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Reports that the European chemical industry is preparing to fight the threat of unnecessarily strict regulations in the European Union on the control of hazardous chemicals following proposals by the European Union European Commission. Reaction from one official at the European Chemical Industry Council; Major defect in the safety regulatory system; Substances that will be evaluated by the authorities under the proposed system, REACH.

Reports that the Chemical Manufacturers Association (CMA) has released a study confirming earlier warnings that Environmental Protection Agency's plan to use the Internet to disseminate highly sensitive information on hazardous chemicals at industrial facilities will increase risks of terrorist attacks in the United States. Alternative proposal from CMA designed to reduce risks of terrorist attacks.

Reports that European Commission officials and chemical industry representatives will meet in September 1998 to work out ways for speeding up risk assessment of hazardous chemicals. Complaints about the slow rate of progress; Britain's call for an overhaul of the methods of making assessments; Possible disagreement about the interpretation of `precautionary approach.'

Reports on the skepticism of the American Chemistry Council on federal efforts to address reactive chemical hazards to protect workers and the public from reactive chemical accidents through the addition of chemicals regulatory lists. Weaknesses of the chemical safety regulations; Description of chemical reactivity; Ways to minimize chemical reactivity.

Presents news briefs on the chemical industry in Europe as of February 25, 2002. Ban on the sale of chemicals that are carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction proposed by the European Commission; Polymer polyol plant constructed by Shell at Pernis, the Netherlands.

Presents news briefs related to the chemical industry in Europe as of April 2001. Scheme started by the European Association of Chemical Distributors for the notification of hazardous chemicals banned or restricted for import/export under European Union legislation; Closure of the polyvinyl chloride and vinyl monomer plants of Solvin at Zandvliet, Belgium; Acquisition of two Helvar Merca terminals in Finland by Vopak company.

Reports on the executive order received United States federal agencies to reduce their use of selected toxic chemicals, hazardous substances and pollutants by 50% by the end of 2006. Statement issued by the Chemical Manufacturers Association regarding its opposition to the move; Details on the executive order.

Reports on news briefs about chemical industry regulations in the United States as of August 24, 1998. Environmental benefits from the Clean Air Act as reported by the US Office of Management and Budget; Proposal by the US Department of Transportation to change hazardous materials regulations.

Reports on the approval of a bill designed to simplify the process for distributing information about hazardous chemicals in the workplace. Approval by the US House Education and Workforce Committee; Amendment of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's hazard communication standard; Electronic access of employees to information.

Discloses that the European chemical industry is making moves to involve environmental and consumer groups in assessing the risks posed by potentially hazardous chemicals. Regulations passed by the European Union for testing dangerous chemicals; Participation of the European Chemical Industry Council in the efforts.

Reports that the US Environmental Protection Agency is expecting to publish a rule that would change section 8(d) health and safety reporting requirements under the Toxic Substances Control Act to establish a voluntary reporting system in the United States. Collection of data on health effects from chemical exposure and other information related to chemical production and use.