[Assessment and monitoring of chemical substances "existing" over the territory of the European Union].

The author discuss legal regulations on supplementing information about physical, chemical, toxic and onco-toxic properties of the so called "existing" chemicals, adapted by the European Economic Community. The Chemical Substances Act is being now drafted in Poland. This will be related with the introduction of the category of "existing" chemicals. The performance adapted by the EEC may serve as an example how to solve this problem in our country. It is suggested that a list of chemicals produced in Poland and imported from other countries be developed. This list will serve as a basis for establishing of the national priority list of chemicals which should be taken into consideration in setting up plans for supplementing indispensable information about chemicals present in Poland. It seems that adaptation of a criterion for identifying priorities (magnitude of production and import) similar to that of the EEC is not only justified from the substantial point of view but it is also of a very practical value. Establishment of cooperation with a relevant EEC Commission is considered as the best way to obtain information about chemicals used in Poland.