Nanotechnology Now - CoRAP Notes Nano Concerns for Two Substances

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Lynn L. Bergeson
Managing Director
Bergeson & Campbell, P.C.

Abstract:
On February 29, 2012, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced the first Community Rolling Action Plan (CoRAP), which includes 90 substances that Member States will evaluate under the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) substance evaluation process.

March 2nd, 2012

CoRAP Notes Nano Concerns for Two Substances

On February 29, 2012, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced the first Community Rolling Action Plan (CoRAP), which includes 90 substances that Member States will evaluate under the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) substance evaluation process. See http://echa.europa.eu/web/guest/view-article/-/journal_content/c26e0b90-8d88-4580-9954-842a934486a1 For each substance, ECHA notes the initial grounds for concern. For two substances, silicon dioxide and silver, the initial grounds for concern are "Substance characterization/Nanoparticles, toxicity of different forms of the substance." Silicon dioxide is scheduled to be evaluated in 2012, by the Netherlands, and silver is scheduled to be evaluated in 2013, also by the Netherlands. ECHA notes that, when the substances are included in the CoRAP, "they have yet not been evaluated and thus the concern is indicative and not exhaustive or conclusive."

Following the evaluation, further information may be requested from the registrants of the substances when additional data are considered necessary to clarify the suspected risk. From the publication of the CoRAP, the respective Member States have one year to evaluate substances specified for the year 2012 and, where justified, to prepare a draft decision requesting the registrant(s) to submit further information to clarify any possible risk. The decision will be taken by ECHA after consultation of the Member State Competent Authorities and the Member State Committee, or by the European Commission (EC) if there is no unanimity at the Member State Committee. For other evaluation decisions, registrants of the substances listed on the CoRAP will have opportunities to comment before any final decision is taken.

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