UK announces restrictions under new chemical regime for first time

01 Apr '21

2 min read

Pic: Shutterstock

The UK government on March 23 set out the first restrictions to be initiated under its new chemical regulation system, UK REACH, to tackle risks posed by chemicals. The launch of the programme includes plans to initiate the restriction process on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that are used are used as stain repellents, coatings and fire-fighting foams.

PFAS are a group of over 9,000 different chemicals, some of which are already banned or highly restricted. In industry, these substances are used as stain repellents, coatings and fire-fighting foams. The chemicals in PFAS are extremely persistent in the environment; the substances can accumulate in animals and can also be toxic this means PFAS are of growing concern for both human health and environmental reasons.

Certain harmful substances that can be found in tattoo inks and permanent make-up could also be restricted, the government said in a press release.

The substances this restriction proposal will consider includes, but is not limited to, substances that can cause cancer, are dangerous to reproduction, skin sensitisers and irritants.

A restriction will be introduced if evidence shows an unacceptable risk to human health and the environment, and after a public consultation. The review of the evidence will be conducted by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), with support from the Environment Agency (EA).

They will investigate the risk of PFAS and consider how best to manage any identified risks.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)

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