Risk management measures for chemicals in consumer products: documentation, assessment, and communication across the supply chain

Abstract

This paper analyzes the way risk management measures (RMMs) for consumer products have been used to date in authority and industry risk assessments. A working concept for consumer product RMMs is developed, aimed at controlling, limiting or avoiding exposures, and helping to insure the safe use (or handling) of a substance as part of a consumer product. Particular focus is placed on new requirements introduced by REACH (registration, evaluation, and authorization of chemicals). A RMMs categorization approach is also developed, dividing consumer product RMMs into those that are product integrated and those that are communicated to consumers. For each of these categories, RMMs for normal use, accidental use or misuse need to be distinguished. The level of detail for documenting, assessing and communicating RMMs across supply chains can vary, depending on the type of the assessment (tiered approach). Information on RMMs was collected from published sources to demonstrate that a taxonomical approach using standard descriptors for RMMs libraries is needed for effective information exchange across supply chains.

European solvent industry group generic exposure scenario risk and exposure tool

“…The utility of developing standard descriptors for RMM libraries, 32 to facilitate effective information exchange across supply chains, has been well recognized. Recognizing the importance of clear risk communication in general, the standard phrases developed for both OCs and RMMs within the tool were designed to be readily understandable to the general public.…”

Initial impacts of global risk mitigation measures taken during the combatting of the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Risk mitigation is an interdisciplinary decision-making process based on information from risk and exposure assessment (Bruinen de Bruin, 2007). It entails consideration of political, socioeconomic, epidemiological, (mental) health and engineering data to compile regulatory options and select the appropriate regulatory, societal, sector or company response to COVID-19.…”

Biomonitoring and Subsequent Risk Assessment of Combined Exposure to Phthalates in Iranian Children and Adolescents

“…Certain phthalates, like DBP, BBP, DEHP, diethyl phthalate (DEP), and dimethyl phthalate (DMP) have numerous industrial applications and uses including food packaging, personal-care products, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, building materials, nutritional supplements, cleaning materials, solvents, adhesives, paints, lacquers, insecticides, children’s toys, and children’s school supplies which makes them omnipresent in the environment [ 5 , 6 , 7 ]. In these products phthalates are not chemically bound to the polymer matrices and therefore might easily migrate to the food and surrounding environment which leads to exposure of humans by multiple routes including mainly ingestion, inhalation and dermal uptake throughout their lifetime beginning in fetal stages [ 8 , 9 , 10 ].…”