Non-toxic environment
The strategy for a non-toxic environment of the 7th Environment Action Programme (EAP) (2015-2016)
Client: DG Environment
The Commission adopted the 7th Environmental Action Program (7th EAP) in 2013, which includes the requirement to develop, by 2018, a Union strategy for a non-toxic environment that is conducive to innovation and the development of sustainable substitutes including non-chemical solutions, building on horizontal measures to be undertaken by 2015 to ensure: (1) the safety of manufactured nanomaterials and materials with similar properties; (2) the minimisation of exposure to endocrine disruptors; (3) appropriate regulatory approaches to address combination effects of chemicals; and (4) the minimisation of exposure to chemicals in products, including, inter alia, imported products, with a view to promoting non-toxic material cycles and reducing indoor exposure to harmful substances.
The study focuses on seven areas:
- Sub-study a: Substitution, including grouping of chemicals & measures to support substitution
- Sub-study b: Chemicals in products (articles) and non-toxic material cycles
- Sub-study c: The improved protection of children and vulnerable groups from harmful exposure to chemicals (Milieu)
- Sub-study d: Sub-strategy for very persistent chemicals (Milieu)
- Sub-study e: Policy means, innovation and competitiveness
- Sub-study f: R&D of new, non-toxic substances
- Sub-study g: The creation of a joint early warning system for approaching chemical threats to health and the environment
Overall objectives for the study:
- Present a comprehensive assessment of available information, to be used as a basis for the development of a non-toxic environment strategy. The assessment should include long and short term policy options for each of the focus areas;
- Present an overall analysis of the current policy, including gaps, overlaps and deficits, in connection to the sub-studies/fields indicated in the ToR and the policy options presented in connection to these; and
- Present improvement opportunities (synthesis and analysis of information).
A 2-day workshop has also been held in Brussels to receive input from stakeholders, academia and competent authorities on existing literature and practices.
