A future UK REACH regime will be a “hollow shell” and will not be able to replicate the EU’s protections post-Brexit, said CHEM Trust in its evidence to a hearing in the UK Parliament on 12th March. Dr Michael Warhurst, CHEM Trust’s Executive Director, gave evidence to the public bill committee that has been set up to scrutinise the Environment Bill - alongside Nishma Patel, … [Read more...] about UK MPs quiz CHEM Trust and others on concerns about planned UK REACH
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Scientists’ Consensus Statement on chemicals in food packaging provides food for thought for legislators
On March 3rd a group of 33 scientists from around the world published a peer reviewed Consensus Statement expressing deep concern about the current use of harmful chemicals in food packaging and other Food Contact Materials (FCM). The scientists cover several fields of expertise, including developmental biology, endocrinology, epidemiology, toxicology, and environmental and … [Read more...] about Scientists’ Consensus Statement on chemicals in food packaging provides food for thought for legislators
New investigation finds harmful PFAS chemicals in UK food packaging
Today’s report released by Scottish NGO Fidra shows that controversial PFAS chemicals, also known as forever chemicals, are present in UK food packaging. Fidra analysed 20 food packaging samples bought in the UK to test for the presence of PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances). PFAS were present in 95% of the samples tested as reported in their new report: … [Read more...] about New investigation finds harmful PFAS chemicals in UK food packaging
MEPs to vote on contaminated PVC recycling – A clean or a dirty circular economy for Europe?
**Update: MEPs voted to reject the Commission's proposal to allow higher levels of lead in recycled PVC on Wednesday 12th February, with 394 votes for, 241 votes against and 13 abstentions** Some PVC plastic waste - for example from old PVC window frames - contains lead, a well-known health hazard which is no longer used in new PVC produced in the EU. This has led to … [Read more...] about MEPs to vote on contaminated PVC recycling – A clean or a dirty circular economy for Europe?
EU Health Commissioner confirms stakeholder concerns with food contact laws
Last week, CHEM Trust received a reply from the European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakides, in response to a letter that we sent a few days after the new EU Commission started its five-year term in December 2019. Her letter gives a clear indication that the Commission is aware of the need for improvements to the EU's laws regulating the use of … [Read more...] about EU Health Commissioner confirms stakeholder concerns with food contact laws
New Hollywood film ‘Dark Waters’ highlights the shocking reality of PFAS pollution
A new Hollywood film ‘Dark Waters’ highlights the dire reality of pollution from harmful PFAS chemicals and the urgent need for strong, protective legislation to protect human health and the environment. PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) are known as the 'forever chemicals' as they do not break down easily and will persist in the environment for decades. PFAS … [Read more...] about New Hollywood film ‘Dark Waters’ highlights the shocking reality of PFAS pollution
EU fitness check on endocrine disruptors must lead to urgent, protective action
At the end of last week the European Commission's stakeholder consultation on the fitness check on European Union legislation on endocrine disruptors closed. Chemicals such as the bisphenols, phthalates, PFAS and some flame retardants, which are used in many everyday products from furnishings and toys to food packaging and cosmetics, have all been found to disrupt the … [Read more...] about EU fitness check on endocrine disruptors must lead to urgent, protective action
Chemical pollution, a key driver of the biodiversity crisis
In December 2019, the European Commission launched a “European Green Deal” as a response to climate and environmental-related challenges defining our generation. The European Commission has started consulting on the roadmap of some of the strategies listed in the green deal, including the EU 2030 Biodiversity Strategy. This week CHEM Trust submitted comments to the European … [Read more...] about Chemical pollution, a key driver of the biodiversity crisis
EU fitness check on endocrine disruptors, another delay or potential game changer?
At the end of 2019 the European Commission opened a stakeholder consultation on a fitness check on European Union legislation on endocrine disruptors. The fitness check aims to look at the coherence of different regulatory approaches to the assessment and management of endocrine disruptors; asking if the current legislation delivers its objectives to protect human health and … [Read more...] about EU fitness check on endocrine disruptors, another delay or potential game changer?
We write to the new EU Health Commissioner urging action on chemicals in food contact materials
On 1st December a new European Commission started its five year term, and during their first week in office, CHEM Trust sent a letter to the new EU Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakides, reminding her of the urgent need for reform of EU laws on chemicals in food contact materials. Our letter set out the multiple concerns that CHEM Trust has regarding the … [Read more...] about We write to the new EU Health Commissioner urging action on chemicals in food contact materials