European Commission's delay endangers health of citizens

In Europe, the European Ombudsman Emily O’Reilly has criticized the European Commission for its inadequate handling of hazardous chemical substances, indicating that the evaluation periods often extend far beyond legal deadlines. The Ombudsman's investigation revealed that the Commission typically takes an average of 14.5 months to prepare draft decisions regarding these substances, despite a legal obligation to do so within three months. In certain situations, this process has been known to take several years, which poses significant risks to public health and the environment as harmful substances remain in consumer products during this time. O'Reilly highlights the example of DEHP, a toxic substance found in various products including toys and plastic items, which took years for regulatory action. Currently, substances like chromium trioxide, used as a protective layer for metal parts, are under scrutiny. The existing REACH legislation aims to properly regulate hazardous substances, but the Ombudsman stresses the need for companies to provide complete information in their applications. She also advocates for stricter enforcement by urging the Commission to reject insufficient applications, thereby minimizing the use of hazardous chemicals in the EU market. In response to the Ombudsman’s concerns, a spokesperson for the Commission admitted the complexity of REACH legislation and expressed intentions to streamline internal procedures to enhance the efficiency of decision-making processes.