New chemicals management proposal in Mexico; Review of synergistic and antagonistic mixture effects

05/29/20 • 12 min

In this week’s episode of the Chemical Watch podcast, global managing editor Kate Lowe is joined from Dallas by Ginger Hervey, global and emerging markets reporter, and in the UK by Andrew Turley, Chemical Watch science editor, to discuss two stories from the last week:

Firstly, the debate that has followed a decision by Mexico's health department earlier this year to propose an overarching national chemicals policy placing the burden of proof on companies to show the substances they use are safe - a move which has stirred industry concern, and most recently the development of an alternative industry-sponsored proposal.
Secondly, the publication of the provisional findings of a literature review of studies on the mixture effects of substances - findings which could have implications for regulators seeking solutions to the longstanding issue of how to account for the effects of unintentional mixtures of environmental chemicals.

Firstly, the debate that has followed a decision by Mexico's health department earlier this year to propose an overarching national chemicals policy placing the burden of proof on companies to show the substances they use are safe - a move which has stirred industry concern, and most recently the development of an alternative industry-sponsored proposal.
Secondly, the publication of the provisional findings of a literature review of studies on the mixture effects of substances - findings which could have implications for regulators seeking solutions to the longstanding issue of how to account for the effects of unintentional mixtures of environmental chemicals.

Previous Episode

Results of Chemical Watch Covid-19 survey; Cosmetics industry backs California bill to ban dozens of chemical ingredients

In this week’s episode of the Chemical Watch podcast, global managing editor Kate Lowe is joined by our chief customer officer Emma Chynoweth and North America managing editor Terry Hyland to discuss two stories from the last week:

Firstly, the results of a survey conducted by Chemical Watch to investigate the impact of coronavirus Covid-19 on the working lives of professionals in the chemicals management sector, and to gauge expectations with regards to key issues such as the pace of regulatory developments. What do the findings tell us about the experience of professionals working in chemicals management during these challenging times?
Secondly, the implications of a California bill to ban more than a dozen substances from personal care products. The bill has passed its first legislative hurdle - and, crucially, received backing from a key industry trade group. Why did the trade body back the committee’s decision, having previously opposed a similar measure?

Next Episode

Transitional rules for China's MEE Order 12; Bjorn Hansen proposes "sustainable chemical" definition

In this week’s episode of the Chemical Watch Podcast, global managing editor Kate Lowe is joined from our Asia desk by Asia reporter Ellen Daliday and by Geraint Roberts, Chemical Watch's editorial director, to discuss two stories from the week.

Firstly, revisions to China's primary regulation governing new chemical substances have been finalised and are due to come into force at the beginning of next year. In the meantime, transitional arrangements have been proposed to manage new chemicals until the revised regulation comes into force.

Secondly, the recent Safer Chemicals Conference held by Echa heard executive director Dr Bjorn Hansen propose the idea that we need a definition of a "sustainable chemical" - based on safety, circularity and using less energy to produce.