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Safer Chemicals Podcast: Daily Summaries Delivered
by European Chemicals Agency
Whether you work with chemicals, have an interest in how chemicals affect us and the environment or work as a journalist or decision-maker in the field of manufactured chemicals, the Safer Chemicals Podcast is for you. We give you the latest updates on how chemicals are being regulated in the EU and what harmful chemicals are being phased out. Listen to expert views on chemical safety in the EU and join the scientific discussion on key topics including microplastics, glyphosate, endocrine disruptors, chemicals used in tattoo inks, and much more. Hosted by Adam Elwan and Päivi Jokiniemi from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
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- Jun 14, 202632 min
Moving away from animal testing: how new methods can support chemical safety
The European Commission published its roadmap for phasing out animal testing on 1 June 2026, and the first meeting of ECHA’s Collaborative Platform on Alternatives to Animal Testing has now taken place.In this episode, we explore what these developments mean for regulators, researchers and industry. Tomasz Sobanski from ECHA explains how new approach methodologies (NAMs) are moving from research into regulatory use, and why the transition requires more than replacing individual tests.The discussion looks at how the EU roadmap is expected to drive implementation across legislation, and how ECHA contributes through scientific and regulatory expertise, international cooperation and the collaborative platform.The episode features perspectives from the EPAA, PETA and HEAL on regulatory acceptance, confidence-building, animal welfare, and maintaining a high level of protection for human health and the environment.Useful linksECHA convenes first meeting of its collaborative platform on alternatives to animal testingECHA supports EU roadmap for alternatives to animal testing with new collaborative platformRoadmap towards phasing out animal testing and related materialsGive us feedback**************Subscribe to our YouTube channelSubscribe to our Safer Chemicals PodcastSubscribe to our newsFollow us on:XLinkedInFacebookInstagramBlueSkyVisit our website Disclaimer: Views expressed by interviewees do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Chemicals Agency. All content is up to date at the time of publication.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
- Mar 22, 202638 min
PFAS restriction proposal: Closer look at ECHA committees' latest opinions
In this episode of the safer chemicals podcast, we take a more detailed look at the committees’ opinions on the proposed restriction of PFAS in Europe. Host Adam Elwan speaks with Roberto Scazzola, Chair of the Committee for Risk Assessment, about the committee’s adopted opinion on PFAS, what it concludes and why persistence remains such a central concern. He is also joined by Maria Ottati, Chair of the Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis, to discuss the committee’s draft opinion, including the key socio-economic considerations, the role of derogations and the questions that will now be explored further through consultation.The discussion covers how the committees approached issues such as grouping, fluoropolymers, volatile PFAS and fluorinated gases, as well as what is known about emissions across sectors in Europe. It also explains where the biggest uncertainties remain, what information the committees are still seeking, and what happens next as the process moves forward.The episode also briefly covers two additional topics discussed by the committees in March: the harmonised classification proposal for cannabidiol and the latest progress on the restriction proposal for chromium(VI) substances.Useful linksECHA supports PFAS restriction with targeted derogations - ECHA news, 26 March 2026Consultation on SEAC PFAS draft opinion - guidance for respondents - ECHA webinar, 30 October 2025Give us feedback**************Subscribe to our YouTube channelSubscribe to our Safer Chemicals PodcastSubscribe to our newsFollow us on:XLinkedInFacebookInstagramBlueSkyVisit our website Disclaimer: Views expressed by interviewees do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Chemicals Agency. All content is up to date at the time of publication.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
- Mar 2, 202615 min
Biocidal Products Committee: Ethanol opinion explained
This episode of our Safer Chemicals Podcast focuses on the Biocidal Product Committee’s (BPC) conclusion on the use of the active substance ethanol. The BPC supports its approval for use in hand and general disinfectants (product-types 1, 2 and 4) but does not take a position on whether ethanol should be considered a carcinogenic or reprotoxic substance.Listen to the Committee Chair Joost van Galen telling what led to this opinion, what it means in practice and what will happen next.ECHA’s Biocidal Products Committee meets to prepare scientific opinions for the European Commission on biocidal active substances and on EU-wide authorisations of biocidal products. The Commission takes final decisions based on these opinions.Useful links:ECHA’s Biocides Committee supports approval of ethanol in disinfectants - ECHA news, 24 February 2026Highlights from February Biocidal Products Committee meeting - ECHA news, 4 March 2026Give us feedback**************Subscribe to our YouTube channelSubscribe to our Safer Chemicals PodcastSubscribe to our newsFollow us on:XLinkedInFacebookInstagramBlueSkyVisit our website Disclaimer: Views expressed by interviewees do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Chemicals Agency. All content is up to date at the time of publication.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
- Dec 14, 202527 min
PFAS restriction proposal and new hazard classes: December committee updates
In this episode, we deconstruct the outcomes of the December meetings of the Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) and the Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC).Topics include:Universal PFAS restriction proposal: The interviewees break down the latest discussions on the proposal, with a particular focus on PFAS manufacturing and the so-called “horizontal issues” that cut across all sectors. The SEAC's approaches to alternatives analysis, cost-benefit considerations, and proportionality are discussed, with special attention on the unique aspects of PFAS manufacturing.Sector-specific insights: The episode reviews the committees’ conclusions on all 14 sectors, with a spotlight on SEAC's discussions on the complex electronics and semiconductor sector.Next steps and stakeholder consultation: Listeners are guided through the upcoming consultation on SEAC's draft opinion, including how stakeholders can contribute, and the importance of providing targeted, relevant information to inform the final opinion.Milestone in chemical classification: The episode also marks a milestone for the Risk Assessment Committee: the first classification opinion using new hazard classes under the revised CLP regulation.Useful linksDecember highlights from RAC and SEACECHA webinar: Consultation on PFAS draft opinion: Guidance for respondentsGive us feedback**************Subscribe to our YouTube channelSubscribe to our Safer Chemicals PodcastSubscribe to our newsFollow us on:XLinkedInFacebookInstagramBlueSkyVisit our website Disclaimer: Views expressed by interviewees do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Chemicals Agency. All content is up to date at the time of publication.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
- Nov 19, 202522 min
EU enforcement project: targeted checks uncovered non-compliances in imported products.
In this episode of the Safer Chemicals Podcast, host Päivi Jokiniemi is joined by Henrik Hedlund, Chair of ECHA's Enforcement Forum, and Maciej Baranski, Team Leader of ECHA's Harmonised Enforcement Team, to discuss the results of a recent EU-wide REACH enforcement project. Inspectors from 29 countries conducted targeted checks on over 2 600 imported products, focusing on compliance with EU chemical regulations.The conversation explores the project's scope, objectives, and key findings, including persistent non-compliance in imported mixtures and consumer products such as jewellery, toys, textiles, and footwear. Notably, one in three substances in imported mixtures lacked REACH registration, and hazardous heavy metals were frequently found in jewellery. The episode highlights trends over time, the effectiveness of customs and enforcement collaboration, and the impact of enforcement actions in protecting consumers and the environment.Listeners will gain insights into the challenges of regulating imported chemicals, the importance of pre-release checks, and recommendations for companies and authorities to improve compliance. The episode concludes with advice for importers and an invitation to follow up on the ongoing project through stakeholder workshops and the full report available on ECHA’s website.Useful linksEnforcement Forum finds non-compliance in imported substances, mixtures and products - ECHA news, 10 December 2025Give us feedback**************Subscribe to our YouTube channelSubscribe to our Safer Chemicals PodcastSubscribe to our newsFollow us on:XLinkedInFacebookInstagramBlueSkyVisit our website Disclaimer: Views expressed by interviewees do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Chemicals Agency. All content is up to date at the time of publication.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
- Sep 23, 202530 min
PFAS, titanium dioxide, and new tasks: September committee updates
In this episode of the Safer Chemicals Podcast, host Adam Elwan is joined by Roberto Scazzola, Chair of the Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC), and Maria Ottati, Chair of the Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC). Together, they unpack the latest updates from the recent committee meetings, with a special focus on the universal PFAS restriction proposal.Listeners will hear about:The finalisation and publication of the background document for the PFAS restriction, and what it means for stakeholders and the committee’s ongoing work.Key sector discussions, including electronics, semiconductors, and manufacturing, and the latest on assessing emissions, alternatives, and stakeholder input.The importance of “horizontal issues” that cut across all sectors, such as concentration limits and risk management measures.Progress and timelines for both committees, including upcoming consultations and opportunities for stakeholder engagement.New tasks on the horizon for RAC and SEAC, covering among others, packaging and packaging waste, toys, batteries, and end-of-life vehicles.A special segment on the recent European Court of Justice ruling regarding classification of titanium dioxide, and its implications for scientific opinion-making.The episode wraps up with an invitation for listeners to submit questions or topics for future episodes. If you have questions or topics you would like us to cover in our upcoming episodes, send them to us at video@echa.europa.eu.Useful linksGive feedback Highlights: September meetings of RAC and SEAC**************Subscribe to our YouTube channelSubscribe to our Safer Chemicals PodcastSubscribe to our newsFollow us on:XLinkedInFacebookInstagramBlueSkyVisit our website Disclaimer: Views expressed by interviewees do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Chemicals Agency. All content is up to date at the time of publication.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
- Jun 13, 202529 min
PFAS, Chromium VI and worker safety: June committee updates
In this episode of the Safer Chemicals Podcast, host Adam Elwan is joined by Roberto Scazzola, Chair of the Risk Assessment Committee (RAC), and Maria Ottati, Chair of the Socio-economic Analysis Committee (SEAC), to unpack the latest developments from the June committee meetings.We talk about:The evolving PFAS restriction proposal, with a focus on medical devices, lubricants, and the electronics and semiconductor sectorsSEAC’s conclusions on the transport sector and the socio-economic analysis of PFAS usesThe new restriction proposal on Chromium VI substances and what the conformity check entailsA deep look at occupational exposure limits (OELs), including the latest recommendation for bisphenol A (BPA) and how these limits protect workers across the EUThe episode also touches on the challenges of group restrictions, the importance of stakeholder input, and how lessons learnt in Europe may shape global chemical safety standards.Subscribe and follow us for more updates on sound science and safer chemicals.Give us feedback June RAC and SEAC meeting highlights - ECHA news, 18 June 2025Useful linksRisk Assessment CommitteeSocio-Economic Analysis Committee**************Subscribe to our YouTube channelSubscribe to our Safer Chemicals PodcastSubscribe to our newsFollow us on:TwitterFacebookLinkedInBlueSkyVisit our website Disclaimer: Views expressed by interviewees do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Chemicals Agency. All content is up to date at the time of publication.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
- May 19, 202522 min
Biocidal Products Committee: Analysing alternatives to anticoagulant rodenticides
ECHA’s Biocidal Products Committee met on 12-16 May 2025.In this episode, the committee chair Joost van Galen joins host Päivi Jokiniemi to discuss the key outcomes from the meeting. Topics covered include Union authorisations and data gaps, harmonised list of environment endpoints for pyrethroid metabolites, and the renewal applications for anticoagulant rodenticides and the related analysis of alternatives.The Committee’s task is to prepare scientific opinions for the European Commission on biocidal active substances and on EU-wide authorisations of biocidal products.Useful links:More episodes on the Biocidal Products Committee meetingsGive us feedbackMoreECHA’s Biocides Committee backs approval of anticoagulant rodenticides (News, 21 May 2025)Agenda of the May 2025 BPC meeting (PDF)Summary of product characteristics (SPC) quality checklist (PDF)Guiding principles on handling information provided by the applicant during Union authorisation process (PDF)**************Subscribe to:Our YouTube channelOur Safer Chemicals PodcastOur newsFollow us on:XFacebookLinkedInBlueSkyecha.europa.euDisclaimer: Views expressed by interviewees do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Chemicals Agency. All content is up to date at the time of publication.Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
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About Safer Chemicals Podcast
Whether you work with chemicals, have an interest in how chemicals affect us and the environment or work as a journalist or decision-maker in the field of manufactured chemicals, the Safer Chemicals Podcast is for you. We give you the latest updates on how chemicals are being regulated in the EU and what harmful chemicals are being phased out. Listen to expert views on chemical safety in the EU and join the scientific discussion on key topics including microplastics, glyphosate, endocrine disruptors, chemicals used in tattoo inks, and much more. Hosted by Adam Elwan and Päivi Jokiniemi from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
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