European Union lawmakers backed tough rules today that would force companies to substitute safe substances when available for hazardous ones, setting up a clash with industry and EU governments over a new chemicals law.
Chemical companies fear such a rule would lead to useful substances being withdrawn from the market and a huge increase in costs for a wide array of industries that use chemicals.
Environmentalists and other activists argue that if existing safe substances can replace dangerous cancer-causing ones, companies should be obliged to make the switch.
The parliament's environment committee sided with the activists today in the latest twist in the lengthy process of reforming EU chemicals legislation through a proposal called REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals).
The rules, which must still be approved by the full legislative body and by EU governments, are designed to protect the public from the adverse effects of chemicals found in a wide range of products such as paint, detergents, cars and computers.
Chemical makers would have to register the properties of substances in a central EU database. Those of highest concern, such as carcinogens, would require authorisation to be used.
Committee members tackled the authorisation process on Tuesday, voting in favour of an amendment that would deny approval for dangerous chemicals if suitable alternatives exist.
Companies seeking authorisation would also have to prove the social and economic advantages of a hazardous chemical outweigh risks to health or the environment.
Forty-two committee members voted for the bill with the substitution provisions. Twelve voted against and six abstained.
