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Are University Press Officers bringing science into disrepute and are they being aided and abetted by their academics?
When I was doing my PhD in the 1960s the world of science was a different place; for example, computers were very large machines housed in computer laboratories and my thesis had to be typed and figures drawn by hand. However, although there have been many beneficial advances in scientific research over the last 50 [...]
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The Regulation of Nanotechnologies under REACH
Early in November, I attended a workshop on nanomaterials “The Regulation of Nanotechnologies under REACH” organized by Mayer Brown and the Nanotechnology Industries Association in London. Despite the tube strike, the workshop was worth attending, highlighting a number of issues regarding nanomaterials.
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Nanomaterials: Definitions and registrations under REACH
Although a definition has not yet been agreed, the European Commission is expected to recommend that nanomaterials consist of more than 1% particles or internal or external structures with at least one dimension in the range of 1-100 nm or have a specific surface area by volume greater than 60 m2/cm3. The Commission has stated that nanomaterials should be considered as substances, but should be registered under a combined submission with the bulkform where separate EINICs numbers are not available. The combined registrations may have implications for tonnage limits and test and risk assessment methodologies and raises questions regarding the extent to which forms with differing properties can be considered the same substance.
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National legislation of nanomaterials in the context of REACH
Some lawyers have concluded that there is not a lot of scope for national measures on nanomaterials, as Member States can either subject a given nanomaterial to Authorisation or Restriction under REACH, or adopt a provisional measure. These are usually substance-specific and the burden of proof is on the Member State that the measure meets the conditions for each provision. However, there are arguments that national measures on nanomaterials would not be applicable, as the 2012 REACH Scope Review is expected to address nanomaterials.
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Nanomaterial Provisions and Compliance under REACH
There are no direct provisions for nanomaterials under REACH and therefore they should be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to see which REACH regulations are applicable. Most nanomaterials are manufactured or imported into the EU at less than 1 tonne per year and, unless subject to authorisation or restriction, would not be subject to REACH registration. REACH Implementation Plans on Nanomaterials, covering identification, information requirements and exposure assessment and hazard/risk characterisation, will provide advice to the Commission on the applicability of REACH to nanomaterials. However, the question of whether compliance with REACH is sufficient requires a review of several concepts and pieces of legislation.
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wca environment meet 2010 REACH deadline for 400 substances
wca are moving forward with a whole range of successful registrations under our belt. We have been involved in REACH registration projects for a wide range of substances, through projects ranging from single substances to over 250 substances split into categories. Having been involved in nearly 400 substance submissions and with the 2010 deadline almost upon us, wca environment are looking to the future, with preliminary work on 2013 and 2018 registrations already underway.
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Soil Quality Standards for Trace Elements: Derivation, Implementation, and Interpretation
In 2008 a Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry-sponsored Technical Workshop was held in Sydney, Australia. The book of the deliberations from this workshop has now been published.
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Substance Avoidance Lists: What are they and how can you keep track of them?
As our knowledge has increased during the last century, it has become apparent that some ingredients, previously considered to produce a low risk of harm to the user, have unanticipated properties that increase the risk, sometimes beyond the tolerable level. As a consequence some materials have had their use restricted either voluntarily or via regulation. Since knowledge will carry on increasing, manufacturers have a continuing need to be able to identify and take appropriate steps to manage emerging risks. wca environment has built on work previously undertaken in reviewing ingredient avoidance guidelines to produce an ‘avoidance list’ which we will update at regular intervals. The avoidance list is a table of substances which have been considered to be “of concern” under a range of international and national legislation and non-governmental reviews.
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Future directions for REACH: 2011 to the 2013 deadline
As the 2010 REACH registration deadline approaches attention is beginning to turn towards requirements from 2011 onwards. The next REACH registration deadline is May 2013. In addition to substances requiring registration after 2010, updates may be required for dossiers already submitted and dossiers may need to be defended following evaluation by ECHA and Member States.
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The EU Ecolabel: A growing environmental standard
The EU ecolabel is a voluntary scheme set up in 1992. It provides a Europe-wide environmental accreditation for a wide range of products and services, from tourist accommodation to cleaning products. Products awarded the ecolabel show the distinctive flower logo. I’ve recently been involved in preparing an ecolabel application for cleaning products.
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