Updated on 04/08/2016
Keywords : Hazardous chemical substance substitution, Mercury, REACh (regulation), Chemical risks
Mercury is a chemical element with interesting physico-chemical properties that have led to its use in various products. It is also a highly toxic substance that is unique in that it can be found in different forms, depending on the environment. In view of the risks it poses to human health and the environment, in 2003 the European Commission developed a strategy on mercury. In this context, the French Ministries of Health and the Environment formally requested the Agency to prepare a brief to enable the European Commission, if necessary, to review the classification of mercury within the framework of Directive 67/548/EEC on the classification, packaging and labelling of hazardous substances.
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Updated on 04/08/2016
Keywords : Food contaminants, Methylmercury, Pregnant women, Fish, Mercury
At high doses, methylmercury is toxic for the human central nervous system, particularly duringin utero development and early childhood. The consumption of fish is the main source of food exposure to methylmercury for humans. Regarding the nutritional benefits of fish consumption, the Agency assessed the risks associated with this substance to determine the frequency at which fish could be consumed without any health risks in this respect.
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