For the first time, EU regulatory experts on chemicals have recommended the classification of two chemicals using the new hazard classes for endocrine disruptors and persistent chemicals, which were introduced in 2023. Following discussions in the European Chemical Agency (ECHA)’s expert Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) last week, new opinions were adopted by consensus, based … [Read more...] about EU experts decide on first chemicals to be classified as either endocrine disrupting or persistent and mobile
EDC
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
Non-harmonised FCM laws – a reason for concern
A new CHEM Trust briefing, Non-harmonised FCM laws – a reason for concern, highlights the chaotic situation of legislation on food contact materials (FCMs) in the EU. Harmonised legislation, including restrictions on harmful substances, exists for four types of materials at the EU level; active and intelligent materials, plastics (incl. recycled plastics), cellulose film and … [Read more...] about Non-harmonised FCM laws – a reason for concern
European Commission President von der Leyen is re-elected and re-commits to European Green Deal and revision of EU chemicals law REACH
European Commission President-elect von der Leyen announced in her political priorities this morning that "We must and will stay the course on the goals set out in the European Green Deal" and that "we will put forward a new chemicals industry package, aiming to simplify REACH" as part of an effort to shift to a “more sustainable pattern of production and consumption, retaining … [Read more...] about European Commission President von der Leyen is re-elected and re-commits to European Green Deal and revision of EU chemicals law REACH
How is the UK Government planning to tackle exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals?
At the end of March, rules to introduce new hazard classes for the classification, labelling and packaging of substances in the EU were published. This is a very important milestone towards much better protection from endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) as it also includes a new category of suspected endocrine disruptors. Until recently it has been unclear what action the … [Read more...] about How is the UK Government planning to tackle exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals?
Chemical safety testing as part of a stronger REACH, protecting health & environment, promoting alternative methods
Chemicals are an indispensable part of our daily life; some are harmless, while many may have harmful effects. But how do we properly assess whether chemicals are harmful or not? We need to assess how toxic a chemical may be, but also what its behaviour is in the environment - does it accumulate in organisms, including in our bodies? Does it stick around in the environment? … [Read more...] about Chemical safety testing as part of a stronger REACH, protecting health & environment, promoting alternative methods
EU governments support reset of EU’s chemicals policy
This week the European Commission received the unanimous backing for a rapid and ambitious delivery of the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability (CSS) from EU governments. CHEM Trust welcomes the Council conclusions “Sustainable Chemicals Strategy: Time to deliver”. EU Governments have approved actions that will amount to a resetting of chemicals policy, which is needed to … [Read more...] about EU governments support reset of EU’s chemicals policy
2021, a decisive year for action against endocrine disrupting chemicals in the EU?
A new year provides an opportunity to reflect on achievements in the past year, and to prioritise actions in the year ahead. In CHEM Trust's analysis, one vital objective is for the EU to improve the protection of people and wildlife from endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Of the many serious and irreversible effects EDCs may have on important body functions, CHEM Trust … [Read more...] about 2021, a decisive year for action against endocrine disrupting chemicals in the EU?
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
High time for the EU to protect us from exposure to chemical mixtures
In real life we are all exposed to hundreds of chemicals from multiple sources including from food, consumer products, household dust and drinking water. The environment - rivers, oceans and countryside - is also polluted by hundreds of different substances, including pesticides, plasticisers, flame retardants and pharmaceuticals. However, current safety assessments of … [Read more...] about High time for the EU to protect us from exposure to chemical mixtures
