MEPs block chromium trioxide authorisation

EU lawmakers have challenged a proposal by the European Commission to let a range of companies use chrome plating material chromium trioxide, citing its carcinogenic and mutagenic properties.

Lawmakers narrowly adopted the text put forward by Green MEP Bas Eickhout, the S&D’s Maria Arena and Renew’s Martin Hojsík by 301 votes to 295 with 45 abstentions in a plenary vote on Thursday. It followed a similar move in the Environment Committee on Monday after months of contesting the largest-ever exemption under the EU’s REACH chemicals regulation.