The main objectives of the Plan were to collect information about the latest control measures for chemicals and environmental hormones that have been adopted in other countries around the world, so as to provide a reference for toxic chemical and environmental hormone control in Taiwan, to be used as a basis for submitting recommendations regarding control measures in Taiwan and regarding the promotion of coordinated inter-agency management of environmental hormones. The main results achieved through Plan implementation were as follows: (1) Using the information collected about control measures in other countries as a reference, the selection principles and chemical lists used in Taiwan were established and maintained as appropriate; in addition, the major international chemical control lists were collated for utilization in the ChemiCloud platform to facilitate the inter-ministerial coordination of information provision. (2) Analysis was undertaken of the toxic chemical substance screening principles used in the European Union, the U.S.A., Canada, Japan and South Korea, and those specified by the Stockholm Convention and the Minamata Convention on Mercury, to provide a basis for recommendations regarding the revision of Taiwan’s screening principles. (3) Domestic use surveys were undertaken with respect to 3 chemicals (including perfluorooctanoic acid) that have become a cause for concern both in Taiwan and overseas, and 57 food safety risk substances (including malachite green), for a combined total of 60 chemicals; in addition, assistance was provided for the designation of 13 food safety risk substances as toxic chemical substances regulated by the Toxic Chemical Substances Control Act, and the timetable for the comprehensive prohibition of the use of asbestos was accelerated. (4) A “Taiwan Environmental Hormone Watch-list” was established, along with the accompanying screening procedures, and the results achieved by inter-ministerial collaboration over the years were collated, to facilitate the promotion of an effective division of labor in environmental hormone management in Taiwan. (5) Sampling was completed of 30 types of cleaning agents that are currently sold in Taiwan, to help safeguard the environment and the health of Taiwan’s citizens; the current state of commodity controls in Taiwan was reviewed, and proposals were submitted regarding suitable response measures. (6) On-site visits were made to four dry-cleaning firms whose operations make use of tetrachloroethylene; the views expressed by the firms were analyzed, and proposals were submitted regarding the gradual prohibition of tetrachloroethylene use. (7) A total of 14 toxic chemical substance related meetings were held to assist in chemical evaluation and toxic chemical substance designation operations, and a total of 9 presentations were held to strengthen the specialist know-how of Toxic and Chemical Substances Bureau (TCSB) personnel; 151 individual work items were completed in accordance with the requirements of the TCSB.

Toxic Chemical Substances, Environmental Hormone, Domestic Use Survey