Overview
- Role: ECHA protects health and the environment through its work for chemical safety
- Director: Sharon McGuinness
- Established in: 2007
- Number of staff: about 600
- Location: Helsinki, Finland
- Website: ECHA
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) works for the safe use of chemicals. It implements the EU's groundbreaking chemicals legislation, benefiting human health, the environment and innovation and competitiveness in Europe.
What it does
- helps companies comply with specific EU legislation on chemicals or biocides:
- cooperates with international organisations and stakeholders to promote safe use of chemicals
- provides information on chemicals and their safe use through a unique free database
- works with the European Commission and EU governments to identify substances that give cause for concern and take decisions on EU-level risk management
Who benefits
- Members of the public and the environment are less exposed to hazardous chemicals and benefit from safer products. Consumers can ask about hazardous chemicals in the products they buy.
- Workers and other users of chemicals benefit from improved information about the hazards of chemicals they handle, and how to use them safely.
- Industry is helped to comply with legislation. Innovative companies can take advantage of the need to phase out the most hazardous substances.
- Developing countries receive information on how to handle hazardous chemicals safely.
Further information
Contact
European Chemicals Agency
Mailing address P.O.Box 400
00121 Helsinki
Finland
- Name
- European Chemicals Agency
- Website
- https://echa.europa.eu/en/home
- Phone number
- +358 9 6861 80
- Fax number
- +358 9 6861 8210
- Postal address
Telakkakatu 6
00150 Helsinki
Finland