Competent Authorities for REACH and CLP (CARACAL) had their second meeting of Endoctrine Disruptors on 2nd of July.
The WHO/IPCS defines an endocrine disruptor as "an exogenous substance or mixture that alters function(s) of the endocrine system and consequently causes adverse health effects in an intact organism, or its progeny, or (sub)populations". The identification of Substances of Very High Concern with ED properties under REACH is based on this definition. ED is a mode of action that leads to an adverse effect. In certain cases, the adverse effect may already lead to classification of the substance according to existing hazard classes in the CLP Regulation, such as a toxic to reproduction or hazardous to the aquatic environment. There are however substances displaying an ED mode of action, which do not fulfil the criteria for classification according to existing hazard classes due to their low potency or severity of the observed adverse effects, or due to the adverse effect seen in a species (e.g., birds, reptiles, bees, amphibians) that is not considered under the existing hazard classes.
The discussion was about options to include criteria for endocrine disrupting properties into the CLP Regulation. The main issue was the lack of policy discussion to select the best regulatory route/approach was stressed (mainly by industry), including the considerations on consequences on downstream legislation. It was stressed that we need to define exactly what is required to achieve and explore all possible routes, before entering into detailed CLP discussions and CLP might not be the right tool, although this is pushed by the commission. It is agreed by the group that there is a need for a common approach where reference is made to REACH and biocides. REACH is already working on ED. Nanos are men tioned a few times during the meetings.
Next meeting of the group is scheduled for 19 October 2020 and the second annual Forum on ED is confirmed for 20-21 October 2020. EPMA is following the progress of ED affairs through Eurometaux. If you have any comments to raise on this subject. Please contact Kenan Boz (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or directly input your comments on this page.