In 2025, the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) launched an inquiry into whether the UK government's plans to tackle PFAS pollution are adequate. Drawing on evidence from scientists, regulators, affected communities, industry and environmental organisations, including CHEM Trust, the Committee recently concluded its inquiry and produced a detailed set of recommendations, … [Read more...] about Head in the sand: The UK government’s response to Parliament’s PFAS inquiry
Science Policy
EU experts decide on first chemicals to be classified as either endocrine disrupting or persistent and mobile
For the first time, EU regulatory experts on chemicals have recommended the classification of two chemicals using the new hazard classes for endocrine disruptors and persistent chemicals, which were introduced in 2023. Following discussions in the European Chemical Agency (ECHA)’s expert Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) last week, new opinions were adopted by consensus, based … [Read more...] about EU experts decide on first chemicals to be classified as either endocrine disrupting or persistent and mobile
Discussing endocrine disruptors and the need for EU action with Marie Louise Holmer
In advance of International Women’s Day on 8th March, CHEM Trust sat down with Marie Louise Holmer, Special Consultant at the Research Group for Molecular and Reproductive Toxicology, DTU National Food Institute in Denmark, to highlight her work in toxicology and endocrine disruptors (EDs). We discuss what inspired her to start working on EDs and what the EU needs to do to … [Read more...] about Discussing endocrine disruptors and the need for EU action with Marie Louise Holmer
Important OECD report shows the way forward for global hazard classes on endocrine disruptors
At the end of 2025, several important initiatives were published, including a crucial report that should not be missed. After some delay, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) finally published a report on the state of the science on endocrine disrupters under the Globally Harmonised System (GHS). The GHS is a globally recognised UN system which … [Read more...] about Important OECD report shows the way forward for global hazard classes on endocrine disruptors
Patient organisations, healthcare professionals and scientists urge action on harmful chemicals in toys
Today, a group of 50 patient organisations, healthcare professionals and scientists sent a letter to the UK Government urging it to align with the EU’s update to its own toy safety regulation. The letter calls for the UK to match the science-led approach taken in the EU. The decision to update the EU's toy safety regulation was driven by an assessment showing that the … [Read more...] about Patient organisations, healthcare professionals and scientists urge action on harmful chemicals in toys
Putting chemical pollution on the agenda at party conferences 2025
We were delighted this year to host events at both the Liberal Democrat and Labour party conferences, ensuring chemical pollution and the policy solutions needed to address it were on the agenda. First, we headed to Bournemouth for the Liberal Democrat party conference for our joint event with the Green Liberal Democrats, ‘Turning over a green leaf: how closer UK-EU … [Read more...] about Putting chemical pollution on the agenda at party conferences 2025
The UK’s approach to bisphenols in food packaging isn’t cutting the mustard
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical that has long been known to harm human and wildlife health by interfering with our sensitive endocrine system. Exposure to BPA is connected to extensive health impacts, including harmful effects on the immune system, chronic diseases such as breast and prostate cancer, and developmental disorders like ADHD and autism. The EU has introduced a key … [Read more...] about The UK’s approach to bisphenols in food packaging isn’t cutting the mustard
European Commission President von der Leyen is re-elected and re-commits to European Green Deal and revision of EU chemicals law REACH
European Commission President-elect von der Leyen announced in her political priorities this morning that "We must and will stay the course on the goals set out in the European Green Deal" and that "we will put forward a new chemicals industry package, aiming to simplify REACH" as part of an effort to shift to a “more sustainable pattern of production and consumption, retaining … [Read more...] about European Commission President von der Leyen is re-elected and re-commits to European Green Deal and revision of EU chemicals law REACH
EU bans sub-group of PFAS used in food packaging and clothing
Yesterday, Member States gave a green light for restricting a subgroup of the “forever chemicals”, PFAS, from food packaging and clothing and other uses. The restriction presented by the European Commission to Member States covers PFHxA, its salts and related substances, a subgroup of PFAS. They are used in large quantities in sectors such as clothing, textiles and paper and … [Read more...] about EU bans sub-group of PFAS used in food packaging and clothing
EU Commission confirms that REACH revision is very important, as new regulations on classification are provisionally agreed
CHEM Trust has received a response to the letter that we sent to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on 19th September 2023. The response, which comes jointly from the relevant Directors in DG Environment and DG Grow, reaffirms the Commission's commitment to revising the main EU chemicals law REACH: "As we said in the plenary of the European Parliament last year, the … [Read more...] about EU Commission confirms that REACH revision is very important, as new regulations on classification are provisionally agreed
