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
Wildlife
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
Killer whales under threat from persistent PCB chemicals, yet emissions continue
PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls) are a group of chemicals which were produced in large quantities by companies such as Monsanto, and were widely used in electrical equipment, sealants and paints. Their production was phased out in the mid 1980’s in Europe, and they are now banned by the global Stockholm convention, as they were found to be toxic and to accumulate in wildlife … [Read more...] about Killer whales under threat from persistent PCB chemicals, yet emissions continue
How safe is our seafood?
Our oceans and seas have been polluted over time with a number of contaminants, from litter and plastic waste to an array of man-made chemicals which have caused numerous problems for many wildlife species. So considering these pollutants, how safe is the fish, shellfish and other seafood we eat? … [Read more...] about How safe is our seafood?
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