Phthalates and bisphenols are names of groups of chemicals that are becoming part of everyday language. Many people are learning that these synthetic endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can be found in our bodies, and that we should avoid everyday products containing them. CHEM Trust has long been concerned about the wide variety of uses of phthalates and their presence in … [Read more...] about Hormone disrupting chemicals may also harm children’s brains – scientists call for action
Health
On International Women’s Day, Dr Shanna Swan talks to CHEM Trust about her research on chemicals, fertility and reproductive health
This International Women’s Day, CHEM Trust sat down with Dr Shanna Swan to discuss her research on chemicals, fertility and reproductive health, and her new book, Count Down. Shanna H. Swan, Ph.D., is one of the world’s leading environmental and reproductive epidemiologists and a Professor of environmental medicine and public health at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount … [Read more...] about On International Women’s Day, Dr Shanna Swan talks to CHEM Trust about her research on chemicals, fertility and reproductive health
Scientists’ Consensus Statement on chemicals in food packaging provides food for thought for legislators
On March 3rd a group of 33 scientists from around the world published a peer reviewed Consensus Statement expressing deep concern about the current use of harmful chemicals in food packaging and other Food Contact Materials (FCM). The scientists cover several fields of expertise, including developmental biology, endocrinology, epidemiology, toxicology, and environmental and … [Read more...] about Scientists’ Consensus Statement on chemicals in food packaging provides food for thought for legislators
‘Dark Waters’ and PFOA – FAQ
“It’s not just PFOA, it’s not just this location in West Virginia" - Rob Bilott The new Hollywood film ‘Dark Waters’ tells the real-life story of Rob Bilott, the lawyer who took on chemical giant DuPont after discovering that the company was polluting drinking water with the harmful chemical PFOA (also referred to as C8 in the film). Starring actor Mark Ruffalo and … [Read more...] about ‘Dark Waters’ and PFOA – FAQ
PFAS – the ‘Forever Chemicals’
PFAS (Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances), also known as the Forever Chemicals, are a large chemical family of over 9,000 highly persistent chemicals that don’t occur in nature. PFAS are the most persistent synthetic chemicals to date, they hardly degrade in the natural environment and have been found in the blood and breastmilk of people and wildlife all round the … [Read more...] about PFAS – the ‘Forever Chemicals’
CHEM Trust urges UK Food Standards Agency to take action on PFAS chemical pollution
CHEM Trust has written to the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) to urge action on harmful ‘Forever Chemicals’, PFAS. Our letter follows our recently published briefing on PFAS, a large family of over 4,000 perfluorinated chemicals to which people are being exposed via drinking water, food and consumer products. Our letter highlights important questions regarding the setting of … [Read more...] about CHEM Trust urges UK Food Standards Agency to take action on PFAS chemical pollution
Urgent action needed on highly persistent PFAS chemicals
A new CHEM Trust briefing highlights the threats posed to the environment and human health by a family of over 4,000 highly persistent chemicals: PFAS (Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances), also known as the ‘forever chemicals’. CHEM Trust is extremely concerned that, because of their high persistence, this group of chemicals could lead to a situation where their … [Read more...] about Urgent action needed on highly persistent PFAS chemicals
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
Five key principles for future EU regulation of chemicals in food contact materials
CHEM Trust has highlighted for nearly five years, that the current EU laws regulating the chemicals used in food contact materials (FCM) such as food packaging, cutlery, and factory equipment do not properly protect public health. Many materials, such as paper, card, inks and linings are not controlled by harmonised EU-level laws, and where harmonised laws exist, like e.g. for … [Read more...] about Five key principles for future EU regulation of chemicals in food contact materials
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