Progress and Challenges in Ensuring the Safety of Industrial Chemicals in the EU

The number of industrial chemicals scrutinised under the EU's chemicals legislation has increased significantly, with authorities now having better knowledge about the hazardous properties of chemicals used across the EU. The overall use of harmful chemicals, particularly carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reprotoxic substances, is still growing but more slowly than the overall chemicals market growth. Pressure is increasing to avoid the use of so-called substances of concern and implement the principles of the safe and sustainable by design framework. More data and information are needed to better understand human and environmental exposure to harmful chemicals and their impacts. The shift towards safe and sustainable chemicals must continue and should even be accelerated. The report is based on a set of 25 key indicators that monitor the drivers and impacts of chemical pollution in Europe. The EU's chemicals strategy for sustainability (CSS) aims to achieve this vision through actions to support innovation for safe and sustainable chemicals, strengthen the protection of human health and the environment, simplify and strengthen the legal framework on chemicals, and build a comprehensive knowledge base to support evidence-based policy making.