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
BPA
Toxic-free toys – EU steps up action against the most harmful chemicals
After months of discussions, the Toy Safety Directive has finally been revised to better protect children against some of the most harmful chemicals in toys. The Directive dated back to 2009 and was in dire need of an update, particularly after an evaluation showed it was not protecting children from a range of harmful chemicals found in toys, including endocrine disruptors. … [Read more...] about Toxic-free toys – EU steps up action against the most harmful chemicals
The ban on bisphenols in food contact materials is a great win for human health
Update: On 19th December, the regulation restricting the use of bisphenol A (BPA) and other hazardous bisphenols in food contact materials was adopted by the European Commission. Read more here. Antonia Reihlen from CHEM Trust said: “The ban on BPA and other hazardous bisphenols in food contact materials is a great step forward in the protection of people’s health. But it … [Read more...] about The ban on bisphenols in food contact materials is a great win for human health
Von der Leyen Commission fails in its responsibility to publish a proposal to improve EU chemical law REACH, despite promises in the Green Deal
This afternoon the European Commission published its work plan for 2024, and this document failed to mention the reform of Europe's main law on chemicals used in everyday products, REACH. The reform of REACH is a key component of the EU's Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability (CSS), published three years ago on 14th October 2020, which was described as a "new long-term vision … [Read more...] about Von der Leyen Commission fails in its responsibility to publish a proposal to improve EU chemical law REACH, despite promises in the Green Deal
Restriction for BPA and bisphenols of similar concern: small steps forward, but the piecemeal approach continues
CHEM Trust has raised the alarm about the endocrine (hormone) disrupting properties of the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) for many years, highlighting that it is found in people and the environment. Unfortunately BPA is still in widespread use, as it is only banned in the EU in a few products such as baby bottles and thermal paper. But what is equally concerning is the increase in … [Read more...] about Restriction for BPA and bisphenols of similar concern: small steps forward, but the piecemeal approach continues
New EU roadmap proposes action to ban some of the most hazardous chemicals from consumer products
Yesterday the European Commission published the "Restrictions Roadmap", a new plan to restrict the use of a number of groups of chemicals, including bisphenols, phthalates, PFAS and flame retardants. The chemicals concerned all have severe hazards, including endocrine disruption, cancer-causing properties and persistence in the environment. They are routinely used in a wide … [Read more...] about New EU roadmap proposes action to ban some of the most hazardous chemicals from consumer products
A history of ineffective action on BPA, and the lessons for reform of EU chemical laws
Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical used in coatings and certain plastics, has been controversial for many years as evidence has mounted of its endocrine disrupting effects. Two important events happened at the end of 2021 to increase the pressure on this chemical. Firstly, the EU food safety agency EFSA proposed a massive 100,000-fold reduction in the safe level for BPA in … [Read more...] about A history of ineffective action on BPA, and the lessons for reform of EU chemical laws
Why a group restriction of the bisphenols is long overdue
Two years ago, in spring 2018, CHEM Trust published the report “From BPA to BPZ: a toxic soup?”. It examined how industry is being allowed to replace the well-known hormone disrupting chemical bisphenol A (BPA), with very similar chemicals that may also be harmful, for example bisphenol S (BPS). The report argued that in order to avoid regrettable substitution of one problem … [Read more...] about Why a group restriction of the bisphenols is long overdue
It all adds up: the chemical cost of receipts
Heather McFarlane of environmental charity Fidra (www.fidra.org.uk) explores the hidden costs of receipts and the chemicals retailers are handing you every time you shop. Whether it is Black Friday, Christmas shopping or refreshing your winter wardrobe, at this time of year everybody seems to be heading to the shops and racking up receipts. But are we picking up more than we … [Read more...] about It all adds up: the chemical cost of receipts
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
