Safer Chemicals Podcast

European Chemicals Agency
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Whether you work with chemicals, have an interest in how chemicals affect us and the environment or work as a journalist or decision-maker in the field of manufactured chemicals, the Safer Chemicals Podcast is for you. We give you the latest updates on how chemicals are being regulated in the EU and what harmful chemicals are being phased out. Listen to expert views on chemical safety in the EU and join the scientific discussion on key topics including microplastics, glyphosate, endocrine disruptors, chemicals used in tattoo inks, and much more.  Hosted by Adam Elwan and Päivi Jokiniemi from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). Visit our website: https://echa.europa.eu/  Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  1. DEC 14

    PFAS restriction proposal and new hazard classes: December committee updates

    In this episode, we deconstruct the outcomes of the December meetings of the Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) and the Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC). Topics include: Universal PFAS restriction proposal: The interviewees break down the latest discussions on the proposal, with a particular focus on PFAS manufacturing and the so-called “horizontal issues” that cut across all sectors. The SEAC's approaches to alternatives analysis, cost-benefit considerations, and proportionality are discussed, with special attention on the unique aspects of PFAS manufacturing. Sector-specific insights: The episode reviews the committees’ conclusions on all 14 sectors, with a spotlight on SEAC's discussions on the complex electronics and semiconductor sector. Next steps and stakeholder consultation: Listeners are guided through the upcoming consultation on SEAC's draft opinion, including how stakeholders can contribute, and the importance of providing targeted, relevant information to inform the final opinion. Milestone in chemical classification: The episode also marks a milestone for the Risk Assessment Committee: the first classification opinion using new hazard classes under the revised CLP regulation. Useful links December highlights from RAC and SEAC ECHA webinar: Consultation on PFAS draft opinion: Guidance for respondents Give us feedback ************** Subscribe to our YouTube channel Subscribe to our Safer Chemicals Podcast Subscribe to our news Follow us on: X LinkedIn Facebook Instagram BlueSky Visit our website  Disclaimer: Views expressed by interviewees do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Chemicals Agency. All content is up to date at the time of publication. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    28 min

  2. NOV 19

    EU enforcement project: targeted checks uncovered non-compliances in imported products.

    In this episode of the Safer Chemicals Podcast, host Päivi Jokiniemi is joined by Henrik Hedlund, Chair of ECHA's Enforcement Forum, and Maciej Baranski, Team Leader of ECHA's Harmonised Enforcement Team, to discuss the results of a recent EU-wide REACH enforcement project. Inspectors from 29 countries conducted targeted checks on over 2 600 imported products, focusing on compliance with EU chemical regulations. The conversation explores the project's scope, objectives, and key findings, including persistent non-compliance in imported mixtures and consumer products such as jewellery, toys, textiles, and footwear. Notably, one in three substances in imported mixtures lacked REACH registration, and hazardous heavy metals were frequently found in jewellery. The episode highlights trends over time, the effectiveness of customs and enforcement collaboration, and the impact of enforcement actions in protecting consumers and the environment. Listeners will gain insights into the challenges of regulating imported chemicals, the importance of pre-release checks, and recommendations for companies and authorities to improve compliance. The episode concludes with advice for importers and an invitation to follow up on the ongoing project through stakeholder workshops and the full report available on ECHA’s website. Useful links Enforcement Forum finds non-compliance in imported substances, mixtures and products - ECHA news, 10 December 2025 Give us feedback ************** Subscribe to our YouTube channel Subscribe to our Safer Chemicals Podcast Subscribe to our news Follow us on: X LinkedIn Facebook Instagram BlueSky Visit our website  Disclaimer: Views expressed by interviewees do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Chemicals Agency. All content is up to date at the time of publication. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    23 min

  3. SEP 23

    PFAS, titanium dioxide, and new tasks: September committee updates

    In this episode of the Safer Chemicals Podcast, host Adam Elwan is joined by Roberto Scazzola, Chair of the Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC), and Maria Ottati, Chair of the Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC). Together, they unpack the latest updates from the recent committee meetings, with a special focus on the universal PFAS restriction proposal. Listeners will hear about: The finalisation and publication of the background document for the PFAS restriction, and what it means for stakeholders and the committee’s ongoing work. Key sector discussions, including electronics, semiconductors, and manufacturing, and the latest on assessing emissions, alternatives, and stakeholder input. The importance of “horizontal issues” that cut across all sectors, such as concentration limits and risk management measures. Progress and timelines for both committees, including upcoming consultations and opportunities for stakeholder engagement. New tasks on the horizon for RAC and SEAC, covering among others, packaging and packaging waste, toys, batteries, and end-of-life vehicles. A special segment on the recent European Court of Justice ruling regarding classification of titanium dioxide, and its implications for scientific opinion-making. The episode wraps up with an invitation for listeners to submit questions or topics for future episodes. If you have questions or topics you would like us to cover in our upcoming episodes, send them to us at video@echa.europa.eu. Useful links Give feedback Highlights: September meetings of RAC and SEAC ************** Subscribe to our YouTube channel Subscribe to our Safer Chemicals Podcast Subscribe to our news Follow us on: X LinkedIn Facebook Instagram BlueSky Visit our website  Disclaimer: Views expressed by interviewees do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Chemicals Agency. All content is up to date at the time of publication. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    30 min

  4. JUN 13

    PFAS, Chromium VI and worker safety: June committee updates

    In this episode of the Safer Chemicals Podcast, host Adam Elwan is joined by Roberto Scazzola, Chair of the Risk Assessment Committee (RAC), and Maria Ottati, Chair of the Socio-economic Analysis Committee (SEAC), to unpack the latest developments from the June committee meetings. We talk about: The evolving PFAS restriction proposal, with a focus on medical devices, lubricants, and the electronics and semiconductor sectors SEAC’s conclusions on the transport sector and the socio-economic analysis of PFAS uses The new restriction proposal on Chromium VI substances and what the conformity check entails A deep look at occupational exposure limits (OELs), including the latest recommendation for bisphenol A (BPA) and how these limits protect workers across the EU The episode also touches on the challenges of group restrictions, the importance of stakeholder input, and how lessons learnt in Europe may shape global chemical safety standards. Subscribe and follow us for more updates on sound science and safer chemicals. Give us feedback June RAC and SEAC meeting highlights - ECHA news, 18 June 2025 Useful links Risk Assessment Committee Socio-Economic Analysis Committee ************** Subscribe to our YouTube channel Subscribe to our Safer Chemicals Podcast Subscribe to our news Follow us on: Twitter Facebook LinkedIn BlueSky Visit our website  Disclaimer: Views expressed by interviewees do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Chemicals Agency. All content is up to date at the time of publication. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    30 min

  5. MAY 19

    Biocidal Products Committee: Analysing alternatives to anticoagulant rodenticides

    ECHA’s Biocidal Products Committee met on 12-16 May 2025. In this episode, the committee chair Joost van Galen joins host Päivi Jokiniemi to discuss the key outcomes from the meeting. Topics covered include Union authorisations and data gaps, harmonised list of environment endpoints for pyrethroid metabolites, and the renewal applications for anticoagulant rodenticides and the related analysis of alternatives. The Committee’s task is to prepare scientific opinions for the European Commission on biocidal active substances and on EU-wide authorisations of biocidal products. Useful links: More episodes on the Biocidal Products Committee meetings Give us feedback More ECHA’s Biocides Committee backs approval of anticoagulant rodenticides (News, 21 May 2025) Agenda of the May 2025 BPC meeting (PDF) Summary of product characteristics (SPC) quality checklist (PDF) Guiding principles on handling information provided by the applicant during Union authorisation process (PDF) ************** Subscribe to: Our YouTube channel Our Safer Chemicals Podcast Our news Follow us on: X Facebook LinkedIn BlueSky echa.europa.eu Disclaimer: Views expressed by interviewees do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Chemicals Agency. All content is up to date at the time of publication. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    23 min

  6. MAR 17

    PFAS restriction update: energy, transport and fluorinated gases

    In this episode, we dive into the highlights of ECHA's Risk Assessment and Socio-Economic Analysis committees' meetings. First, we explore the ongoing discussions on restricting PFAs, including new sectors like transport and energy. We discuss the challenges of assessing complex sectors, stakeholder engagement, and addressing information gaps on alternatives. Next, we give an overview of the harmonised classification and labelling proposals for silver nitrate and silicon dioxide, detailing their uses and the committees' conclusions. Finally, we update you on the Risk Assessment Committee's preparations for the Drinking Water Directive, discussing the development of positive lists and the process for ensuring the safe use of materials in contact with drinking water. Stay informed on the latest in chemical safety and regulation. Subscribe for more updates and follow us on social media! More ************** Subscribe to our YouTube channel Subscribe to our Safer Chemicals Podcast Subscribe to our news Follow us on: LinkedIn X Facebook Instagram BlueSky Visit our website  Disclaimer: Views expressed by interviewees do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Chemicals Agency. All content is up to date at the time of publication. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    27 min

  7. 11/29/2024

    ECHA committees give update on PFAS restriction proposal and discuss harmonised classification

    In this episode of the Safer Chemicals Podcast, Adam Elwan is joined by Roberto Scazzola, Chair of the Risk Assessment Committee (RAC), and María Ottati, Chair of the Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC). They discuss highlights of the November committee meetings, focusing on the scientific evaluation of the proposal to restrict PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in sectors such as construction products, textiles and food contact materials and packaging. Roberto also provides insights into the harmonised classification process under the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation, while María offers valuable advice for companies preparing applications for authorisation.   Useful links  Give us feedback  November RAC and SEAC meeting highlights - ECHA news, 5 December 2024 ************** Subscribe to our YouTube channel Subscribe to our Safer Chemicals Podcast Subscribe to our news Follow us on: Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Visit our website  Disclaimer: Views expressed by interviewees do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Chemicals Agency. All content is up to date at the time of publication. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    22 min

  8. 11/26/2024

    EU enforcement project checks safety data sheets - still room for improvement

    In this episode we talk about one of the core tools for chemical safety in the workplace: safety data sheets. They contain information on how to safely handle, store, and dispose of chemicals. It is the responsibility of the supplier to provide safety data sheets to their customer when selling hazardous chemicals or mixtures.    In 2021, new requirements for safety data sheets were introduced under the REACH Regulation, and this year, ECHA’s Enforcement Forum carried out an EU-wide project to check if companies are following these updated rules.    The inspectors found that 35 % of the checked safety data sheets were non-compliant. Compliance has improved from previous projects but further efforts are needed to better protect workers and professional users from the risks of hazardous chemicals.   Our guests are Abdulqadir Mohamad Suleiman, the Norwegian alternate member of ECHA’s Enforcement Forum and the Chair of the working group managing this enforcement project and Maciej Baranski, leading the Harmonised Enforcement Team at ECHA, which contributed to the project. Useful links More episodes on the Enforcement Forum  Give us feedback  ************** Subscribe to our YouTube channel Subscribe to our Safer Chemicals Podcast Subscribe to our news Follow us on: Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Visit our website  Disclaimer: Views expressed by interviewees do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Chemicals Agency. All content is up to date at the time of publication. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    24 min
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About

Whether you work with chemicals, have an interest in how chemicals affect us and the environment or work as a journalist or decision-maker in the field of manufactured chemicals, the Safer Chemicals Podcast is for you. We give you the latest updates on how chemicals are being regulated in the EU and what harmful chemicals are being phased out. Listen to expert views on chemical safety in the EU and join the scientific discussion on key topics including microplastics, glyphosate, endocrine disruptors, chemicals used in tattoo inks, and much more.  Hosted by Adam Elwan and Päivi Jokiniemi from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). Visit our website: https://echa.europa.eu/  Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    European Chemicals Agency
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    62
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © European Chemicals Agency
  • Show Website
    Safer Chemicals Podcast

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