A way out of the economic crisis?

摘要

The current global financial crisis that started in 2008 is feeding the debate in Europe on the burden legislations, in particular the REACH Regulation, place on companies manufacturing and using chemicals. Nevertheless, there is not much attention given to the burden caused by the manufacture and use of chemicals – some known to be toxic, but most poorly studied – not only for the environment and society but also for the economy. Toxics can have a remarkable impact on firms’ competitiveness and their capacity to innovate. Sooner or later, since the substances of most concern will be regulated and/or phased out, companies using obsolete and hazardous chemistry risk being shut down.