BBC News : Vote expected on EU chemical law (+ Europe diary: Christmas under threat)
In my views, stricter regulations would be beneficial for European companies, as once they have adapted to the change, they wouldn't face competition of products from outside Europe that do not match the regulations, as these would become illegal on the EU market. Developping countries like China may produce cheaper chemicals, but they may lack the technology or knowledge to produce them as the EU wants. Anyhow, the cost of adaptation will be the same for everyone, European or not. EU-produced chemicals may be more expensive globally, but will also gain a reputation for safety.
I am in favour of the new regulations because unchecked chemicals are potentially extremely harmul to health and may be one of the major cause of the rising number of cancers. Developed countries should be ready to pay more for safer products. It will also benefit the environment as a whole.
BBC said:The European Parliament is preparing to vote on far-reaching legislation which would lead to the safety testing of around 30,000 chemicals.
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The EU's chemicals legislation will require the safety testing of around 30,000 substances, found in everything from cars to computers to children's toys.
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The proposed regulation is an interesting test case. Tony Blair is always going on about facing up to the threat from globalisation. But a German paint manufacturer I interview tells me that if this goes ahead he will seriously consider setting up a factory painting aircraft in Russia, where there are no such regulations.
Equally a Belgium family I talk to, who are taking part in tests to detect industrial chemicals in their blood, are horrified at what they find. The grandmother blames a metal factory she lived next to as a child for her cancer and for the death of her sister and father from cancer. How do you get the balance right?
In my views, stricter regulations would be beneficial for European companies, as once they have adapted to the change, they wouldn't face competition of products from outside Europe that do not match the regulations, as these would become illegal on the EU market. Developping countries like China may produce cheaper chemicals, but they may lack the technology or knowledge to produce them as the EU wants. Anyhow, the cost of adaptation will be the same for everyone, European or not. EU-produced chemicals may be more expensive globally, but will also gain a reputation for safety.
I am in favour of the new regulations because unchecked chemicals are potentially extremely harmul to health and may be one of the major cause of the rising number of cancers. Developed countries should be ready to pay more for safer products. It will also benefit the environment as a whole.