Filenews 8 April 2021 - by Pavlos Neophytou
Restrictions on the use of Lead in hunting, outdoor shooting and fishing are being initiated by the European Union, as it is a substance toxic to humans and dangerous to the environment. A proposal for this has already been submitted to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and will be evaluated with the ultimate aim of being included as a new restriction in Annex XVII to the European REACH Regulation (No 1907/2006/EC).
As part of the overall effort to limit the use and impact of Lead on the environment, the Department of Labour Inspection of the Ministry of Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance informs the affected companies and interested organisations or scientific groups, operating in Cyprus, of the submission of the proposal. At the same time, it asks that they send scientific and technical information on the use of lead in ammunition, for use in hunting and shooting, as well as in fishing, by 5 May 2021, so that they can be used in the first discussions on the proposal, which will take place in June 2021. According to the European Chemicals Agency, this information is particularly important in order to identify the needs for possible exemptions from the future restriction.
Informing stakeholders
More information can be found at the online information workshop that will take place on 15 April from 11:00 to 13:00 Cyprus time. ECHA experts will respond to questions raised during the consultation and provide clarification on how to submit comments. Interested parties may send their questions to the experts in advance via a submission form.
The dangers of Lead
According to the European Chemicals Agency, Lead is a substance toxic to humans and dangerous to the environment. The most important public health concern concerns its impact on the development of children's nervous systems. It is estimated that around 1 million children are exposed to lead each year as a result of its use in ammunition used in firearms and fishing paraphernalia.
