Journal of Environmental Health Sciences (한국환경보건학회지)

Korean Society of Environmental Health (한국환경보건학회)
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Application of the Essential Uses Concept to Substances of Concern - PFAS, 6PPD and Benzene -

우려 화학물질에 대한 필수 용도 개념 적용 - PFAS, 6PPD, Benzene 중심으로 -

  • Miran Jung (Department of Biosafety, Kyungsung University) ;
  • Hyunpyo Jeon (Department of Biosafety, Kyungsung University) ;
  • Sangheon Kim (Department of Biosafety, Kyungsung University)
  • 정미란 (경성대학교 바이오안전학과) ;
  • 전현표 (경성대학교 바이오안전학과) ;
  • 김상헌 (경성대학교 바이오안전학과)
  • Received : 2023.12.05
  • Accepted : 2024.01.01
  • Published : 2024.02.28
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Abstract

Background: There is growing international recognition of the need for improvements to national chemical management systems for hazardous chemicals. The European Union has recently introduced the concept of 'essential uses' as a new approach to the management hazardous chemicals by limiting their uses. Objectives: This paper examines the concept of essential uses in chemical management and how to apply it through a case study of essential use. This approach is distinct from the current chemical management system, but seeks to improve its potential benefits by effectively restricting or gradually decreasing the use of hazardous substances. Methods: The concept of essential uses was introduced by reviewing the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, Cousins's three essentiality categories applied to PFAS, restriction options assessed in the PFAS restriction proposal under REACH, and the California Safer Consumer Products regulations prioritizing 6PPD in motor vehicle tires. Based on these essential uses concepts for PFAS and 6PPD, uses of benzene were classified in accordance with the essential uses approach for products using benzene in South Korea. Results: The essential use concept is able to manage the restriction and authorization of substances of concern through essential uses and non-essential uses and the feasible substitution of uses and substances. Conclusions: If the concept and methodology of essential uses are clearly established, they can be expected to shift the national chemical management paradigm from regulating substances to limiting uses under the existing substance management system.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

본 연구는 2023년도 환경부 주관 「화학물질 안전관리 전문인력 양성사업」의 화학물질 특성화대학원 지원 사업을 통한 성과물입니다.

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