Most of the metals and natural inorganic substances have hazardous properties that need to be managed. However, they also have properties that set them apart from organic chemicals. For example, they are naturally occurring and can be essential for the normal physiology of organisms.
Understanding these properties and managing the risks posed by metals and inorganics for human health and the environment requires specific knowledge and scientific concepts.
Usually, chemicals management guidance and concepts made available by authorities are tailored towards ‘organic chemicals’ as they are more numerous.
European Metals and its members play a crucial role in complementing these approaches with metal-specific data and methods to ensure the most appropriate management of the properties of metals and inorganics. For example, when implementing emission limits or restricting uses.
The sector has developed guidance notes and tools based on state-of-the-art science and data, which are made available for free to its members and to authorities.
The association also initiates and coordinates several capacity-building projects:
All these guidance documents and tools can be found on the REACH Metals Gateway:https://www.reach-metals.eu/ and the Metals Toolbox:https://metals-toolbox.com
Contacts:verougstraete@european-metals.eu or vandemerckt@european-metals.eu or dobre@european-metals.eu or lee@european-metals.eu
