Spheres of Influence

Chemical Reaction: The U.S. Response to REACH
Harvey Black
Abstract

The European Union's (EU) new chemical regulation scheme, known as REACH (Registration, Evaluation, and Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) , entered into force on 1 June 2007, and chemical companies around the world are working to determine how the legislation affects them and their businesses. The influence of REACH is also being felt in the United States, both in new state legislation and in a North American agreement on chemical assessment and risk management. Some insiders believe the regulations will unfairly burden smaller companies and stifle innovation, but others see REACH as an opportunity for chemical manufacturers and downstream users to coordinate their efforts to protect the environment while bolstering a more sustainable chemical industry.