At the end of 2019 the European Commission opened a stakeholder consultation on a fitness check on European Union legislation on endocrine disruptors. The fitness check aims to look at the coherence of different regulatory approaches to the assessment and management of endocrine disruptors; asking if the current legislation delivers its objectives to protect human health and … [Read more...] about EU fitness check on endocrine disruptors, another delay or potential game changer?
Endocrine Disruptors
European Commission launches “European Green Deal”, stepping up action on chemicals
The European Commission President Ursula van der Leyen today launched a "European Green Deal", which includes a plan to produce a new "Chemicals strategy for sustainability" by June 2020. The Green Deal states that this strategy will include action on a number of CHEM Trust's priorities, including Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals, combination (mixture) effects and very persistent … [Read more...] about European Commission launches “European Green Deal”, stepping up action on chemicals
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
All stakeholders call for new EU laws on chemicals in food packaging, yet new Commission President proposes “one in one out” rule
On Monday 9th September the European Commission held a major stakeholder meeting to discuss the EU's laws regulating chemicals in food contact materials (FCM) such as packaging and pipes. The meeting discussed the initial findings from a review that consultants Ecorys are carrying out for the Commission. One clear message that came out of the event, from all stakeholders, … [Read more...] about All stakeholders call for new EU laws on chemicals in food packaging, yet new Commission President proposes “one in one out” rule
Brexit: UK Government commits to not ‘undermine’ public participation and stakeholder involvement in chemical laws
On 4th June CHEM Trust's lawyers Leigh Day sent a legal letter to the UK Government, arguing that their proposed post-Brexit rules for chemicals and pesticides were not a proper reflection of the EU laws they were supposed to be copying. These laws would enter into force in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Since this letter, the Government re-drafted the pesticides rules, … [Read more...] about Brexit: UK Government commits to not ‘undermine’ public participation and stakeholder involvement in chemical laws
UK Government must act now to protect UK seas from chemical pollution
Last week CHEM Trust submitted a response to the UK Government’s consultation on their revised UK Marine Strategy Part 1. The response details our concerns that the strategy provides a limited and misleading assessment of hazardous chemicals in UK marine waters. The problem of Marine pollution Numerous hazardous, man-made chemicals contaminate the marine environment … [Read more...] about UK Government must act now to protect UK seas from chemical pollution
UK Government U-turns on deletion of ban on hormone disrupting pesticides, claims it was a ‘drafting error’
Following a legal letter from Leigh Day on behalf of CHEM Trust, the UK Government have announced today that they will re-instate a ban on pesticides with endocrine (hormone) disrupting properties in their no-deal Brexit laws. The Government are claiming this is a drafting error, yet this European ban on endocrine disrupting pesticides has been a major focus of lobbying from … [Read more...] about UK Government U-turns on deletion of ban on hormone disrupting pesticides, claims it was a ‘drafting error’
CHEM Trust challenges UK Government on Brexit pesticides plans
The UK Government has claimed that it would not weaken EU environmental laws when transferring them into UK law in the event of a no-deal Brexit, with Secretary of State Michael Gove stating that "We will deliver a Green Brexit, where environmental standards are not only maintained but enhanced". However, CHEM Trust's analysis is that this pledge has been broken, and instead … [Read more...] about CHEM Trust challenges UK Government on Brexit pesticides plans
UK MPs hear evidence from scientists and CHEM Trust about our exposure to chemicals
On Tuesday this week CHEM Trust gave oral evidence to the UK House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) inquiry into “Toxic chemicals in everyday life”. We very much welcome this inquiry, as the main chemical exposures for humans and wildlife come from emissions from everyday products, such as furniture and food packaging. Some of these exposures come from chemicals … [Read more...] about UK MPs hear evidence from scientists and CHEM Trust about our exposure to chemicals
The Chemical Cocktail: new research on mixture effects points to urgent need for action
Throughout our life we are exposed to hundreds of chemicals from multiple sources including from food, consumer products, household dust and drinking water. Current safety assessments mainly focus on single substances. However, combined exposure to many chemicals can lead to unacceptable effects, even if single substances in the mixture are below their individual safety … [Read more...] about The Chemical Cocktail: new research on mixture effects points to urgent need for action