Three-tiered approach for standard information requirements for polymers requiring registration under REACH

Polymers cover a broad spectrum of generally very large molecules, including e.g. cellulose, waxes, and resins. They are also constituents of plastics and play essential and widespread roles in everyday life. Polymers pose both technical and scientific challenges for safety testing and assessment due to the size, properties and/or form of polymers. Conventional risk assessment approaches currently used for small molecules may not apply to most polymers. One potential application of the framework could be potential future assessment of polymers under the umbrella of the REACH Regulation.