The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) will hold joint study committee meetings with the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) and the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) to assess the risk in relation to use of organic pigments containing polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) unintentionally generated as a byproduct. The first meeting is planned to be held on March 23.

A report from the Japan Dyestuff and Industrial Chemicals Association (JDICA) revealed that some organic pigments contained PCBs were unintentionally generated as a byproduct as part of their manufacturing process. In response to the report, MHLW, METI and MOE will hold meetings of a joint study committee (See Annex 1).

(1) Purpose

In response to the finding that some organic pigments contain PCB unintentionally generated as a byproduct, the study committee aims at discussion by experts on the impact on human beings and the ecosystem through environment pollution resulting from PCBs as well as the impact on consumers' health through continued use of products using pigments that contain PCB unintentionally generated as a byproduct.

(2) Form

Study committee meetings will be held jointly by three ministries (MHLW, METI and MOE) (See Annex 2 for the names of the committee members).

The first meeting is planned to be held as shown below. Discussion will be open.

Date and time:

16:30 to 18:30 on March 23, 2012

Place:

1st and 2nd common meeting rooms on the 17th floor of METI main building

Agenda:

- About the study committee

- How to progress with the study

- Risk assessment method

- Others

It is planned to compile results of the provisional risk assessment around April to May on the basis of the data obtained so far. After that, based on the results of the investigation into the actual situation of organic pigment manufacturers and importers (report deadline is May 10 or August 10 depending on the type of organic pigment) and other data, detailed risk assessment results will be compiled within this year. Note that the study results of this study committee will be reported to the councils concerned under the three ministries as required.

In addition, another study committee meeting will be held for discussion on the upper limit of byproduct PCB in organic pigments and the necessity of additional measures. Members will study these issues with hearing opinions from experts.

• Annex 1:Organic Pigments That Can Unintentionally Contain Polychlorinated Biphenyl (METI's press release on February 10, 2012)
• Annex 2:List of members of "Study Committee on Risk Assessment of Byproduct PCB in Organic Pigments" (PDF:114KB) (in Japanse)

March 16, 2012

Chemical Management Policy Division, Manufacturing Industries Bureau