The Legal File.

The objective of IRPTC's Legal File is to make available brief descriptions of existing regulations and recommendations for controlling chemicals. The file differs from others in that no selection with regard to chemicals is applied. all substances (except pharmaceuticals and radioactive substances) are covered and legal control mechanisms are included. The file has complete records for 13 countries and six international organizations. In addition, bans and severe restrictions on chemicals are included for any country that provides such information under the London Guidelines . In 1990 the file contained more than 40,000 records on more than 8,000 chemicals - those substances covered by any legal instrument or guideline in the selected countries and organizations. electronic links now enable users to tap into the Legal File from anywhere in the world.

Initiated in 1979, the Legal File contains information about regulations on maximum limits for chemicals in everything from food to paints, laws relating to use, handling and transport, and rules for the disposal of toxic chemicals.

Extracts of the Legal File covering chemicals included in the IRPTC working list were published in 1983 and 1986.

Apart from setting out recommendations and legal mechanisms related to specific chemicals in the air, drinking water, wastes, soil, sediments, food, beverages, and consumer goods including cosmetics and toiletries, the publications also gave information on substances used in agriculture and animal husbandry.

Since 1985 the Legal File has contained occupational exposure limits for and additional 11 countries outside the core group. The File has information on workplace limits in almost 12,000 of its records. In 1987, Canada became the 13th country to contribute to IRPTC its complete legal file for chemical substances.

IRPTC convened an international workshop in early 1990 to consider the future development of the Legal File. The users and contributors of the legal data said they were satisfied with the selection and presentation of the information included in the file, but they did request that the mechanism for updating the information on a regular basis be improved and that countries included in the file assist IRPTC more effectively in this task.

Back to IRPTC home page.