities are the ones that submitted the proposal to ECHA for evaluation. 238 00:09:35.038 --> 00:09:36.199 So that would be Germany, 239 00:09:36.459 --> 00:09:37.039 Netherlands, 240 00:09:37.139 --> 00:09:37.520 Denmark, 241 00:09:37.580 --> 00:09:37.840 Sweden, 242 00:09:37.860 --> 00:09:38.580 and Norway. 243 00:09:38.820 --> 00:09:39.101 Indeed, 244 00:09:39.261 --> 00:09:40.121 and that's correct. 245 00:09:40.141 --> 00:09:40.861 And we work very, 246 00:09:40.922 --> 00:09:41.822 very closely with them. 247 00:09:41.862 --> 00:09:42.442 I think we have, 248 00:09:42.462 --> 00:09:42.863 I would say, 249 00:09:42.943 --> 00:09:43.683 daily contacts, 250 00:09:44.484 --> 00:09:44.964 because indeed... 251 00:09:45.264 --> 00:09:50.786 The amount of information to be processed and the dossier that they have to be assessed by the committees is very large. 252 00:09:50.846 --> 00:09:52.426 And so this requires a constant, 253 00:09:52.606 --> 00:09:52.826 indeed, 254 00:09:52.866 --> 00:09:53.586 exchange with them. 255 00:09:53.666 --> 00:09:56.907 And I think I have to say we work very well with the dossier submitters. 256 00:09:57.447 --> 00:09:57.727 All right. 257 00:09:57.767 --> 00:09:58.068 Thank you. 258 00:09:58.128 --> 00:09:59.728 Let's then move on to the next topic. 259 00:09:59.928 --> 00:10:05.070 And this is now a proposal from the Netherlands to harmonize the classification and labeling of talk. 260 00:10:05.870 --> 00:10:06.090 Now, 261 00:10:06.310 --> 00:10:10.791 the Dutch authorities propose to classify talk as a substance suspected of causing cancer, 262 00:10:11.711 --> 00:10:13.812 as well as damage to lungs if inhaled. 263 00:10:14.300 --> 00:10:14.741 Roberto, 264 00:10:15.001 --> 00:10:17.265 we did cover this already a bit in June, 265 00:10:17.365 --> 00:10:19.669 but now the committee has adopted its opinion. 266 00:10:19.850 --> 00:10:21.112 So to get us started, 267 00:10:21.332 --> 00:10:23.476 can you first remind us where talk is used? 268 00:10:24.580 --> 00:10:26.741 It definitely has a widespread use, 269 00:10:26.901 --> 00:10:32.104 probably the most well-known is as a cosmetic product for baby powder or similar uses, 270 00:10:32.204 --> 00:10:33.985 but it's also used as a food additives, 271 00:10:33.985 --> 00:10:35.325 in pharmaceutical products, 272 00:10:35.365 --> 00:10:36.086 in paints. 273 00:10:36.426 --> 00:10:39.767 So it's really a quite widespread use indeed. 274 00:10:40.668 --> 00:10:44.429 If I can now move to the scientific assessment that was carried out by the committee, 275 00:10:44.930 --> 00:10:48.371 I would like to start mentioning that the dataset was really impressive. 276 00:10:48.551 --> 00:10:49.552 I think for also 277 00:10:50.280 --> 00:10:51.281 For different reasons, 278 00:10:51.361 --> 00:10:51.561 really, 279 00:10:51.561 --> 00:10:54.022 the rapporteur said to go through a huge amount of data. 280 00:10:54.723 --> 00:10:59.045 And this also triggered an exceptional level of discussion at RAC level. 281 00:10:59.065 --> 00:11:02.787 We had a very high number of members participating and inputting to the discussion. 282 00:11:03.468 --> 00:11:05.889 The main issue was related to the carcinogenicity, 283 00:11:06.109 --> 00:11:06.449 indeed. 284 00:11:06.569 --> 00:11:09.691 So the dossier submitter proposed a carcinogenicity category 2. 285 00:11:10.452 --> 00:11:12.113 The committee reached a different conclusion, 286 00:11:12.253 --> 00:11:13.113 namely category 287 00:11:13.493 --> 00:11:17.936 1b. And this was based on limited evidence. 288 00:11:18.236 --> 00:11:19.756 in animal experiments, 289 00:11:19.896 --> 00:11:23.838 namely female rats developing lung cancer, 290 00:11:24.938 --> 00:11:28.159 associated with also limited evidence in humans, 291 00:11:28.319 --> 00:11:33.020 specifically ovary cancer due to perineal use of talc by women. 292 00:11:35.181 --> 00:11:47.624 Also worthwhile to mention that this was based on a novel approach by the committee that used an existing provision in CLP that allows to use data from animal plus limited data from human. 293 00:11:48.176 --> 00:11:50.337 and put it together to support a category 294 00:11:50.797 --> 00:11:52.558 1b that is a quite serious category. 295 00:11:53.798 --> 00:12:07.024 There is also an issue about the route of exposure because we were not able to conclude or to exclude specific route of exposure such as oral because CLP does not allow to do this unless you can prove that this route of exposure is excluded. 296 00:12:07.984 --> 00:12:10.265 And really if I can say the last word on that, 297 00:12:11.265 --> 00:12:12.066 coincidentally, 298 00:12:12.586 --> 00:12:12.866 IARC, 299 00:12:12.946 --> 00:12:17.328 that is the agency of WHO on cancer research, 300 00:12:17.868 --> 00:12:19.129 reach a similar conclusion. 301 00:12:19.409 --> 00:12:22.590 And what is interesting is they use a slightly different data set, 302 00:12:22.710 --> 00:12:23.590 different criteria, 303 00:12:24.131 --> 00:12:28.953 but the conclusions are comparable to the ones that has been reached by our committee. 304 00:12:29.533 --> 00:12:29.713 Okay. 305 00:12:29.793 --> 00:12:33.314 Reassuring to know that both agencies have then reached the same conclusion in this. 306 00:12:33.735 --> 00:12:35.395 So in terms of the next step then, 307 00:12:35.615 --> 00:12:45.059 so I guess for the commission to consider the committee's opinion and whether an adopted classification labeling for TALC should then be included in the CLP regulation. 308 00:12:45.139 --> 00:12:46.860 And just to mention that if it is... 309 00:12:47.376 --> 00:12:47.996 This would then, 310 00:12:48.016 --> 00:12:48.396 of course, 311 00:12:48.456 --> 00:12:50.958 lead to kind of clearer communication about the risks. 312 00:12:51.218 --> 00:12:51.338 So, 313 00:12:51.638 --> 00:12:51.878 I mean, 314 00:12:51.918 --> 00:12:52.678 thinking about workers, 315 00:12:52.698 --> 00:12:53.258 for example, 316 00:12:54.159 --> 00:12:58.881 it would mean better safety measures in the workplace for wearing protective gear or improving ventilation. 317 00:12:59.521 --> 00:13:00.582 And for consumers, 318 00:13:00.822 --> 00:13:01.302 I suppose, 319 00:13:01.382 --> 00:13:06.984 labels on products with warnings or instructions to help them use safely the products in question, 320 00:13:07.064 --> 00:13:07.244 right? 321 00:13:07.785 --> 00:13:07.965 Yes, 322 00:13:08.225 --> 00:13:08.825 that's correct. 323 00:13:08.925 --> 00:13:09.285 In a way, 324 00:13:09.685 --> 00:13:09.965 CLP, 325 00:13:10.125 --> 00:13:12.566 the classification and labeling and packaging regulation, 326 00:13:12.747 --> 00:13:15.888 is the cornerstone of the regulatory framework on chemicals. 327 00:13:15.908 --> 00:13:16.028 And... 328 00:13:16.308 --> 00:13:17.309 is really the basis. 329 00:13:17.409 --> 00:13:26.435 So we assess the hazards and once the hazards have been established and the commission will look whether this deserves to be included in so-called annex 6 of the CLP regulation, 330 00:13:26.495 --> 00:13:29.798 then it becomes obligatory and then all users, 331 00:13:29.878 --> 00:13:34.461 be it workers and industry or even products that are available to consumers, 332 00:13:34.901 --> 00:13:38.584 will need to report the correct hazard communication. 333 00:13:38.664 --> 00:13:44.368 And there might also be downstream consequences in the sense that specific regulation could decide to restrict 334 00:13:44.568 --> 00:13:48.512 certain products as a result of the hazard communication and classification, 335 00:13:48.512 --> 00:13:49.713 of course. 336 00:13:49.993 --> 00:13:51.334 Then let's move on to Chromium 6. 337 00:13:51.714 --> 00:13:52.355 So here, 338 00:13:53.096 --> 00:13:59.521 both committees adopted their opinions on applications for authorization to use this substance in aviation and defense in particular. 339 00:14:00.142 --> 00:14:08.609 So this involves a large number of applications and review reports that were managed by the Aerospace and Defense Chromates Reauthorization Consortium. 340 00:14:09.190 --> 00:14:11.552 What were the key points in the opinions? 341 00:14:12.572 --> 00:14:15.113 Perhaps I can start from the risk assessment perspective. 342 00:14:15.313 --> 00:14:16.213 And as you mentioned, 343 00:14:16.233 --> 00:14:18.794 this is about the aviation and defense industry. 344 00:14:19.454 --> 00:14:21.815 And those substances are used for coating, 345 00:14:21.895 --> 00:14:24.915 plating and other forms of surface treatment. 346 00:14:25.636 --> 00:14:27.816 They are really helpful against corrosion, 347 00:14:27.956 --> 00:14:28.296 wear, 348 00:14:28.416 --> 00:14:29.357 heat resistance, 349 00:14:29.357 --> 00:14:36.118 and they play a very important role also in the quality of the aircraft that we might take every time we fly around Europe. 350 00:14:36.779 --> 00:14:38.159 This was indeed a major process, 351 00:14:38.219 --> 00:14:41.520 21 initial applications and review reports that covered. 352 00:14:41.700 --> 00:14:43.741 11 uses and 5 chromates. 353 00:14:44.781 --> 00:14:49.563 And what is striking is that there were hundreds of downstream user sites all across Europe. 354 00:14:50.584 --> 00:14:50.964 However, 355 00:14:51.384 --> 00:14:52.205 these substances, 356 00:14:52.385 --> 00:14:53.985 they also have hazardous properties. 357 00:14:54.105 --> 00:14:55.306 Some can be carcinogens. 358 00:14:55.766 --> 00:14:57.427 So great care must be taken, 359 00:14:58.087 --> 00:14:58.467 of course, 360 00:14:58.487 --> 00:15:01.689 when workers are using them actually to perform their tasks. 361 00:15:02.809 --> 00:15:06.491 RAC expressed some concerns on specific aspects, 362 00:15:06.971 --> 00:15:09.632 particularly on the residual manual uses. 363 00:15:10.000 --> 00:15:20.840 that are sometimes carried out and rather recommending corrective activities such as implementing automated or closed processes that will prevent exposure of workers. 364 00:15:21.884 --> 00:15:22.104 I mean, 365 00:15:22.144 --> 00:15:27.688 what really stands out for me here is the effort to balance kind of these industrial needs and worker safety. 366 00:15:28.268 --> 00:15:28.388 So, 367 00:15:28.588 --> 00:15:28.828 you know, 368 00:15:28.888 --> 00:15:33.331 the committee's concerns and push for tighter controls like these automated or closed processes, 369 00:15:33.511 --> 00:15:34.172 as you mentioned. 370 00:15:34.572 --> 00:15:38.314 I think this really shows how important it is to manage these risks and do it carefully. 371 00:15:38.915 --> 00:15:41.717 Maybe we can then turn to the socioeconomic side. 372 00:15:41.777 --> 00:15:41.897 So, 373 00:15:41.977 --> 00:15:42.237 Maria, 374 00:15:42.337 --> 00:15:43.638 what did the committee conclude on this? 375 00:15:44.598 --> 00:15:45.099 So in SEAC, 376 00:15:45.099 --> 00:15:46.880 we always look at two aspects here. 377 00:15:47.260 --> 00:15:47.760 First of all, 378 00:15:47.920 --> 00:15:52.103 we look at whether there are technically and economically feasible alternatives for the applicants or, 379 00:15:52.223 --> 00:15:52.463 you know, 380 00:15:52.463 --> 00:15:53.603 the authorization holders, 381 00:15:53.623 --> 00:15:55.004 as we call it when it's a review report. 382 00:15:56.005 --> 00:16:02.348 And here we found that despite there having been progress in the research and development of safer alternatives, 383 00:16:03.709 --> 00:16:03.949 you know, 384 00:16:04.009 --> 00:16:11.133 what we found was that these alternative solutions to Chrome 6 have been successfully implemented only in a very limited number of niche applications. 385 00:16:11.153 --> 00:16:16.376 So we finally determined that there are no economically and technically feasible alternatives for the applicants. 386 00:16:17.713 --> 00:16:18.353 Additionally, 387 00:16:19.254 --> 00:16:26.380 we noted that there are very long and complex regulatory recertification processes when something is changed. 388 00:16:26.820 --> 00:16:28.682 This is to ensure that there is airworthiness, 389 00:16:28.762 --> 00:16:31.124 so to make sure that it's safe to fly. 390 00:16:31.744 --> 00:16:36.068 And this means that we can be certain that there are no alternatives available for these uses. 391 00:16:36.808 --> 00:16:36.929 Now, 392 00:16:36.969 --> 00:16:40.652 because of these very long processes that are required to make any changes, 393 00:16:41.072 --> 00:16:42.673 SEAG is recommending to grant a 394 00:16:43.014 --> 00:16:43.854 12-year review period. 395 00:16:44.575 --> 00:16:45.696 So that's the first aspect. 396 00:16:46.060 --> 00:16:56.823 Then we also look at what the benefits of allowing continued use are from the point of view of society and what are the associated risks that come with this continued use. 397 00:16:57.203 --> 00:17:04.585 So SEAC then there concludes that the benefits of allowing the use of 12 more years are higher than the risks that come with it. 398 00:17:05.486 --> 00:17:08.907 I would also like to note that in evaluating these applications and review reports, 399 00:17:08.907 --> 00:17:12.868 we have worked together very closely with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, 400 00:17:12.908 --> 00:17:13.768 which is called EASA. 401 00:17:14.748 --> 00:17:20.590 And they have given a presentation at the plenary on the regulatory framework about airworthiness in the EU. 402 00:17:21.190 --> 00:17:27.412 And they were also very helpful in responding to technical questions from the committee when they were assessing the applications. 403 00:17:28.352 --> 00:17:28.472 So, 404 00:17:29.072 --> 00:17:29.332 you know, 405 00:17:29.492 --> 00:17:32.653 we were very grateful to them for the help that they gave us. 406 00:17:34.294 --> 00:17:34.574 All right. 407 00:17:34.574 --> 00:17:35.354 So to summarize, 408 00:17:35.394 --> 00:17:35.574 then, 409 00:17:35.834 --> 00:17:38.175 chromium-6 substances are crucial, 410 00:17:38.375 --> 00:17:38.895 one would say, 411 00:17:38.955 --> 00:17:42.196 in aviation and defense because they prevent corrosion and resist heat. 412 00:17:42.376 --> 00:17:42.536 But... 413 00:17:43.164 --> 00:17:44.905 The big concern is then their harmful, 414 00:17:45.005 --> 00:17:46.106 even carcinogenic, 415 00:17:46.186 --> 00:17:46.686 properties. 416 00:17:47.306 --> 00:17:55.311 I guess it would be fair to say that the real challenge here has been finding a balance between keeping the aircraft safe on one hand and protecting workers on the other. 417 00:17:56.892 --> 00:17:57.892 What are the next steps then? 418 00:17:59.233 --> 00:18:01.354 The opinions have been adopted in both committees, 419 00:18:01.915 --> 00:18:05.016 and three of them actually have already been sent to the European Commission. 420 00:18:05.497 --> 00:18:06.017 The rest, 421 00:18:06.077 --> 00:18:07.858 we are in the process of sending them out, 422 00:18:08.018 --> 00:18:11.300 and then they will be basically published very soon. 423 00:18:11.740 --> 00:18:13.781 And the commission will move on this very swiftly, 424 00:18:13.881 --> 00:18:15.783 particularly on the three most urgent ones, 425 00:18:16.463 --> 00:18:20.426 where the authorization is actually expiring so that the companies get the decision as soon as possible. 426 00:18:20.826 --> 00:18:20.986 Right. 427 00:18:20.986 --> 00:18:23.588 So we can expect things to move rather quickly with this one. 428 00:18:23.588 --> 00:18:23.788 Yes, 429 00:18:23.948 --> 00:18:24.228 indeed. 430 00:18:26.150 --> 00:18:26.270 Well, 431 00:18:26.270 --> 00:18:27.751 that's all the time we have for today. 432 00:18:27.991 --> 00:18:28.391 Once again, 433 00:18:28.631 --> 00:18:31.633 thank you both for your explanations and insight into the committee work. 434 00:18:32.214 --> 00:18:34.135 The next committee meetings take place in November. 435 00:18:34.735 --> 00:18:36.877 So join us again then for the latest updates. 436 00:18:37.397 --> 00:18:37.938 Thank you both. 437 00:18:38.318 --> 00:18:38.638 Thank you. 438 00:18:38.918 --> 00:18:39.539 Thank you very much. 439 00:18:39.619 --> 00:18:40.800 And thank you to you for listening. 440 00:18:41.080 --> 00:18:41.340 Bye bye. 441 00:18:44.524 --> 00:18:46.227 Safer Chemicals Podcast. 442 00:18:46.948 --> 00:18:49.072 Sound science on harmful chemicals.