Safer Chemicals Podcast

The European Commission published its roadmap for phasing out animal testing on 1 June 2026, and the first meeting of ECHA’s Collaborative Platform on Alternatives to Animal Testing has now taken place.In this episode, we explore what these developments mean for regulators, researchers and industry. Tomasz Sobanski from ECHA explains how new approach methodologies (NAMs) are moving from research into regulatory use, and why the transition requires more than replacing individual tests.The discussion looks at how the EU roadmap is expected to drive implementation across legislation, and how ECHA contributes through scientific and regulatory expertise, international cooperation and the collaborative platform.The episode features perspectives from the EPAA, PETA and HEAL on regulatory acceptance, confidence-building, animal welfare, and maintaining a high level of protection for human health and the environment.Useful linksECHA convenes first meeting of its collaborative platform on alternatives to animal testingECHA supports EU roadmap for alternatives to animal testing with new collaborative platformRoadmap towards phasing out animal testing and related materialsGive us feedback**************Subscribe to our YouTube channelSubscribe to our Safer Chemicals PodcastSubscribe to our newsFollow us on:XLinkedInFacebookInstagramBlueSkyVisit our website Disclaimer: Views expressed by interviewees do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Chemicals Agency. All content is up to date at the time of publication.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

This episode of our Safer Chemicals Podcast focuses on the Biocidal Product Committee’s (BPC) conclusion on the use of the active substance ethanol. The BPC supports its approval for use in hand and general disinfectants (product-types 1, 2 and 4) but does not take a position on whether ethanol should be considered a carcinogenic or reprotoxic substance.Listen to the Committee Chair Joost van Galen telling what led to this opinion, what it means in practice and what will happen next.ECHA’s Biocidal Products Committee meets to prepare scientific opinions for the European Commission on biocidal active substances and on EU-wide authorisations of biocidal products. The Commission takes final decisions based on these opinions.Useful links:ECHA’s Biocides Committee supports approval of ethanol in disinfectants - ECHA news, 24 February 2026Highlights from February Biocidal Products Committee meeting - ECHA news, 4 March 2026Give us feedback**************Subscribe to our YouTube channelSubscribe to our Safer Chemicals PodcastSubscribe to our newsFollow us on:XLinkedInFacebookInstagramBlueSkyVisit our website Disclaimer: Views expressed by interviewees do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Chemicals Agency. All content is up to date at the time of publication.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of the Safer Chemicals Podcast, host Päivi Jokiniemi is joined by Henrik Hedlund, Chair of ECHA's Enforcement Forum, and Maciej Baranski, Team Leader of ECHA's Harmonised Enforcement Team, to discuss the results of a recent EU-wide REACH enforcement project. Inspectors from 29 countries conducted targeted checks on over 2 600 imported products, focusing on compliance with EU chemical regulations.The conversation explores the project's scope, objectives, and key findings, including persistent non-compliance in imported mixtures and consumer products such as jewellery, toys, textiles, and footwear. Notably, one in three substances in imported mixtures lacked REACH registration, and hazardous heavy metals were frequently found in jewellery. The episode highlights trends over time, the effectiveness of customs and enforcement collaboration, and the impact of enforcement actions in protecting consumers and the environment.Listeners will gain insights into the challenges of regulating imported chemicals, the importance of pre-release checks, and recommendations for companies and authorities to improve compliance. The episode concludes with advice for importers and an invitation to follow up on the ongoing project through stakeholder workshops and the full report available on ECHA’s website.Useful linksEnforcement Forum finds non-compliance in imported substances, mixtures and products - ECHA news, 10 December 2025Give us feedback**************Subscribe to our YouTube channelSubscribe to our Safer Chemicals PodcastSubscribe to our newsFollow us on:XLinkedInFacebookInstagramBlueSkyVisit our website Disclaimer: Views expressed by interviewees do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Chemicals Agency. All content is up to date at the time of publication.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of the Safer Chemicals Podcast, host Adam Elwan is joined by Roberto Scazzola, Chair of the Risk Assessment Committee (RAC), and Maria Ottati, Chair of the Socio-economic Analysis Committee (SEAC), to unpack the latest developments from the June committee meetings.We talk about:The evolving PFAS restriction proposal, with a focus on medical devices, lubricants, and the electronics and semiconductor sectorsSEAC’s conclusions on the transport sector and the socio-economic analysis of PFAS usesThe new restriction proposal on Chromium VI substances and what the conformity check entailsA deep look at occupational exposure limits (OELs), including the latest recommendation for bisphenol A (BPA) and how these limits protect workers across the EUThe episode also touches on the challenges of group restrictions, the importance of stakeholder input, and how lessons learnt in Europe may shape global chemical safety standards.Subscribe and follow us for more updates on sound science and safer chemicals.Give us feedback June RAC and SEAC meeting highlights - ECHA news, 18 June 2025Useful linksRisk Assessment CommitteeSocio-Economic Analysis Committee**************Subscribe to our YouTube channelSubscribe to our Safer Chemicals PodcastSubscribe to our newsFollow us on:TwitterFacebookLinkedInBlueSkyVisit our website Disclaimer: Views expressed by interviewees do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Chemicals Agency. All content is up to date at the time of publication.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, we dive into the highlights of ECHA's Risk Assessment and Socio-Economic Analysis committees' meetings.First, we explore the ongoing discussions on restricting PFAs, including new sectors like transport and energy. We discuss the challenges of assessing complex sectors, stakeholder engagement, and addressing information gaps on alternatives.Next, we give an overview of the harmonised classification and labelling proposals for silver nitrate and silicon dioxide, detailing their uses and the committees' conclusions.Finally, we update you on the Risk Assessment Committee's preparations for the Drinking Water Directive, discussing the development of positive lists and the process for ensuring the safe use of materials in contact with drinking water.Stay informed on the latest in chemical safety and regulation. Subscribe for more updates and follow us on social media!More**************Subscribe to our YouTube channelSubscribe to our Safer Chemicals PodcastSubscribe to our newsFollow us on:LinkedInXFacebookInstagramBlueSkyVisit our website Disclaimer: Views expressed by interviewees do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Chemicals Agency. All content is up to date at the time of publication.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode we talk about one of the core tools for chemical safety in the workplace: safety data sheets. They contain information on how to safely handle, store, and dispose of chemicals. It is the responsibility of the supplier to provide safety data sheets to their customer when selling hazardous chemicals or mixtures. In 2021, new requirements for safety data sheets were introduced under the REACH Regulation, and this year, ECHA’s Enforcement Forum carried out an EU-wide project to check if companies are following these updated rules. The inspectors found that 35 % of the checked safety data sheets were non-compliant. Compliance has improved from previous projects but further efforts are needed to better protect workers and professional users from the risks of hazardous chemicals. Our guests are Abdulqadir Mohamad Suleiman, the Norwegian alternate member of ECHA’s Enforcement Forum and the Chair of the working group managing this enforcement project and Maciej Baranski, leading the Harmonised Enforcement Team at ECHA, which contributed to the project.Useful linksMore episodes on the Enforcement Forum Give us feedback **************Subscribe to our YouTube channelSubscribe to our Safer Chemicals PodcastSubscribe to our newsFollow us on:TwitterFacebookLinkedInVisit our website Disclaimer: Views expressed by interviewees do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Chemicals Agency. All content is up to date at the time of publication.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of the Safer Chemicals Podcast, Adam Elwan is joined by Roberto Scazzola, Chair of the Risk Assessment Committee (RAC), and María Ottati, Chair of the Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC). They talk about the September committee meetings, discussing the scientific evaluation of the proposal to restrict PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) across multiple industries, including petroleum, mining, textiles, and food packaging. Additionally, they address the proposal to classify talc as a carcinogenic substance and companies' applications to use chromium VI in the aviation and defense sectors.Useful linksGive us feedbackSeptember RAC and SEAC meeting highlights - ECHA news, 26 September 2024RAC meeting agenda and minutesSEAC meeting agenda and minutesREACH restriction processHarmonised classification and labellingRisk Assessment CommitteeSocio-Economic Analysis Committee**************Subscribe to our YouTube channelSubscribe to our Safer Chemicals PodcastSubscribe to our newsFollow us on:TwitterFacebookLinkedInVisit our website Disclaimer: Views expressed by interviewees do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Chemicals Agency. All content is up to date at the time of publication.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of the Safer Chemicals Podcast, host Adam Elwan is joined by Roberto Scazzola, the Chair of ECHA's Risk Assessment Committee and Maria Ottati who chairs the Socio-Economic Analysis Committee to discuss the ongoing efforts and challenges in regulating harmful chemicals.The episode focuses on the universal PFAS restriction proposal, addressing its persistency and health impacts, and the committees' approach to evaluating different sectors in batches.They also explore the initial discussions on harmonising the classification and labelling of talc, and the steps towards recommending occupational exposure limits for bisphenol A (BPA).Tune in for the latest updates on the committees' work in protecting health and the environment, their socio-economic implications, and the vital role of stakeholder contributions in this complex process.Useful linksMore episodes on the committees for risk assessment and socio-economic analysis Give us feedback MoreJune RAC and SEAC meeting highlights - ECHA news, 13 June 2024Agenda of RAC’s meeting [PDF] [EN] Agenda of SEAC’s meeting [PDF] [EN] REACH restriction process Harmonised classification and labelling Risk Assessment Committee Socio-Economic Analysis Committee**************Subscribe to our YouTube channelSubscribe to our Safer Chemicals PodcastSubscribe to our newsFollow us on:TwitterFacebookLinkedInVisit our website Disclaimer: Views expressed by interviewees do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Chemicals Agency. All content is up to date at the time of publication.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

The Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation, also known as the CLP Regulation, requires companies to classify, label and package their hazardous chemicals appropriately before placing them on the EU market to protect health and the environment but also to ensure free movement of substances, mixtures and article. In this episode, the host Päivi Jokiniemi and the head of ECHA’s Hazard classification unit, Paul Ryan, talk about the amendment that introduced new hazard classes to the regulation – these entered into force in April 2023. They will also discuss the ongoing CLP revision that is one of the key deliverables of the European Commission’s Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability. While it aims to update and optimise the regulation by ensuring that dangerous chemicals are properly identified, labelled and classified, it is also an important element in Europe’s move towards a toxic free environment.Useful linksGive us feedbackListen on YouTube MoreNew hazard classes 2023Existing guidance for CLPECHA-EFSA guidance on endocrine disruptionREACH guidance: Information Requirements and Chemical Safety Assessment – chapter R.11: PBT/vPvB assessment **************Subscribe to our YouTube channelSubscribe to our Safer Chemicals PodcastSubscribe to our news Follow us on:TwitterFacebookLinkedInVisit our website Disclaimer: Views expressed by interviewees do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Chemicals Agency. All content is up to date at the time of publication.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

This episode of the Safer Chemicals podcast, hosted by Adam Elwan from ECHA, dives into the work of the committees' work on the proposal to restrict per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Europe. Adam is joined by Roberto Scazzola and Maria Ottati, chairs of ECHA's Risk Assessment and Socio-Economic Analysis committees as they discuss the first steps of forming scientific opinions on the restriction proposal.The episode also touches on the committees' work on other areas, such as the harmonised classification of lithium salts and the use of chromium VI compounds in key industries.Listeners will come away with a clearer understanding of the importance of scientific and technical robustness in the committee's work, and the Agency's commitment to ensuring chemical safety in the EU.Useful linksEpisode transcript More episodes on the committees for risk assessment and socio-economic analysis Give us feedback MoreMarch RAC and SEAC meeting highlights - ECHA news, 20 March 2024Agenda of RAC’s meeting [PDF] [EN] Agenda of SEAC’s meeting [PDF] [EN] REACH restriction process Harmonised classification and labelling Risk Assessment Committee Socio-Economic Analysis Committee**************Subscribe to our YouTube channelSubscribe to our Safer Chemicals PodcastSubscribe to our newsFollow us on:TwitterFacebookLinkedInVisit our website Disclaimer: Views expressed by interviewees do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Chemicals Agency. All content is up to date at the time of publication.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Our wellbeing depends on the health of animals, plants and our environment. What affects one affects all the others, and increasingly so. A One Health perspective is about joining forces to find integrated solutions to common challenges such as climate change and antibiotic resistance.Join us to hear from experts at five EU scientific agencies about how we can put One Health into practice. Whether it's safeguarding access to life-saving medicines or combating the next pandemics, a One Health approach will be essential to how our society navigates the future. This is the first of our two part episode with speakers from five EU agencies. HostJames Ramsay, Head of Communications - European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)GuestsCarlos das Neves, Chief Scientist - European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)Wim De Coen, Head of Hazard Assessment at the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)Mike Catchpole, Chief Scientist at the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)Dario Piselli, Expert in environment and health at the European Environment Agency (EEA)Steffen Thirstrup, Chief Medical Officer at the European Medicines Agency (EMA)Check our website and stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter.Useful links EFSA, Science on the Menu podcastECDC On Air podcastEpisode transcript Give us feedback **************Subscribe to our YouTube channelSubscribe to our Safer Chemicals PodcastSubscribe to our newsFollow us on:TwitterFacebookLinkedInVisit our website Disclaimer: Views expressed by interviewees do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Chemicals Agency. All content is up to date at the time of publication. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Welcome to the Safer Chemicals Podcast. Join host Adam Elwan as he delves into the work of the European Chemicals Agency's scientific committees. In this episode, we talk about the record number of comments received for the proposed restriction of PFAS and the harmonised classification of tea tree oil. Discover the unprecedented public engagement as we explore the analysis of over 5 600 comments received on the proposed PFAS restriction. Our experts, Roberto Scazzola and Maria Ottati, shed light on the extensive input from various sectors, offering insights into the diverse perspectives and key concerns highlighted by industry experts and individuals alike. From electronic and semiconductor industries to discussions on cosmetics and textiles, we dig deeper into the breadth of feedback received and its potential impact on regulatory decisions. Stay tuned as the Risk Assessment Committee addresses the evaluation of tea tree oil, discussing its potential impact on various sectors including fragrances, cosmetics, and plant protection products. Join us for a deep dive into the world of chemical oversight, scientific opinions, and the profound impact of public input on shaping regulatory decisions. Subscribe to stay updated on our upcoming episodes covering crucial findings and insights on chemical regulations and safety. What the committees do The two committees prepare scientific opinions that are used by the European Commission and EU Member States when deciding how chemical risks need to be controlled. They are made up of scientists from EU Member States and have observers from EU organisations that represent different sectors and interests. Useful links Episode transcript More episodes on the committees for risk assessment and socio-economic analysis Give us feedback More Highlights from November RAC and SEAC meetings - ECHA news, 7 December 2023 Agenda of RAC’s meeting [PDF] [EN] Agenda of SEAC’s meeting [PDF] [EN] REACH restriction process Harmonised classification and labelling Risk Assessment Committee Socio-Economic Analysis Committee ************** Subscribe to our YouTube channel Subscribe to our Safer Chemicals Podcast Subscribe to our news Follow us on: Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Visit our website Disclaimer: Views expressed by interviewees do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Chemicals Agency. All content is up to date at the time of publication. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of the Safer Chemicals Podcast, we take you on a deep dive into the world of chemical safety with a spotlight on scientific research needs for the regulatory risk assessment of chemicals. Päivi Jokiniemi speaks with ECHA's experts, Wim De Coen and Fleur van Broekhuizen, who give insights into the significance of scientific research in chemical regulation. Together, they explore the fundamental questions: Why is scientific research crucial for EU chemicals regulation, and what is ECHA doing to address the ever-evolving challenges in this field? Learn why scientific research is the cornerstone of ECHA's efforts, enabling the identification of chemical hazards, assessment of risks, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Get an inside look at ECHA's collaborative approach, where engagement with the scientific community is paramount. Understand how ECHA actively cooperates with researchers, fostering dialogue and knowledge exchange to drive chemical safety. Explore the Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals (PARC), an initiative that allocates substantial funding to research projects aimed at enhancing regulatory practices and improving chemical safety. Discover the key areas of regulatory challenge highlighted in ECHA's recent report and gain insights into how increased scientific research can provide better protection against harmful chemicals, address chemical pollution in the natural environment, shift away from animal testing, and improve the availability of chemical data. Wim works as a head of unit in our Hazard Assessment Directorate and Fleur in the team coordinating ECHA's activities under PARC. Useful links Episode transcript Give us feedback Listen on YouTube More ECHA report: Key Areas of Regulatory Challenge ECHA identifies research needs for regulating hazardous chemicals - ECHA News 15 November 2023 More on this topic ************** Subscribe to our YouTube channel Subscribe to our Safer Chemicals Podcast Subscribe to our news Follow us on: Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Visit our website Disclaimer: Views expressed by interviewees do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Chemicals Agency. All content is up to date at the time of publication. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.