How can standards help protect us from harmful chemicals?
Without standard testing methods, it can be difficult to keep harmful products off the market as testing procedures and results will differ between EU Member States. Chemical bans or restrictions are also often delayed when standard testing methods are not in place.
Some endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are already banned or restricted because of their risk to health, and it is likely that more EDCs will be regulated in more products in the future, including ‘forever chemicals’ PFAS. Standardisers will kick off work to update or develop new testing standards to support the new legislation.
Properly validated analytical or testing methods are an important tool for enforcing chemical restrictions and bans – they create a level playing field for the EU Single Market and ensure every Member State can uphold EU regulations on chemicals in products. These standardised tests are designed to detect and quantify a target substance in materials or products.
Standards therefore play an important role in ensuring product safety of products – but the absence of a standard must not be used as an excuse to oppose or delay a ban.
ECOS gratefully acknowledges the support of the Broad Reach foundation. Views and opinions expressed belong to the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of our funding partners, who cannot be held responsible for them.
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