A new study led by Dr Thomas G. Osimitz has concluded that smoke from the combustion of flame-retarded furnishings did not enhance potential chronic toxicity hazards, including cancer. Campaigners have repeatedly claimed that flame retardants in home furnishings and electronics increase the toxicity of smoke produced during combustion in house fires, thus putting firefighters at risk of major long-term health problems.

Andrew Ramsey, head of regulatory at Airedale Chemical, advises on how to navigate the regulations associated with supply chain intentions between the UK and EU and the sourcing of raw materials

International trade became significantly more complex after 1 January 2021 with the end of the Brexit transition period. Now, there are now many trade barriers to consider, overcome and pay for, which vary depending on where you are getting your materials from.

Kemira and Veolia Wasser Deutschland are to work togther on the full-scale technology assessment of ViviMag, a patented technology to recover phosphorus and other valuable resources, such as iron, from sewage sludge. The first industrial trial will take place at Veolia’s wastewater treatment plant of Schönebeck, Germany, during 2H.

ECHA’s has released the fourth report under its Integrated Regulatory Strategy, which aims to speed up data generation, identification of groups of substances of concern and regulatory action by integrating different regulatory processes into one coherent approach.

Unilever and Genomatica have launched a $120 million venture to scale up and commercialise plant-based alternatives to palm oil and fossil fuel-derived cleansing ingredients, particularly for use in personal care products. This will use Genomatica’s established biotechnology platform that makes materials from plant- or waste-based product.

The EU’s Risk Assessment Committee has assessed glyphosate’s hazardous properties against criteria in the Classification, Labelling & Packaging Regulation and concluded that its classification should not be changed. This is consistent with the proposal of the four member states currently assessing the substance and RAC’s own 2017 opinion.

Sarah Ingle, who specialises in chemical safety and regulatory compliance at EcoOnline, explores how chemists can create a participatory safety culture