Today, CHEM Trust published a policy proposal on a new path to protect people and wildlife across Europe from endocrine disruptors (EDs). The proposal, if implemented, would lead to: Rapid and improved identification of substances with ED properties. Strict control of substances with ED properties to avoid or minimize exposure. Full transparency and easily … [Read more...] about A new approach to protect people and wildlife from endocrine disruptors
Science Policy
A workshop looking at gaps between the EU laws on chemicals in food contact materials and REACH
On April 29th, 2019, CHEM Trust organised a workshop to discuss gaps, overlaps and possible synergies between the EU's main chemicals law REACH and the EU's laws on chemicals in food contact materials (FCM). The workshop aimed to give government and EU regulatory experts on REACH and FCM an opportunity to discuss, and develop new insights into, what role REACH could have in … [Read more...] about A workshop looking at gaps between the EU laws on chemicals in food contact materials and REACH
CHEM Trust challenges UK Government on Brexit pesticides plans
The UK Government has claimed that it would not weaken EU environmental laws when transferring them into UK law in the event of a no-deal Brexit, with Secretary of State Michael Gove stating that "We will deliver a Green Brexit, where environmental standards are not only maintained but enhanced". However, CHEM Trust's analysis is that this pledge has been broken, and instead … [Read more...] about CHEM Trust challenges UK Government on Brexit pesticides plans
EU Elections: Environment, health and consumer groups call for action on hazardous chemicals
European elections will be taking place from 23rd – 26th May 2019, with more than 400 million people eligible to vote across 28 Member States. Voters will elect over 700 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), who have the power to amend proposed EU laws, contribute to EU policy making and will cross-examine and vote on a new European Commission later this … [Read more...] about EU Elections: Environment, health and consumer groups call for action on hazardous chemicals
Theo Colborn: a pioneer in identifying the problems caused by endocrine disrupting chemicals
This International Women’s Day, we want to highlight the work of one woman in particular who had a significant impact on the field of endocrine disrupting chemicals, Dr Theo Colborn (1927-2014). A trained pharmacist, Colborn had an interest in wildlife from an early age. After completing her Master’s degree in science in 1981, she was awarded a PhD in Zoology in 1985 at the … [Read more...] about Theo Colborn: a pioneer in identifying the problems caused by endocrine disrupting chemicals
A move to safer chemicals? Ten years of the EU’s REACH chemicals regulation
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
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
As concerns mount, EU Commission finally commits to action on laws regulating chemicals in packaging
Following on from a very critical report by the European Parliament, the European Commission has finally announced that it will review the laws regulating the chemicals allowed in food contact materials such as packaging. They have also published a detailed study showing the extent of the problems caused by the lack of adequate EU rules covering food contact materials (FCM) … [Read more...] about As concerns mount, EU Commission finally commits to action on laws regulating chemicals in packaging
How safe is our seafood?
Our oceans and seas have been polluted over time with a number of contaminants, from litter and plastic waste to an array of man-made chemicals which have caused numerous problems for many wildlife species. So considering these pollutants, how safe is the fish, shellfish and other seafood we eat? … [Read more...] about How safe is our seafood?
Leading health professionals agree that toxic chemicals threaten healthy reproduction and development
In recent weeks the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics has expressed their concerns about the impact of exposure to toxic chemicals on reproduction and development, while scientists from the Endocrine Society have re-affirmed their concerns about endocrine (or hormone) disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Meanwhile, the authors of an important WHO/UNEP report on … [Read more...] about Leading health professionals agree that toxic chemicals threaten healthy reproduction and development