Some people may think that chemicals have to be shown to be safe before they are used the products in our homes. Unfortunately, this is not yet the case and in this blog we will examine a chemical that is routinely used in sofas and which has been described as 'inert' by one company. Meanwhile, scientists have found that it contaminates polar bears in the Arctic, dust in our … [Read more...] about The polluting chemical in our sofas – and polar bears – that shows that REACH controls are failing
Brominated flame retardants
Chemicals need to be regulated upstream to address chemical pollution in rivers
The news came as a shock: 100% of England’s rivers failed the pollution test. On 17th September, the Environment Agency published the results of their 2019 assessment required under the Water Framework Directive of 4,679 rivers, lakes, estuaries and other surface water bodies: 0% received good chemical status. Not one met the legal water quality standards. Chemical pollution … [Read more...] about Chemicals need to be regulated upstream to address chemical pollution in rivers
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
Which chemicals contaminate our bodies? The EU Biomonitoring initiative is trying to find out
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
IT’S A NO BRAINER! Action needed to stop children being exposed to chemicals that harm their brain development!
A report published today by CHEM Trust highlights how chemicals in food and consumer products used in homes, schools and offices could harm brain development in children. The impacts – which may include ADHD and lower IQ - are avoidable and can prevent children reaching their full potential says CHEM Trust, in No Brainer: The impact of chemicals on children’s brain … [Read more...] about IT’S A NO BRAINER! Action needed to stop children being exposed to chemicals that harm their brain development!
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
EU Chemical Agency committee agrees that Bisphenol A in receipts poses risk to workers
The hormone disrupting chemical Bisphenol A (BPA) is used in many till (cash) receipts, and the French government has proposed that the EU should ban this use. This proposal has been under discussion in the Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) of the European Chemical Agency (ECHA), who have just stated that they agree with the French government that this chemical presents a risk to … [Read more...] about EU Chemical Agency committee agrees that Bisphenol A in receipts poses risk to workers
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