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
EU policy
Can we transition to a green economy and deal with the PFAS pollution crisis?
The climate crisis is one of the greatest challenges of our time, and a rapid transition to a green economy is vital. However, it is essential to make this transition without polluting our environment, bodies and wildlife with more toxic chemicals. CHEM Trust has, therefore, investigated whether the green transition can be achieved without per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances … [Read more...] about Can we transition to a green economy and deal with the PFAS pollution crisis?
New study finds banned “forever chemicals” being used in children’s clothing worldwide.
A recent study by Arnika, IPEN, and 14 partner organisations, including CHEM Trust, revealed the presence of toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in outdoor coats and clothing from 13 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America. Out of 72 clothing samples tested - including coats, swimsuits, and t-shirts - 46 items (64%) contained PFAS, revealing … [Read more...] about New study finds banned “forever chemicals” being used in children’s clothing worldwide.
A transition to a PFAS-free economy for a clean and healthy future
Opinion piece written by Dr Julie Schneider, CHEM Trust Campaigner. Last week, CHEM Trust submitted its response to the public consultation on the EU universal PFAS restriction proposal. This follows on one year from CHEM Trust, Arnika, Tegengif, HEAL, EEB, ClientEarth, and BUND launching the BAN PFAS manifesto. We have since been joined by 125 organisations from 25 EU … [Read more...] about A transition to a PFAS-free economy for a clean and healthy future
New hazard classes for endocrine disruptors and persistent and mobile chemicals: an important milestone
Last Friday rules to introduce new hazard classes for the classification, labelling and packaging of substances in the EU were finally published in the Official Journal of the European Union. It lays out newly established criteria for identifying endocrine disrupting properties of substances for the use across sectors. This is a world first. The delegated act, which amends … [Read more...] about New hazard classes for endocrine disruptors and persistent and mobile chemicals: an important milestone
Restriction for BPA and bisphenols of similar concern: small steps forward, but the piecemeal approach continues
CHEM Trust has raised the alarm about the endocrine (hormone) disrupting properties of the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) for many years, highlighting that it is found in people and the environment. Unfortunately BPA is still in widespread use, as it is only banned in the EU in a few products such as baby bottles and thermal paper. But what is equally concerning is the increase in … [Read more...] about Restriction for BPA and bisphenols of similar concern: small steps forward, but the piecemeal approach continues
Chemical Cocktails – The neglected threat of toxic mixtures and how to fix it
A new CHEM Trust report “Chemical cocktails - The neglected threat of toxic mixtures and how to fix it”, highlights the reality of our exposure to multiple chemicals, the threat it represents to our health and the wider environment and why we are not properly protected. In the report we call for urgent action from the EU to better protect people and the wider environment … [Read more...] about Chemical Cocktails – The neglected threat of toxic mixtures and how to fix it
This International Women’s Day, Dr Olwenn V Martin talks to CHEM Trust about her research on chemicals and hopes for future regulation
To celebrate women who have excelled in science, CHEM Trust sat down with Dr Olwenn V Martin, Lecturer in Global Challenges at Brunel University, London, to discuss her research on chemicals, chemical policy and hopes for future regulation. Building on an academic interdisciplinary background in Natural Sciences and Social Sciences, Dr Martin has expertise in the translation … [Read more...] about This International Women’s Day, Dr Olwenn V Martin talks to CHEM Trust about her research on chemicals and hopes for future regulation
A history of ineffective action on BPA, and the lessons for reform of EU chemical laws
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
The chemical industry cries wolf yet again on plans to improve protection from hazardous chemicals
The European Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability (CSS) sets out the actions needed for chemicals management in delivering the European Green Deal, a toxic-free environment and zero-pollution. All of which are priorities for the EU Commission with the aim of enhancing environmental and health protection, while setting a path towards a more sustainable chemical … [Read more...] about The chemical industry cries wolf yet again on plans to improve protection from hazardous chemicals
