[REACH: a European programme for renewed management of health risks].

The new European directive REACH constitutes a potential step forward for the prevention of health risks linked to industrial chemical production. The conflicts of interest expressed throughout its development and the compromises resulting from those opposing interest situate this directive at the cross-roads of the multiple rationales operating in the occupational health field. The precautionary principal, risk assessment, prevention, regulation, and corporate responsibility will have a role to play in the practical implementation of REACH.