The pharmaceuticals industry-a large consumer of chemical substances - is also concerned by the new EU chemical legislation, which it must apply as from 1 June. At the time of adoption of the REACH regulation, in December 2006, some of its representatives voiced fears of seeing a negative impact on the supply of small chemicals used in the manufacture of medicines. After a year's preparation, "these concerns are unchanged," states Dr David Taylor, in charge of follow-up on REACH for AstraZeneca and chairman of the Environment, Health and Safety Working Group at EFPIA (European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries Associations). Chemicals used in small amounts, such as colorants and bonding agents, are likely to be particularly affected. In his view, there is little doubt that certain intermediate substances will no longer be available on the market. According to AstraZeneca, that trend began even before the regulation entered into force. The new regulation will oblige laboratories to replace 1,500 of the most dangerous substances used in the manufacture of medicines with safer alternatives, except in cases where no safe alternative exists.
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