EU List Shows Challenge in Assessing Chemicals With Unknown Risks

The vast majority of chemicals registered for use in the European Union haven’t been assessed for risks, according to a list compiled by the European Chemicals Agency.

The substances have all been registered with the agency under the EU’s chemical law, but in many cases little work has been done to evaluate risks to human health or the environment, according to the list ECHA published Dec. 4.

The law, known as REACH, requires companies to register chemicals with the agency and provide safety data as condition of access to the EU market.

Of the 21,723 substances on the list, 18,767 ...