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
ECHA
EU chemicals agency identifies chemical groups for accelerated regulatory action
In an important step forward for global chemicals management, the EU Chemicals Agency, ECHA, started to publish its analyses of the properties of groups of chemicals on 7th December 2021, and also put forward recommendations for regulatory action in the vast majority of the groups assessed so far. Using computer-based techniques, ECHA is grouping together similar chemicals and … [Read more...] about EU chemicals agency identifies chemical groups for accelerated regulatory action
EU Court hearing on GenX: company Chemours challenges EU authority
Today CHEM Trust together with ClientEarth (the environmental law charity) are participating in a public hearing at the Court of Justice of the European Union. Both organisations are supporting the EU Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and the Government of the Netherlands against a challenge by the chemical company Chemours regarding the identification of their compounds, known as … [Read more...] about EU Court hearing on GenX: company Chemours challenges EU authority
The Brexit trade deal: what it means for the UK’s protection from hazardous chemicals
Following the finalisation of a new Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom, CHEM Trust's initial assessment is that this agreement does not adequately protect human health and the environment in the UK from hazardous chemicals. This is because it doesn't retain UK access to the EU's chemicals regulation system REACH. The agreement … [Read more...] about The Brexit trade deal: what it means for the UK’s protection from hazardous chemicals
CHEM Trust welcomes the European Commission’s new Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability
In our initial comments on the new Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, our Executive Director Michael Warhurst said today: "CHEM Trust welcomes the European Commission’s new Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, published today, however it is important that the new commitments in the strategy are rapidly transformed into action in the real world. This strategy has the … [Read more...] about CHEM Trust welcomes the European Commission’s new Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability
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
Regulating chemicals: is putting a price on health impacts unrealistic and misleading?
If a chemical threatens health or the environment, shouldn't it just be replaced by safer alternatives? Or should regulators try to calculate a 'cost' for this harm to health or the environment (e.g. the cost of someone getting breast cancer), and then compare this with any costs involved in replacing the chemical? You may think it strange, but this is what often really happens … [Read more...] about Regulating chemicals: is putting a price on health impacts unrealistic and misleading?
Action on ‘GenX’: Another ‘forever chemical’ added to the EU list of substances of very high concern
In June this year, EU Government experts voted unanimously in favour of adding GenX chemicals1 (a small group of fluorinated chemicals) to the EU list of substances of very high concern (SHVC), which is a first step in increasing regulatory controls over them. CHEM Trust submitted comments supporting this recommendation, due to our concerns about their probable serious … [Read more...] about Action on ‘GenX’: Another ‘forever chemical’ added to the EU list of substances of very high concern
Regulating substances as groups: creating more rapid and effective risk management of hazardous chemicals
This week CHEM Trust’s Head of Science, Dr Ninja Reineke, is speaking on a panel at the Helsinki Chemical Forum on the subject of regulating groups of hazardous chemicals. Below she explains why this approach is needed to better protect wildlife and humans from hazardous chemicals. Business as usual is not an option The history of chemical regulation is full of examples of … [Read more...] about Regulating substances as groups: creating more rapid and effective risk management of hazardous chemicals
Brexit progress? Draft Political Declaration mentions EU chemicals agency ECHA
Today saw the publication of a draft Political Declaration, setting out the framework for a future relationship between the EU and the UK. The declaration, which will guide negotiations following the UK's departure from the EU, includes a commitment to 'explore the possibility of co-operation of the UK with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)', and states that the UK 'will … [Read more...] about Brexit progress? Draft Political Declaration mentions EU chemicals agency ECHA