Not knowing which hazardous chemicals are in our products is crazy – the new waste database is not

A couple of years ago the History Channel had one of its biggest successes to date with the show Ice Road Truckers. The show followed truck drivers that were hauling cargo in 12-hour shifts, driving over frozen lakes in complete darkness. The hook of Ice Road Truckers was that it was framed as “the world’s toughest job”.

But I say forget those Ice Road Truckers – the world’s toughest job has to be that of a middle manager. Always on the receiving end of criticism from all parties. And since it’s impossible to please everyone, you’re constantly stuck between a rock and hard place.

When I think about it, the middle manager of chemical Europe has got to be ECHA. Say this, and industry complains, say that, and NGOs criticize, and so forth.

ChemSec has definitely doled out its fair share of criticism towards ECHA throughout the years, but this time I would actually like to praise the agency for doing something really, really good.

It has been tasked with building a database that will include all EU Candidate List chemicals in all products placed on the EU market. I will admit it – the scope is a bit crazy. But more importantly: It will be really great when it’s finished.

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