OECD member countries co-operate in the investigation of high production volume chemicals (HPVs or HPVCs; substances manufactured or imported at >1000 tonnes in any one member country or the EU). The international chemical industry group ICCA is taking a strong role by voluntarily prioritising and assessing chemicals and in practice the two initiatives work together. This process is outlined below:
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Available data relating to a substance are reviewed and summarised in the form of a dossier (Screening Information Data Set or SIDS). A report (SIDS Initial Assessment Report or SIAR) brings the data together and draws conclusions for the environment and human health, in the context of hazard. Further testing or research may be required to complete the data set. |
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A similar process also takes place within the HPV Challenge Programme in the US. |
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Substances are sometimes grouped together in 'categories', where a grouped treatment is justified on the basis of structural similarity, coherent property data set, and similar production methods and uses. |
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The findings are discussed in the international forum of OECD countries and two meetings take place each year. Written comments are made via an online discussion group. |
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Within the OECD process, over 1200 chemicals are identified. Over 700 are currently in progress through the information gathering, draft preparation and SIAM discussion processes. Published SIARs are available online for over 500 substances (over 150 SIAR documents). |
