The Commission will not restrict cadmium in artists’ paint
6 November 2015
In 2013 Sweden submitted to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) an Annex XV dossier proposing to prohibit the placing on the market in the EU of cadmium and its compounds for use in artists’ paints.
EurEau had and had also calculated the if the restriction proposal on cadmium was not decided.
In its published in the Official Journal on 28 October (C 356/1), the Commission concluded that “from indirect exposure via the environment through the release of cadmium to waste water and the application of sewage sludge on agricultural soil, the presence of cadmium in artists’ paints does not present an unacceptable risk to human health giving rise to a need to restrict the placing on the market of cadmium or its compounds for use in artists’ paints, or to restrict the use of artists’ paints containing cadmium or its compounds”. Accordingly, the restriction procedure initiated by Sweden is terminated.
In order to reuse wastewater and sewage sludge and develop a truly circular economy and a sustainable society, non-biodegradable and bioaccumulative substances should be allowed to enter the water cycle.
This source-control approach stems directly from art. 191.2 of the TFEU, stating that environmental damage should, as a priority, be rectified at the source.
Furthermore, on 23 October the government of Sweden and major Swedish corporations and NGOs have called on the European Commission for EU action on hazardous substances in textiles. Have a look at:
The European Commission opened a public consultation on this topic (deadline 22 January) and EurEau will respond. You can find it at:
Carla
Water matters. EU matters.
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