In March 2025, ILiA hosted an expert roundtable in London, bringing together world-leading toxicologists, epidemiologists, and psychiatrists to evaluate the evidence underlying the proposed classifications of lithium compounds by European Chemicals Agency’s Risk Assessment Committee (RAC).
- The Experts outlined the need for a more proportionate, evidence-based regulatory approach.
- The Experts concluded that existing human data do not demonstrate a causal link between lithium exposure and developmental harm.
- The Experts agreed that the evidence might support a Category 2 classification, but not Category 1B, which requires “clear evidence.”
- The Experts concluded that current evidence does not support classifying lithium compounds as Category 1A/1B reproductive toxicants.
Concerns were raised that an overly cautious classification would risk undermining patient care and clean energy goals while providing limited real-world benefit.
This program was generously supported by eight leading lithium companies: Albemarle Corporation, Arcadium Lithium (prior to the acquisition by Rio Tinto), Ganfeng Lithium, Imerys Lithium France, LevertonHELM Ltd, Rio Tinto, Sibanye Stillwater Ltd, and SQM. This project reflects ILiA’s commitment to ensure that regulatory decisions affecting lithium are based on transparent, science-based discussions.
