If a chemical threatens health or the environment, shouldn't it just be replaced by safer alternatives? Or should regulators try to calculate a 'cost' for this harm to health or the environment (e.g. the cost of someone getting breast cancer), and then compare this with any costs involved in replacing the chemical? You may think it strange, but this is what often really happens … [Read more...] about Regulating chemicals: is putting a price on health impacts unrealistic and misleading?
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All stakeholders call for new EU laws on chemicals in food packaging, yet new Commission President proposes “one in one out” rule
On Monday 9th September the European Commission held a major stakeholder meeting to discuss the EU's laws regulating chemicals in food contact materials (FCM) such as packaging and pipes. The meeting discussed the initial findings from a review that consultants Ecorys are carrying out for the Commission. One clear message that came out of the event, from all stakeholders, … [Read more...] about All stakeholders call for new EU laws on chemicals in food packaging, yet new Commission President proposes “one in one out” rule
Outside of REACH the UK risks regulatory divergence
The UK voted to leave the EU in 2016, and through Brexit the UK government has said that it wants to achieve some level of regulatory autonomy outside EU laws and institutions. Regarding chemicals policy, its preferred outcome is to retain ‘associate membership’ of the EU chemicals agency, Echa. We believe this is feasible, if the UK negotiates a free trade agreement with the … [Read more...] about Outside of REACH the UK risks regulatory divergence
Action on ‘GenX’: Another ‘forever chemical’ added to the EU list of substances of very high concern
In June this year, EU Government experts voted unanimously in favour of adding GenX chemicals1 (a small group of fluorinated chemicals) to the EU list of substances of very high concern (SHVC), which is a first step in increasing regulatory controls over them. CHEM Trust submitted comments supporting this recommendation, due to our concerns about their probable serious … [Read more...] about Action on ‘GenX’: Another ‘forever chemical’ added to the EU list of substances of very high concern
UK MPs back CHEM Trust’s priorities in new report on Toxic Chemicals in Everyday Life
Today, the UK Parliament's Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) published a new report on 'Toxic Chemicals in Everyday Life' following its inquiry into the subject. The EAC declare that "current regulation does not account for the cocktail of chemicals we are exposed to", and that hazardous chemicals are now "ubiquitous in humans and the environment". The committee makes a wide … [Read more...] about UK MPs back CHEM Trust’s priorities in new report on Toxic Chemicals in Everyday Life