A public consultation has begun concerning the management of the risks of formaldehyde
The context of this public consultation
The current classification of formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is part of the list of substances in the CoRAP (Community Rolling Action Plan) as part of the REACH evaluation process. It is currently classified as a CMR substance (carcinogenic, mutagenic, reprotoxic) of category 1B.
This classification is due to concerns about its effects on the organism insofar as its exposure on workers is potentially high due to its dispersive use and its high aggregate tonnages.
The joint assessment of France and the Netherlands
France and the Netherlands have jointly undertaken the evaluation of the effects of formaldehyde on humans on two aspects:
- Workers' exposure
- consumer exposure
The French study concerning workers was completed in 2014. That of the Netherlands on consumers is still ongoing.
What is this public consultation about?
The study conducted by France highlighted the risks for workers exposed to formaldehyde. The MEEM is therefore opening a public consultation until the end of September in order to gather the comments of the parties concerned and the public.
Once the results of this consultation are published and if there is still doubt about the proven risk of formaldehyde, the French authorities will give priority to considering the most protective approach for human health.
The status of formaldehyde in the various exposure scenarios
The Department is looking for more information on the status of formaldehyde in the various exposure scenarios. Indeed, this conditions the risk management measures that will be put in place.
Several statuses are envisaged:
- Is the substance an isolated intermediate (on site or transported)?
- Is it a monomer?
The justification for the envisaged status
The MEEM also wishes to gather the justifications associated with the status envisaged by the parties responding to the public consultation, as well as the description of manufacturing processes involving formaldehyde. If necessary, the following may be added:
- The description of chemical reactions
- The composition of the mixtures or finished products
ECHA is also interested in formaldehyde!
In parallel with this public consultation, ECHA has launched another public consultation on formaldehyde, which focuses on formaldehyde releasers.
For more information, go to the ECHA website.
Do you want to know more about the subject?
For more information on these public consultations, you can contact:
- The MEEM: rmoa-fr@developpement-durable.gouv.fr
- THE HANDLES: reach@anses.fr
EcoMundo is also at your disposal, you can write to us at contact@ecomundo.eu or fill out our contact form.
The context of this public consultation
The current classification of formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is part of the list of substances in the CoRAP (Community Rolling Action Plan) as part of the REACH evaluation process. It is currently classified as a CMR substance (carcinogenic, mutagenic, reprotoxic) of category 1B.
This classification is due to concerns about its effects on the organism insofar as its exposure on workers is potentially high due to its dispersive use and its high aggregate tonnages.
The joint assessment of France and the Netherlands
France and the Netherlands have jointly undertaken the evaluation of the effects of formaldehyde on humans on two aspects:
- Workers' exposure
- consumer exposure
The French study concerning workers was completed in 2014. That of the Netherlands on consumers is still ongoing.
What is this public consultation about?
The study conducted by France highlighted the risks for workers exposed to formaldehyde. The MEEM is therefore opening a public consultation until the end of September in order to gather the comments of the parties concerned and the public.
Once the results of this consultation are published and if there is still doubt about the proven risk of formaldehyde, the French authorities will give priority to considering the most protective approach for human health.
The status of formaldehyde in the various exposure scenarios
The Department is looking for more information on the status of formaldehyde in the various exposure scenarios. Indeed, this conditions the risk management measures that will be put in place.
Several statuses are envisaged:
- Is the substance an isolated intermediate (on site or transported)?
- Is it a monomer?
The justification for the envisaged status
The MEEM also wishes to gather the justifications associated with the status envisaged by the parties responding to the public consultation, as well as the description of manufacturing processes involving formaldehyde. If necessary, the following may be added:
- The description of chemical reactions
- The composition of the mixtures or finished products
ECHA is also interested in formaldehyde!
In parallel with this public consultation, ECHA has launched another public consultation on formaldehyde, which focuses on formaldehyde releasers.
For more information, go to the ECHA website.
Do you want to know more about the subject?
For more information on these public consultations, you can contact:
- The MEEM: rmoa-fr@developpement-durable.gouv.fr
- THE HANDLES: reach@anses.fr
EcoMundo is also at your disposal, you can write to us at contact@ecomundo.eu or fill out our contact form.
