1. Chemicals Policy
Estefanía Blount
Boston, October 2003

2. CURRENT SITUATION
We lack information to protect ourselves & environment
So, can’t manage risks we don’t know
Workers become ill & die because of occupational exposure to chemicals
Difficult & slow to eliminate the most hazardous chemicals
Need to protect healthy & sustainable jobs

3. LACK FULL RELIABLE DATA
EVOLUTION OF SOME TLVs-VLA (in ppm)

4. Occupational diseases related to chemicals (EU)
END-POINT
CASES/YEAR
TOTAL COSTS/CASE/YEAR
Skin diseases
16,000
€640
Respiratory diseases
6,700
€1,180
Eye disorders
500
€600
CNS diseases
570
€11,570
Cancer (deaths)
32,500
€1,39-2,14 million
Assessment of the Impact of the New Chemicals Policy on Occupational Health, RPA. March 2003

5. REACH Integrated approach (health & environment) Provide knowledge
Identifies and restricts use of undesirable chemicals
Shifts burden from authorities to industry
Favors prevention and substitution
Promotes R&D in sustainable products and processes (eg. green chemistry)
Saves lives & protects our health and environment
Protects & creates healthy jobs

6. REACH Some weaknesses Only 30% chemicals (< 1 ton?) Intermediates
Substitution
Multiple exposure
Verification of data
Data not equal to information

7. SUBSTITUTION
A century per chemical or chemical family...PCBs, DDT, CFCs
There are feasible technical solutions
Workers should engage actively in decision and implementation of alternatives
Regulation favors substitution (eg carcinogens)

8. LABOR UNION PROACTIVITY
Workers & unions need to participate actively in the protection of health & environment.
Examples in CC.OO.:
REACH, POPs
Endocrine disruptors
Janitorial work
Substitution of toxic chemicals
Prompt and safe elimination PCBs
Integrating health & environment....

9. NETWORKING Unions in Europe and worldwide Others:
- Scientists/Academics
- Healthcare professionals
- Environmentalists
- Sustainable, progressive bussines
- Consumers
- Women......
We have common interests and cannot achieve changes alone.