The EUs system for regulating chemicals, REACH, came into force 10 years ago, on the 1st June 2007. It aimed to gather reliable safety data on chemicals that are used in Europe, and to control those with problems, substituting them with safer alternatives. It was one of the most complex and controversial regulatory proposals that the EU has ever produced, with many exaggerated … [Read more...] about A move to safer chemicals? Ten years of the EU’s REACH chemicals regulation
Brexit Risk Tracker highlights concerns about protection of our health & environment from hazardous chemicals
On Friday 23rd June, a year after the UK's referendum on membership of the EU, the Greener UK coalition - of which CHEM Trust is a member - published their first 'Brexit Risk Tracker'. Most of the UK's environmental protection rules are based on laws that have been agreed at EU level, so by leaving the EU, the UK risks losing these protections. The Risk Tracker, assembled by a … [Read more...] about Brexit Risk Tracker highlights concerns about protection of our health & environment from hazardous chemicals
MPs call for post-Brexit UK to remain as close as possible to EU’s main chemicals law REACH
The UK House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) has today published the report of its inquiry on chemicals regulation after the EU referendum, which particularly focussed on the EU's world-leading REACH system for regulating chemicals. The EAC criticise the UK Government's lack of openness about its post-Brexit plans, and point out that most respondents want the UK … [Read more...] about MPs call for post-Brexit UK to remain as close as possible to EU’s main chemicals law REACH
IT’S A NO BRAINER! Action needed to stop children being exposed to chemicals that harm their brain development!
A report published today by CHEM Trust highlights how chemicals in food and consumer products used in homes, schools and offices could harm brain development in children. The impacts – which may include ADHD and lower IQ - are avoidable and can prevent children reaching their full potential says CHEM Trust, in No Brainer: The impact of chemicals on children’s brain … [Read more...] about IT’S A NO BRAINER! Action needed to stop children being exposed to chemicals that harm their brain development!
Will Brexit risk our health? UK MPs start inquiry into chemicals regulation after the EU referendum
We are all exposed to hundreds of man-made chemicals in our daily life, coming from everyday products including furniture, packaging and clothes. The aim of chemicals regulation is to try and establish which of these chemicals are dangerous, and then to put in place measures to ensure that they are used safely, or not used at all. At the moment chemicals use in the UK is … [Read more...] about Will Brexit risk our health? UK MPs start inquiry into chemicals regulation after the EU referendum
A bad Xmas present: new EDC criteria proposed by European Commission should be rejected (Update 22nd of December)
The long process of establishing EU criteria to identify hormone (endocrine) disrupting chemicals (EDCs) continues to stutter forward, with a new proposed texts from the European Commission. These texts, coming just a few weeks since the last texts, fail to address our concerns regarding the burden of proof needed, and introduce a whole new loophole which aims to allow … [Read more...] about A bad Xmas present: new EDC criteria proposed by European Commission should be rejected (Update 22nd of December)
Laws regulating chemicals in food packaging are not good enough, European Parliament says
The European Parliament has today overwhelmingly backed a report calling for substantial improvements in the laws covering the chemicals that are used in food packaging and processes, and which can leach into the food we eat. They also called for a ban on the use of the hormone disrupting chemical Bisphenol A in all food contact materials. … [Read more...] about Laws regulating chemicals in food packaging are not good enough, European Parliament says
Dust: Not only a nuisance, but also a source of hazardous chemicals
We spend up to 90% of our time indoors – in our homes, our offices or at school. However, studies show that indoor air can be more polluted and therefore worse for our health than air outdoors, as indoor air and dust can contain a number of worrying harmful chemical pollutants. Children, particularly babies and toddlers playing on floors, are specifically vulnerable to … [Read more...] about Dust: Not only a nuisance, but also a source of hazardous chemicals
Chemical regulations cost money wherever you are in the world – and they protect workers, public and environment
The main lobby organisation for Europe's chemical industry, CEFIC, has been keen to publicise a new study from the European Commission, a "Cumulative Cost Assessment" of the cost of regulation on Europe's chemical industry. However, as the European Commission has pointed out, the study doesn't consider economic or broader societal benefits of the legislation (such as protection … [Read more...] about Chemical regulations cost money wherever you are in the world – and they protect workers, public and environment
MEPs on Environment committee call for EU regulation of chemicals in paper & board packaging
MEPs on the European Parliament's Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee have this morning voted to strengthen their draft report on the regulation of Food Contact Materials. They are calling for the European Commission to create new regulations to ensure that people's health is protected from chemicals in paper and board packaging, and for particularly … [Read more...] about MEPs on Environment committee call for EU regulation of chemicals in paper & board packaging