Will the use of hazardous substances be restricted or banned under REACH?
The use of certain dangerous chemicals is acceptable as long as appropriate risk management measures are implemented, such as the use of good ventilation or protective clothing. If measures at company level are not sufficient to keep the risks for human health and environment acceptable, REACH foresees limitations or even bans of substances for certain uses (for instance in consumer products).
However, the most dangerous substances (those of very high concern) will be subject to authorisation, thereby putting the burden on the applicant to show that the risks are adequately controlled or that the socio-economic benefits from the use outweigh the risks.
Both the restriction and the authorisation processes can also be applied to substances produced or imported in volumes below 1 tonne per year. This would for instance allow addressing risks from particles on a nano-scale. However, substances of very high concern produced or imported in high volumes will normally be subjected to authorisation as a matter of priority.
