,"The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order (DAO) establishes the Chemical Control Order (CCO) for benzene and benzene-containing mixtures under the framework of Republic Act 6969, the “Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990,” and related regulations. Its primary policy is to regulate, restrict, or prohibit the use, importation, manufacture, handling, storage, transport, and disposal of chemicals that pose risks to human health and the environment, while promoting research on safer alternatives.
The CCO covers importers, manufacturers, distributors, industrial, and commercial users, with exemptions for regulated products like fuels, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and naturally occurring benzene. It defines terms such as benzene, benzene-containing mixtures, chemical synthesis, and types of users. The Order permits benzene use in production, chemical synthesis, motor fuels, research, and low-concentration mixtures. Prohibited uses include paints, solvents, adhesives, textiles, inks, degreasers, and children’s products, with exemptions allowed only through DENR-EMB approval when no alternatives exist."
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