We are all exposed to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) from everyday sources, including food contact materials, cosmetics and toys, and these are linked to a range of health concerns. In 2017 the EU Commission announced that it would develop a new strategy to minimise exposures of EU citizens to endocrine disrupters beyond pesticides and biocides. In November 2018 the … [Read more...] about Two new reports on endocrine disrupters show the way forward for regulatory action in Europe
EU Commission
New EU Communication on endocrine disrupters: missing the action
It has already taken many years of debate for the EU to agree on criteria for identifying endocrine disrupting pesticides and biocides as a first step for regulatory controls. However, exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) from various other sources, including from food contact materials, cosmetics and toys are leading to concerns about impacts on health and the … [Read more...] about New EU Communication on endocrine disrupters: missing the action
Finally, a review of Europe’s ineffective laws on chemicals in food contact materials has begun
For over four years CHEM Trust has been calling for the EU to review its ineffective laws regulating chemicals in chemicals in Food Contact Materials (FCM) like food packaging. On September 24th, the European Commission invited a wide range of stakeholders to a workshop in Brussels to (finally!) launch this review. As we have highlighted in the past, the current laws do not … [Read more...] about Finally, a review of Europe’s ineffective laws on chemicals in food contact materials has begun
Endocrine Disrupters: The delays continue, as the EU Commission consults on a new EDC framework
The European Union is currently relying on a 19 year old strategy for much of its work on Endocrine (Hormone) Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs), chemicals that can disrupt the sensitive endocrine system of people and wildlife. The European Commission is now consulting on a 'Roadmap' "Towards a more comprehensive EU framework on endocrine disrupters", which is part of the development … [Read more...] about Endocrine Disrupters: The delays continue, as the EU Commission consults on a new EDC framework
EU takes first steps to restrict microplastics – What are the main issues?
In its Plastics Strategy, published in January this year, the EU Commission announced it had tasked ECHA to collect background information and review the scientific basis for taking regulatory action at the EU level regarding intentionally added microplastics in products. CHEM Trust has participated in the first step of the process by responding to ECHA’s call for evidence and … [Read more...] about EU takes first steps to restrict microplastics – What are the main issues?
Medicines polluting the environment: EU Commission looks at policy options
In 2014 CHEM Trust published a detailed study of the increasing evidence that human and veterinary medicines are damaging wildlife. Three years later, the European Commission has just completed a consultation on a proposed “Strategic approach” to pharmaceuticals in the environment. CHEM Trust's response to this consultation argues that the "issue of pharmaceuticals in the … [Read more...] about Medicines polluting the environment: EU Commission looks at policy options
Will the EU finally start identifying endocrine disrupting biocides and pesticides or will exposure continue?
Last week another milestone was reached in Europe`s slow and ineffective process to protect our health and environment by reducing exposures to pesticides and biocides with harmful endocrine disrupting (ED) properties. On January 31st a public consultation on the draft guidance document for identifying endocrine disrupters closed. This guidance is important because describes … [Read more...] about Will the EU finally start identifying endocrine disrupting biocides and pesticides or will exposure continue?
EU announces plan to restrict plastic microbeads and oxo-degradable plastics
Today, the 16th January 2018, the EU Commission released its long-expected Plastics Strategy. The Strategy includes an announcement that the Commission has started the process to ban both intentionally added microplastics and oxo-degradable plastics. Both these bans will be implemented as Restrictions under the EU's main chemicals law REACH. The Commission also announced a a … [Read more...] about EU announces plan to restrict plastic microbeads and oxo-degradable plastics
Will you be using toxic napkins at Christmas?
The weather is cooling down, Christmas street lights are switched on, New Year's Eve celebrations are being prepared... It is the season to get merry and enjoy dinners with family and friends. You will probably use Christmassy paper napkins to decorate your table or to wrap slices of cakes and other sweets. However, what you probably don't know is that these nice coloured paper … [Read more...] about Will you be using toxic napkins at Christmas?
The secretive (and ineffective) world of EU rules controlling chemicals used in food packaging (updated)
CHEM Trust has been highlighting the severe deficiencies in the EU's regulation of chemicals in food contact materials, where the laws have big gaps (e.g. paper and card food packaging), and allow continued use of hazardous chemicals. However, we are not just concerned with the deficiencies in the regulations, but also with the secrecy with which the European Commission works … [Read more...] about The secretive (and ineffective) world of EU rules controlling chemicals used in food packaging (updated)