American Chemistry Council: UN Commission Takes Appropriate Steps on BDO and GBL

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Mar 13, 2015, 04:48 ET

WASHINGTON, March 13, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today members of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs unanimously rejected the recommendation from the World Health Organization to list 1,4-butanediol (BDO) and gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) as Schedule I substances under the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. In response to these developments, the American Chemistry Council released the following statement.

"The UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs has unanimously rejected the recommendation from the WHO to list the industrial chemicals GBL and BDO‎ as Schedule I substances under the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. In fact, the 53 delegates unanimously agreed to not even bring the matter to a formal vote. As the delegates noted, such a classification would have severe economic consequences, disrupt many crucial industries, and affect country development agendas across the global economy.

"We support this decision in recognition of the strong product stewardship initiatives and controls that ACC member companies already have in place for these substances."

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The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people's lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health and safety performance through Responsible Care®, common sense advocacy designed to address major public policy issues, and health and environmental research and product testing. The business of chemistry is an $812 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy. It is the nation's largest exporter, accounting for twelve percent of all U.S. exports. Chemistry companies are among the largest investors in research and development. Safety and security have always been primary concerns of ACC members, and they have intensified their efforts, working closely with government agencies to improve security and to defend against any threat to the nation's critical infrastructure.

SOURCE American Chemistry Council