An official German human biomonitoring survey of children and adolescents has found harmful per- and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in the blood of children and adolescents in Germany; including substances that have already been phased out in the EU and globally. Some chemicals were present in the blood of some of the children, even though the chemicals had been … [Read more...] about PFAS in German children: Human biomonitoring data highlight urgent need for group restriction
PFAS
‘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
New investigation finds harmful PFAS chemicals in UK food packaging
Today’s report released by Scottish NGO Fidra shows that controversial PFAS chemicals, also known as forever chemicals, are present in UK food packaging. Fidra analysed 20 food packaging samples bought in the UK to test for the presence of PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances). PFAS were present in 95% of the samples tested as reported in their new report: … [Read more...] about New investigation finds harmful PFAS chemicals in UK food packaging
New Hollywood film ‘Dark Waters’ highlights the shocking reality of PFAS pollution
A new Hollywood film ‘Dark Waters’ highlights the dire reality of pollution from harmful PFAS chemicals and the urgent need for strong, protective legislation to protect human health and the environment. PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) are known as the 'forever chemicals' as they do not break down easily and will persist in the environment for decades. PFAS … [Read more...] about New Hollywood film ‘Dark Waters’ highlights the shocking reality of PFAS pollution
PFAS – the ‘Forever Chemicals’
PFAS (Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances), also known as the Forever Chemicals, are a large chemical family of over 4,700 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
Action on ‘GenX’: Another ‘forever chemical’ added to the EU list of substances of very high concern
In June this year, EU Government experts voted unanimously in favour of adding GenX chemicals1 (a small group of fluorinated chemicals) to the EU list of substances of very high concern (SHVC), which is a first step in increasing regulatory controls over them. CHEM Trust submitted comments supporting this recommendation, due to our concerns about their probable serious … [Read more...] about Action on ‘GenX’: Another ‘forever chemical’ added to the EU list of substances of very high concern
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
Regulating substances as groups: creating more rapid and effective risk management of hazardous chemicals
This week CHEM Trust’s Head of Science, Dr Ninja Reineke, is speaking on a panel at the Helsinki Chemical Forum on the subject of regulating groups of hazardous chemicals. Below she explains why this approach is needed to better protect wildlife and humans from hazardous chemicals. Business as usual is not an option The history of chemical regulation is full of examples of … [Read more...] about Regulating substances as groups: creating more rapid and effective risk management of hazardous chemicals