Respiratory Toxicity

Eurocolour Opposes EU STOT RE 1 Classification for Synthetic Amorphous Silica

Eurocolour has issued an April 2026 position paper strongly challenging the EU’s planned STOT RE 1 classification of synthetic amorphous silica under CLP, arguing the RAC opinion rests on weak science and misinterprets particle effects. If regulators maintain this classification and embed it in REACH general risk assessment, companies using silica in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and other applications could face far‑reaching restrictions, so it is strategically important to track whether CLP classification or an alternative PSLT/OEL approach ultimately prevails.

20 May 2026, 06:48echa.europa.euEuropean Union

Germany Comments on RAC Proposal to Classify Synthetic Amorphous Silica as STOT RE1 Under CLP

Germany’s Federal Office for Chemicals has issued detailed comments broadly supporting the proposed STOT RE1 (inhalation) classification of synthetic amorphous silica under the EU CLP Regulation, while challenging how broadly that classification should apply to different mixture types and uses. If the Commission adjusts the 25th ATP text in line with these arguments, SAS manufacturers and downstream users—especially those supplying sprayable powders, creams, gels and dispersions—will need to reassess which products fall within scope of new chronic inhalation toxicity classification and labelling duties.

20 May 2026, 06:48circabc.europa.euEuropean UnionGermany

Expert Review Challenges ECHA RAC STOT RE 1 Proposal for Synthetic Amorphous Silica (SAS)

An independent toxicology review challenges ECHA’s March 2025 RAC opinion proposing a STOT RE 1 inhalation classification for synthetic amorphous silica, arguing that it conflicts with CLP’s intrinsic-property criteria and recent EU case law on titanium dioxide. If regulators revisit the dossier or pivot towards harmonised occupational exposure limits instead, SAS producers and downstream users could face a materially different balance between hazard labelling, workplace controls, and long-term use viability in EU markets.

15 May 2026, 17:46circabc.europa.euEuropean Union

FEICA Position Paper on Synthetic Amorphous Silica STOT RE 1 Classification — Exemptions Sought for Firmly Enclosed Adhesive and Sealant Mixtures

In April 2026 FEICA, the European adhesives and sealants industry association, published a position paper opposing the proposed STOT RE 1 (inhalation) harmonised classification of synthetic amorphous silica and requesting that firmly enclosed mixtures be exempted. If regulators proceed without such carve-outs, adhesives and sealant formulators across multiple sectors may face significant reformulation, cost, and substitution risks as they try to maintain performance while managing worker exposure concerns.

15 May 2026, 17:45circabc.europa.euEuropean Union

New Hampshire Senate Tables HB 1544 Scented Products Ban in State Buildings

In May 2026 the New Hampshire Senate tabled HB 1544, a bill that would require fragrance-free cleaning and personal-care products and ban fragrance-dispensing devices in public areas of state-owned or operated buildings. This pause in the bill’s progress removes any immediate compliance obligations but signals rising occupational health and indoor air-quality scrutiny of fragranced products used in government facilities and potentially by contracted service providers.

9 May 2026, 14:09gc.nh.govUnited States

EU Industry Submission Challenges ECHA RAC STOT RE 1 Classification for Synthetic Amorphous Silica (SAS)

In March 2025, ECHA’s Risk Assessment Committee adopted an opinion recommending a CLP STOT RE 1 inhalation classification for synthetic amorphous silica (SAS), and an EU cosmetics-focused industry submission has now challenged the opinion’s scientific basis, scope and relevance to real-world exposure. If this classification is carried through into a binding CLP update, it could significantly constrain SAS use in cosmetics and related products, forcing difficult reformulation and substitution decisions and heightening the need to align CLP outcomes with the parallel SCCS safety assessment under the EU Cosmetics Regulation.

8 May 2026, 07:52circabc.europa.euEuropean Union

Illinois SB4045 Would Prohibit Lachrymatory Agents And Require Approval Of Pepper Spray Formulations

Illinois Senate Bill 4045 would ban most uses of tear gas and other lachrymatory agents in Illinois, require state approval of pepper spray formulations, and create new reporting, database, and enforcement mechanisms for chemical irritants. If enacted, this would fundamentally change law enforcement crowd-control options and the state’s pepper spray market, forcing reformulation, new IDPH rulemaking, and heightened liability and data transparency for chemical agent deployments.

21 Apr 2026, 13:42ilga.govUnited States

EU Extends Approval of Glutaraldehyde for Biocidal Product Types 2, 3, 4, 6, 11 and 12 Until 2029

The EU has extended the approval of glutaraldehyde for multiple biocidal product types until March 2029 to facilitate a detailed renewal evaluation. This extension offers temporary market stability but maintains pressure on manufacturers to prepare for potential substitution requirements and stricter risk management.

31 Mar 2026, 21:30regjeringen.noEuropean UnionNorway

Great Britain Adopts SI 2026/378 Updating Pneumoconiosis Workers’ Compensation Lump-Sum Payments

Great Britain has increased lump-sum compensation rates for workers suffering from dust-related occupational diseases, effective April 1, 2026. This adjustment reflects rising industrial disease liabilities and reinforces the financial risks associated with historical and ongoing exposure to hazardous substances like asbestos and silica.

31 Mar 2026, 21:29legislation.gov.ukUnited Kingdom

Switzerland Temporarily Authorises Helicovex (HearNPV) For Emergency Maize Pest Control

Switzerland has issued a temporary emergency authorization for the biopesticide Helicovex to manage maize pests through late 2026. This provides essential biological control for agricultural operations but underscores the ongoing regulatory reliance on short-term derogations for crop protection.

31 Mar 2026, 21:29fedlex.data.admin.chSwitzerland

US EPA Proposes Extending TSCA Compliance Dates for Perchloroethylene (PCE) and Carbon Tetrachloride (CTC)

The US EPA is proposing to extend TSCA compliance deadlines for perchloroethylene and carbon tetrachloride for non-federal entities until late 2027. This extension provides industrial operators necessary time to implement complex workplace exposure controls and monitoring programs without delaying the long-term phase-down of these substances.

31 Mar 2026, 19:33federalregister.govUnited States

ECHA Invites Comments On REACH Testing Proposal For Vanadium Dioxide (Deadline 08 May 2026)

ECHA has launched a consultation on REACH testing proposals for vanadium dioxide's inhalation and reproductive toxicity endpoints through May 2026. Stakeholders should leverage existing data to mitigate testing costs and anticipate potential hazard reclassifications that could tighten downstream compliance requirements.

30 Mar 2026, 16:48echa.europa.euEuropean Union

ECHA Consults on Repeated-Dose Inhalation Study for Yttrium Oxide (Deadline 08 May 2026)

ECHA has launched a consultation on a testing proposal for yttrium oxide's repeated-dose inhalation toxicity, with a submission deadline of May 8, 2026. This data-gathering phase is a precursor to potential hazard reclassification or new risk management measures that could impact market access and operational safety requirements.

30 Mar 2026, 16:46echa.europa.euEuropean Union

EU / ECHA Consults On Testing Proposal for Vanadium (Repeated-Dose Inhalation Toxicity)

ECHA has opened a consultation on a REACH testing proposal for vanadium inhalation toxicity with a submission deadline of May 8, 2026. Businesses should leverage existing data to influence the testing outcome and mitigate risks associated with potential future hazard reclassifications.

30 Mar 2026, 16:43echa.europa.euEuropean Union

GB FSA/FSS Publish Safety Assessment on Biotin Feed Additive Authorisation Modification (RP2227)

UK food safety authorities issued a positive safety assessment for the renewal and specification update of biotin as a feed additive in March 2026. This confirms continued market access in Great Britain while reinforcing existing worker safety requirements for handling dusty preparations.

29 Mar 2026, 19:24science.food.gov.ukUnited Kingdom

US Department of Veterans Affairs Issues PACT Act Report on Treatment of Toxic-Exposure Conditions

The US Department of Veterans Affairs has released a mandated report analyzing health outcomes linked to military toxic exposures including herbicides and burn pit emissions. This data-driven baseline will inform future federal policy on service-connected medical conditions and long-term liability for environmental health impacts.

28 Mar 2026, 09:34govinfo.govUnited States

US Department of Veterans Affairs Issues Biennial Report on Toxicant Exposure at Karshi-Khanabad Air Base (K2)

The US Department of Veterans Affairs has released its 2025 biennial report on toxicant exposure at the K2 air base, finding no elevated health risks despite the presence of background-level depleted uranium. This data will serve as the scientific foundation for upcoming rulemaking to expand disability benefit eligibility for veterans exposed to toxic substances.

28 Mar 2026, 09:34govinfo.govUnited States

Germany (BAuA) Publishes Study On Silica Dust Exposure Thresholds And Spirometric Decline

Germany's BAuA has published new research defining specific exposure thresholds for respirable crystalline silica linked to significant lung function decline. These findings provide a scientific basis for potential tightening of occupational exposure limits and workplace safety standards for silica-intensive industries.

27 Mar 2026, 18:36baua.deGermany

US MSHA Seeks Comment on Extension of Information Collection for Periodic Medical Surveillance Examinations for Coal Miners

The US Mine Safety and Health Administration is seeking public comment on the extension of mandatory medical surveillance reporting requirements for coal miners. While no substantive changes to health standards are proposed, operators should verify data collection processes to ensure continued alignment with federal respiratory health oversight.

27 Mar 2026, 17:12federalregister.govUnited States

Netherlands RIVM Assesses Feasibility of Cohort Study on Occupational Pesticide Exposure

The Dutch RIVM has confirmed the feasibility of a large-scale cohort study to monitor long-term health impacts of occupational pesticide exposure. This initiative signals a shift toward evidence-based worker protection policies that may lead to stricter occupational exposure limits or targeted use restrictions for specific pesticide classes.

27 Mar 2026, 17:11rivm.nlNetherlands