On Monday 20th November CHEM Trust participated in a stakeholder workshop on the prioritisation of substances for a major European-wide research programme investigating which chemicals are contaminating our bodies. The European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU) is a joint effort of 26 countries and the European Commission, co-funded by the EC research programme Horizon … [Read more...] about Which chemicals contaminate our bodies? The EU Biomonitoring initiative is trying to find out
BFRs
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 pollution and microplastics: a present danger to marine life
Highly persistent harmful chemicals are found in marine animals all over the world. These chemicals are having lasting impacts on the health of wildlife, as even if they are banned they stick around. In addition, there's now a new problem that is concerning scientists: microplastics from cosmetics and other applications are polluting the environment, and helping to transfer … [Read more...] about Chemical pollution and microplastics: a present danger to marine life
REACH helps the circular economy clean up, facilitating sustainable recycling
On 24th March I took part in an event in Brussels, organised by EurActiv, discussing the relationship between the REACH chemicals regulations and the Circular Economy, in particular the interaction between REACH & recycling. The other panelists included representatives of the European Commission (both DG Environment and DG Growth), the plastic pipe industry and an MEP, Paul … [Read more...] about REACH helps the circular economy clean up, facilitating sustainable recycling
Health impacts from hormone disrupting chemicals cost EU countries billions
New research, published today, finds that the costs across the EU of exposure to hormone disrupting chemicals could be over €150 billion annually in health care expenses and lost earning potential. Chemicals with hormone (or endocrine) disrupting properties (EDCs) are present in many everyday products and are frequently used as pesticides, but industry lobbying has delayed EU … [Read more...] about Health impacts from hormone disrupting chemicals cost EU countries billions
Talks and comment pieces
2020 "Introduction to REACH for scientists" by Dr Michael Warhurst, CHEM Trust webinar 18 June 2020 Dr Michael Warhurst gave a 40 min presentation on EU chemical regulation REACH aimed at scientists. It covers the basics of REACH, how it works, how academic research is being used and what are the opportunities for UK scientists in the future. A video of the presentation … [Read more...] about Talks and comment pieces
CHEM Trust opposes further use of brominated flame retardant HBCDD
The brominated flame retardant (BFR) Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) has been used for decades and has turned out to be persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT). It has been detected in humans, the environment and wildlife worldwide, including in remote areas. It has been on the REACH candidate list for 6 years and governments around the world have listed it for global … [Read more...] about CHEM Trust opposes further use of brominated flame retardant HBCDD