Australia Rolling Action Plan: Chemical Evaluations List Update

The Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) has released its updated Rolling Action Plan (RAP), which lists ongoing and recently completed chemical evaluations. This initiative is essential to protect human health and the environment.

What is the Rolling Action Plan?

The Rolling Action Plan (RAP) is a strategic work plan used to prioritize chemicals for evaluation based on the results of the Evaluation Selection Analysis (ESA) process. It lists proposed, ongoing and recently completed evaluations, but excludes those with a current assessment certificate.

Update Schedule

The RAP is generally updated as evaluations are completed, with notices published on the AICIS website. Updates may also occur as a result of new information, stakeholder requests, or adverse events requiring evaluation.

Key Details Included in the RAP

• Subject of the evaluation: Chemical name or group name

• Reason for the evaluation

• Estimated date of completion of the evaluation

• Evaluation focus: Human health, environment or both

• Amendments to the evaluation list

Evaluation Process

During the ESA process, chemicals that pose potential risks to human health and/or the environment are identified. Evaluations are prioritized on the basis on these risks, and Evaluation Statements are published for chemicals that do not require further regulation.

Ongoing and Recent Evaluations

The RAP includes lists of ongoing, open for public consultation and recently completed evaluations. A downloadable spreadsheet provides detailed information on chemicals under evaluation.

Chemicals under Evaluation

Chemicals currently under evaluation include:

• 1H-Benzotriazole and its derivatives: Potential risk to human health

• Phenolic benzotriazoles: Potential risk to human health

• Tellurium and its compounds: Potential risk to human health

• Acrylic acid and its salts: Potential environmental risk

• Benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, 3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexyl ester (homosalate): Potential health and environmental risk

Recently completed evaluations cover a range of chemicals, including water-soluble zinc salts and acetoin, with results indicating both environmental and human health risks.

Staying Informed

To stay informed on the latest chemical evaluations and RAP updates, stakeholders can subscribe to notifications via email through the AICIS website. For detailed information or to provide input on specific chemicals listed in the RAP, stakeholders are encouraged to contact AICIS directly.

Conclusion

The Rolling Action Plan is a critical component of AICIS' efforts to effectively manage industrial chemical risks. By staying informed and involved, stakeholders can contribute to the continuous improvement of chemical safety and environmental protection.