MEPs approve new EU law regulating use of chemicals

The European Parliament has approved new laws regulating the use of thousands of dangerous chemicals.

The legislation follows years of debate over how to ensure commonly used chemicals are safe for humans and the environment.

From next March, some 30,000 chemicals found in everyday products will be subject to new rules and regulations.

A safety monitoring body based in Co Kilkenny and run by the Health and Safety Authority will be responsible for identifying, testing and approving hazardous substances used by Irish manufacturers.