The European Union Council of Ministers has given its approval to regulations that would place further restrictions on the use of cadmium.
Commonly used in jewellery, brazing alloys and PVC plastic processing, the new chemical regulations were initially included in draft proposals by the European Commission.
Changes to current rules were recommended after scientific research indicated that existing REACH regulations were not sufficient enough to protect human health and the environment.
The regulations will be adopted provided the European Parliament has no objections.
Last month, the European Commission committed to ban six substances over the next three to five years, unless individual companies have been granted permission for their use.
The phasing out of the 5-ter-butyl-2,4,6-trinito-m-xylene (musk xylene), 4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane (MDA), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD), bis(2-ethylexyl) phthalate (DEHP), benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) substances is a result of concerns about the impact they may have on human health and other living organisms in the world's environment.
Typical Guttridge equipment used in the chemical industry includes; Feeders – metering screw feeders – weighing systems
