Following on from a very critical report by the European Parliament, the European Commission has finally announced that it will review the laws regulating the chemicals allowed in food contact materials such as packaging. They have also published a detailed study showing the extent of the problems caused by the lack of adequate EU rules covering food contact materials (FCM) … [Read more...] about As concerns mount, EU Commission finally commits to action on laws regulating chemicals in packaging
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IT’S A NO BRAINER! Action needed to stop children being exposed to chemicals that harm their brain development!
A report published today by CHEM Trust highlights how chemicals in food and consumer products used in homes, schools and offices could harm brain development in children. The impacts – which may include ADHD and lower IQ - are avoidable and can prevent children reaching their full potential says CHEM Trust, in No Brainer: The impact of chemicals on children’s brain … [Read more...] about IT’S A NO BRAINER! Action needed to stop children being exposed to chemicals that harm their brain development!
New US study finds fast food consumption associated with exposures to phthalates
New research, published today finds that people in the US who eat more fast food have higher levels of certain phthalate chemicals in their urine. The chemicals found, DEHP and DINP, are used as plasticisers in PVC plastics, and their use is partially restricted in Europe due to health concerns; they are also hormone (endocrine) disrupters. … [Read more...] about New US study finds fast food consumption associated with exposures to phthalates
EU discussing new restrictions on bisphenol A in food contact materials
The European Commission recently published a ‘road map’ proposing options for increasing controls on the use of hormone disrupting chemical bisphenol A (BPA) in food contact materials. CHEM Trust has been concerned about the health and environmental impacts of BPA for many years, and in our view, it should be phased out of all food contact applications. However, as we point … [Read more...] about EU discussing new restrictions on bisphenol A in food contact materials
New EU circular economy plan aims to promote non-toxic material cycles
The European Commission has today launched a new set of policies on the Circular Economy. Many environmental groups are rightly criticising a weakening in many areas, including recycling targets. However, the new 'Closing the loop' Action Plan does include a plan to analyse and propose options in order "to reduce the presence and improve the tracking of chemicals of concern in … [Read more...] about New EU circular economy plan aims to promote non-toxic material cycles
EU Parliament starts inquiry into regulation of chemicals in food packaging as concerns mount
Our food comes into contact with a whole range of food contact materials made from industrial chemicals, from food packaging to pipes. The EU has laws that are supposed to regulate the safety of these chemicals, but they are full of gaps and largely ignore some key issues. A number of events in recent weeks have emphasised the scale of the problem, while the European Parliament … [Read more...] about EU Parliament starts inquiry into regulation of chemicals in food packaging as concerns mount
Chemical pollution and microplastics: a present danger to marine life
Highly persistent harmful chemicals are found in marine animals all over the world. These chemicals are having lasting impacts on the health of wildlife, as even if they are banned they stick around. In addition, there's now a new problem that is concerning scientists: microplastics from cosmetics and other applications are polluting the environment, and helping to transfer … [Read more...] about Chemical pollution and microplastics: a present danger to marine life
Breast milk could be a major source of exposure to persistent PFCs in infancy
New research, published today in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, shows that some persistent perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) can be transferred from mother to infant via breast milk. These chemicals, which have been widely used, are linked to a number of health problems, including negative impacts on immune response to vaccines in children. The research … [Read more...] about Breast milk could be a major source of exposure to persistent PFCs in infancy
PFCs: In our blood, in polar bears – and in packets of microwave popcorn! (updated with Danish controls)
Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) have been used in some of our favourite products including waterproof clothing and non stick pans, but their persistence means they're found all over the globe, in wildlife and in our blood and other tissues. As the amount of research showing the harmful effects of these widely used chemicals grows, many of them are still in use - including in … [Read more...] about PFCs: In our blood, in polar bears – and in packets of microwave popcorn! (updated with Danish controls)
Chemicals in food packaging: EU Commission finally publishes the scope of their new study
A year ago we wrote about new research which found that hazardous chemicals are used in food packaging, and that chemicals in many food packaging materials are not properly regulated by the EU. We sent a letter to the then EU Health Commissioner Tonio Borg, and the reply from his office said that the Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) was going to start an analysis of … [Read more...] about Chemicals in food packaging: EU Commission finally publishes the scope of their new study