Chemical risk prevention is regulated by the French Labor Code (articles R.4412-59 to R.4412-93), which uses the term CMR: Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, Reprotoxic. In this article, we explore the definition of a CMR, the main regulations that apply, and CMR classifications.
A CMR is a chemical substance that has the capacity to cause harmful effects on human health or the environment. The term "CMR" is an acronym for three categories of adverse effects:
The European Commission recently added 24 new CMR substances (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic or Reprotoxic) of category 1A or 1B to the list of REACH restrictions - Annex XVII. These include ammonium bromide, theophylline, 2-ethylhexanoic acid and its salts, and 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenol.
The inclusion of these substances on the REACH restrictions list will lead to a ban on their marketing and use from December 1, 2023.
Due to their hazardous nature, CMR substances are subject to strict regulations to ensure appropriate protection of workers, consumers and the environment. Regulations vary from country to country, but here are a few examples of international and European regulations associated with CMRs:
These regulations aim to limit exposure of individuals to CMR substances, prevent health risks and minimize negative impacts on the environment.
The effects of CMR substances are classified into 3 categories:
Substances which have been subject to harmonized CMR classification at European level are listed in Annex VI of the CLP Regulation. This annex also contains classifications harmonized at European level. It is regularly updated to take account of advances in scientific knowledge.
Under CLP criteria, the GHS08 pictogram "Health hazard" must be used irrespective of the category.
In all cases, the route of exposure must be mentioned in addition to the hazard, but only if it has been rigorously proven that no other route of exposure causes the same hazard.
According to the 2005 INRS inventory, the annual consumption of CMR chemical agents amounts to 324, as well as several hundred petroleum derivatives. At that time, the total quantity of CMR chemical agents used in France reached 4.8 million tonnes.
According to INRS, the main sectors concerned by CMR products are :
Some examples of CMR products:
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Chemical risk prevention is regulated by the French Labor Code (articles R.4412-59 to R.4412-93), which uses the term CMR: Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, Reprotoxic. In this article, we explore the definition of a CMR, the main regulations that apply, and CMR classifications.
A CMR is a chemical substance that has the capacity to cause harmful effects on human health or the environment. The term "CMR" is an acronym for three categories of adverse effects:
The European Commission recently added 24 new CMR substances (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic or Reprotoxic) of category 1A or 1B to the list of REACH restrictions - Annex XVII. These include ammonium bromide, theophylline, 2-ethylhexanoic acid and its salts, and 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenol.
The inclusion of these substances on the REACH restrictions list will lead to a ban on their marketing and use from December 1, 2023.
Due to their hazardous nature, CMR substances are subject to strict regulations to ensure appropriate protection of workers, consumers and the environment. Regulations vary from country to country, but here are a few examples of international and European regulations associated with CMRs:
These regulations aim to limit exposure of individuals to CMR substances, prevent health risks and minimize negative impacts on the environment.
The effects of CMR substances are classified into 3 categories:
Substances which have been subject to harmonized CMR classification at European level are listed in Annex VI of the CLP Regulation. This annex also contains classifications harmonized at European level. It is regularly updated to take account of advances in scientific knowledge.
Under CLP criteria, the GHS08 pictogram "Health hazard" must be used irrespective of the category.
In all cases, the route of exposure must be mentioned in addition to the hazard, but only if it has been rigorously proven that no other route of exposure causes the same hazard.
According to the 2005 INRS inventory, the annual consumption of CMR chemical agents amounts to 324, as well as several hundred petroleum derivatives. At that time, the total quantity of CMR chemical agents used in France reached 4.8 million tonnes.
According to INRS, the main sectors concerned by CMR products are :
Some examples of CMR products:
Contact our experts free of charge and without obligation!
Need a newsletter to help you keep abreast of regulations and anticipate your short-, medium- and long-term obligations? Chemical Insight is the solution that helps you stay compliant while preventing the obsolescence of your chemical substances. Sign up now!