Endocrine disruptors – Euractiv

EU Commission to backtrack on harmful chemicals ban

Clara Bauer-Babef — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 15:01:06 +0000

The EU executive is about to cut back its plans of banning toxic chemicals as first promised in the chemicals strategy after industry pressure, a leaked document seen by EURACTIV suggests.

Pharma rules overhaul steals scene of EU’s 2022 health agenda

Gerardo Fortuna — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 05:48:58 +0000

The revision of the legislative framework of pharmaceuticals and of medicines for children and rare diseases will drop the curtain on next year's Commission agenda as they are expected to be adopted in December 2022.

Harmful ‘forever’ chemicals widespread in EU fast food packaging, warns new report

Natasha Foote — Fri, 21 May 2021 10:36:33 +0000

The use of persistent and health-harming PFAS chemicals in disposable food packaging remains widespread across Europe, according to a new report, which highlights the role of regulation in reducing exposure to these chemicals.

Commission launches phase two of fight against hormone disruptors

Gerardo Fortuna — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 06:10:12 +0000

After conducting a review of the current legislation on endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), the European Commission is now proposing a set of actions to step up its approach to these hazardous substances.

Babies exposed to endocrine-disruptors in medical products, new study shows

Natasha Foote — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 11:34:15 +0000

Recent research published found that new-borns in intensive care units are in contact with a variety of medical products that contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as bisphenol A (BPA) and parabens.

Endocrine disruptors drop the curtain on this European Parliament

Gerardo Fortuna — Fri, 19 Apr 2019 06:16:03 +0000

On Thursday (18 April), the European Parliament adopted a non-binding resolution asking the European Commission to ensure a higher level of protection against endocrine disruptors (EDCs) by making a legislative proposal on the matter no later than June 2020.

European Commission urged to deliver on new EDCs strategy

Claire Stam — Fri, 25 May 2018 08:20:10 +0000

MEPs and civil society representatives urged the European Commission on 24 May to act soon on defining a new strategy following the rejection by the European Parliament last autumn of its endocrine disruptor chemicals (EDC) definition.

Companies set to miss EU acrylamide targets

Benjamin Fox — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 15:13:11 +0000

Food manufacturers risk falling well short of meeting new EU rules aimed at limiting levels of cancer-causing Acrylamide, according to a series of new tests released on Thursday (11 January).

MEPs back down from EU bisphenol ban

Benjamin Fox — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 15:46:15 +0000

MEPs have shied away from demanding a full ban on Bisphenol A, instead approving measures that will lower the amount of the chemical that can be part of food packaging.

Member states give green light to Commission’s plan on endocrine disruptors

Sarantis Michalopoulos — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 11:49:41 +0000

EU member states backed on Wednesday (13 December) the European Commission’s new plan to regulate endocrine disruptors, disappointing environmentalists.

MEPs reject Commission’s endocrine disruptor definition

Paola Tamma — Fri, 06 Oct 2017 09:44:12 +0000

The European Commission will have to rewrite its definition of endocrine disruptors, after MEPs shot down the executive's proposal in a vote in Strasbourg on Wednesday (4 October). EURACTIV’s partner Journal de l’Environment reports.

Endocrine disruptors: Report exposes scale of contamination as Parliament vote looms

Samuel White — Tue, 03 Oct 2017 13:31:44 +0000

More than one-third of all fruit consumed in the EU is contaminated with residues of endocrine disrupting pesticides, according to a study published on Tuesday (3 October), a day before MEPs vote on the European Commission’s controversial endocrine disruptor criteria.

Endocrine disruptors: A guilty definition

various authors — Tue, 03 Oct 2017 07:54:45 +0000

French socialist MEPs are defiant against the Commission's "weak, superficial and incomplete" definition of endocrine disruptors, blaming it on French Ecology Minister Nicolas Hulot, and calling on the European Parliament to reject it on Wednesday 4 October.

MEPs vote down endocrine disruptor criteria, back acrylamide regulation

Samuel White — Fri, 29 Sep 2017 04:26:42 +0000

The European Parliament’s environment committee objected to the Commission’s proposed criteria for endocrine disruptors on Thursday (28 September), and threw out another objection to the executive’s proposal to regulate levels of cancer-causing acrylamide in food.

Member states adopt endocrine disruptor criteria

Samuel White — Tue, 05 Sep 2017 09:34:50 +0000

EU national representatives adopted on Monday (4 September) the European Commission’s draft criteria for endocrine disruptors in biocidal procducts, laying the foundation for a comprehensive strategy to limit citizens’ exposure to harmful substances.

Addressing endocrine disrupting chemicals requires an integrated strategy

Genon Jensen — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 09:20:56 +0000

The dangers of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) for human health and the environment have long been documented and the evidence keeps piling up every day, yet Europe's approach to this challenge has been lukewarm, writes Genon Jensen.

Macron: Germany is competitive thanks to eurozone weaknesses

François-Xavier Lefranc, Michaël Backfisch, Michel Urvoy — Thu, 13 Jul 2017 13:24:12 +0000

Ahead of Thursday’s (13 July) Franco-German Ministerial Council, Friday’s Bastille Day celebrations and Donald Trump’s visit to Paris, President Emmanuel Macron spoke to EURACTIV’s partner Ouest-France about Europe's future, and France’s relations with the US.

Endocrine disruptors: EU definition contains ‘too many exemptions and loopholes’

Fabienne Even — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 09:37:57 +0000

After years in the pipeline, an EU-wide definition of endocrine disruptors was finally approved by member states on 4 July. But MEP Pascal Durand told EURACTIV’s partner Ouest-France he is concerned the definition does not respect the precautionary principle.

EU recognises bisphenol A as an endocrine disruptor

Manon Flausch — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 10:37:24 +0000

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has classified bisphenol A, a chemical found in many common plastic products, as an endocrine disruptor and a ‘substance of very high concern’. EURACTIV France reports.

Conflicts of interest erode trust in food safety agency

Manon Flausch — Thu, 15 Jun 2017 10:23:45 +0000

Close to half of the experts at the European Food Security Agency have conflicts of interest that call into question the validity of the agency’s work, according to a new study by Corporate Europe Observatory (CEO). EURACTIV France reports.

Hamon and Jadot call for end to Lyon-Turin rail project

Cécile Barbière — Tue, 28 Feb 2017 05:20:50 +0000

A ban on endocrine disruptors, the end of nuclear power and the suspension of the Lyon-Turin high-speed train line: this is Yannick Jadot’s price for supporting Socialist candidate for the French presidency Benoît Hamon. Euractiv France reports.

Report: Commission criteria on endocrine disruptors should not be limited to pesticides

Sarantis Michalopoulos — Thu, 16 Feb 2017 05:28:02 +0000

The European Commission should amend its proposed criteria on endocrine disruptors and adopt a horizontal approach covering not only pesticides but also other products, a new report says.

Commission must take action against endocrine disruptors

Christian Zahn — Thu, 09 Feb 2017 06:49:41 +0000

Reducing exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals will benefit healthcare systems and economies as a whole, writes Christian Zahn.

EU member states still divided over endocrine disruptor regulation

Sarantis Michalopoulos — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 12:15:42 +0000

At a meeting of experts yesterday (21 December) the European Commission failed to bridge the gap between member states on setting criteria for endocrine disruptors.

New endocrine disruptor rules address your trade concerns, EU tells US, Canada

James Crisp — Mon, 12 Dec 2016 06:32:54 +0000

EXCLUSIVE/ The European Commission told the US and Canada that draft EU pesticides laws would “address the concerns” they had over possible trade restrictions on goods exposed to endocrine disruptors.

Endocrine disruptors: science is more potent than politics

Samuel Morgan — Wed, 14 Sep 2016 04:40:03 +0000

A large group of scientists from across various sectors are supporting an appeal to the European Commission regarding its proposed regulation to establish criteria for identifying endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs).

Water industry: Light criteria on endocrine disruptors benefit polluters

Sarantis Michalopoulos — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 05:25:10 +0000

A less strict approach on defining endocrine disruptors will help industries producing such substances “pollute and not pay”, the association representing Europe's water sector (EurEau) told EURACTIV.com.

EU criteria on endocrine disruptors insufficient, warns chemical industry

Sarantis Michalopoulos — Fri, 05 Aug 2016 04:24:54 +0000

The European Commission's draft criteria for identifying endocrine disruptors in pesticides and biocides are "not sufficient" to protect people and the environment, the European chemical industry has warned.

The EU’s confused evidence processes for identifying endocrine disruptors

Paul Whaley — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 02:53:27 +0000

A group of scientists has written to the European Commission to voice concerns about burden of proof and confused evidence requirements to identify and classify endocrine disruptors under the PPP and Biocides Regulations.

CETA and TTIP threaten the EU’s precautionary principle

Cécile Barbière — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 13:16:14 +0000

The precautionary principle may be scrapped in the EU's free trade agreements with Canada and the United States. According to the NGO Foodwatch, this could call into question the bloc's bans on hormone-treated beef and GMOs. EURACTIV France reports.

Commission prolongs glyphosate licence by 18 months

Manon Flausch — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 11:38:57 +0000

The European Commission has decided to extend the licence for glyphosate by 18 months, after member states failed to achieve a qualified majority in favour or against the executive’s proposal.

Pesticide industry critical of endocrine disruptors criteria

Sarantis Michalopoulos — Wed, 15 Jun 2016 13:39:53 +0000

The pesticide industry is “extremely disappointed” with the European Commission’s proposal to identify endocrine disruptors that was presented on Wednesday (15 June).

European Parliament calls Commission to order over endocrine disruptors

Cécile Barbière — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 05:28:12 +0000

MEPs have castigated the European Commission over the delay to the definition of endocrine disruptors and demanded swift action. Initially due for December 2013, the definition has fallen two and a half years behind schedule. EURACTIV France reports.

Disrupted: The endocrine disruptor debate

Christopher Borgert — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 09:24:06 +0000

The debate on hormone disruptors in the EU is more political than scientific. A decision to ignore the question of potency would cause needless disruption to regulators, industries and consumers, writes Christopher Borgert.

Commission may offer defining criteria on hormone disruptors by June

Romain Loury — Mon, 23 May 2016 13:33:18 +0000

After a delay of more than two years, the criteria defining hormone disruptors could be presented at the meeting of the College of European Commissioners on 15 June, Le Monde reported on Friday (20 May). EURACTIV's partner Journal de l'Environnement reports.

Endocrine disruptors’ link to infertility confirmed

Nicole Sagener — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 04:22:58 +0000

More and more women are finding it difficult to get pregnant, with mounting evidence suggesting chemicals used in plasticisers and pesticides are responsible. The consequences are estimated to cost the EU €1.4 billion per year. EURACTIV Germany reports.

Brussels promises hormone disruptors definition ‘by this summer’

Cécile Barbière, Frédéric Simon — Fri, 04 Mar 2016 06:39:31 +0000

The European Commission has responded to criticism over its weaknesses on health and food safety with a series of goodwill gestures on hormone disruptors and glyphosate. EURACTIV France reports.

Endocrine disruptors: ‘Better Regulation’ or better public health?

Genon Jensen, Michael Warhurst — Wed, 02 Mar 2016 14:20:15 +0000

Endocrine disruptors pose a substantial risk to public health, yet the European Commission has dawdled time and again on introducing measures that would finally limit their use. Now is the time to put this right, write Genon Jensen and Michael Warhurst.

Study: Food packaging can contribute to obesity

Nicole Sagener — Mon, 25 Jan 2016 11:55:26 +0000

Most food products are now packaged in plastic. German researchers have now shown that plasticisers can enter the body, disrupt hormone production, and cause people to gain weight. EURACTIV Germany reports.

Consumer rights group launches petition to exclude cosmetics from TTIP

Henriette Jacobsen — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 07:23:15 +0000

The Danish consumer rights organisation Forbrugerrådet Tænk wants to keep cosmetics regulation out of the Transatlantic free trade negotiations, saying it is worried that the EU will "sell out" its strict standards.

EU agency launches ‘plain English’ guide to toxic chemicals

Frédéric Simon — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 06:07:31 +0000

A new online guide by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) promises to offer “plain English” information about the hazard profiles of thousands of chemicals, offering a new tool for citizens to hold companies and regulators to account.

Sweden wins case against Commission on endocrine disruptors

Henriette Jacobsen — Thu, 17 Dec 2015 04:30:14 +0000

The General Court of the European Union on Wednesday (16 December) backed Sweden, saying that the European Commission breached EU law by failing to publish a definition for hormone-affecting chemicals or 'endocrine disrupters'.

MEPs block Commission proposal to recycle hormone disrupting plastics

Romain Loury — Mon, 30 Nov 2015 06:23:26 +0000

The European Parliament overwhelmingly rejected the Commission's plans to allow the recycling of PVC plastics containing DEHP, a hormone disruptor banned in the EU since February 2015. Our partner Journal de l'Environnement reports.

Hormone disrupters found in two thirds of French lettuce

Romain Loury — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 06:41:06 +0000

An investigation has found that the majority of French lettuce contains traces of hormone disrupting chemicals, some of which are banned. Journal de l'Environnement reports.

France overturns ban on BPA in export products

Aline Robert — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 13:05:01 +0000

A ruling by the French Constitutional Council has undermined the country's ban on Bisphenol A. France's highest court ruled that manufacturers can continue export products that contain the substance. EURACTIV France reports.

Trade should trump health concerns in hormone disruptor debate, US tells EU

Romain Loury — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 07:45:24 +0000

The European Union published its public consultation on hormone disrupters on Friday 24 July. Europe’s trading partners fear the economic impact of tighter regulation, Journal de l'environnement reports.

‘Cynical’ EU blamed for 100,000 workplace-related cancers

Frédéric Simon — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 07:50:06 +0000

The European Commission’s drive to simplify legislation for businesses – the Better Regulation Agenda – has come under fire from trade unions for blocking EU laws that could save thousands of lives per year.

Plastics industry raises pressure over BPA ban

Cécile Barbière — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 16:39:21 +0000

The French Council of State has questioned the constitutionality of the country’s ban on Bisphenol A in food packaging, following a request from the plastics industry. The chemical was outlawed in January this year. EURACTIV France reports.

EU health chief rejects ‘conspiracy theories’ on hormone-affecting chemicals

Henriette Jacobsen — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 15:09:39 +0000

Vytenis Andriukaitis, the EU's Health and Food Safety Commissioner, passionately defended the European Commission's role in a dispute over delayed proposals to regulate hormone-affecting chemicals, telling a Brussels event that "my services are not highway robbers with knifes in their hands".

Commission, chemicals lobby deny delaying tactics over hormone disruptors

Henriette Jacobsen — Thu, 21 May 2015 13:19:30 +0000

The European Commission and the chemicals industry have rejected claims, revealed by leaked emails in a new NGO report, that they actively sought to slow down work on the definition of criteria for regulating hormone disrupting chemicals.

Officials accuse Timmermans of delaying EU health, food safety rules

Henriette Jacobsen — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 07:29:28 +0000

A growing number of officials in the European Commission's health unit are complaining that health and food safety legislation is being delayed due to slow decision-making from Frans Timmermans, the Commission's First Vice-President in charge of Better Regulation.

Endocrine disruption: the view of the chemical industry [Promoted content]

Evan Lamos — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 12:07:42 +0000

Endocrine disruption is an important issue of significant public, political and scientific interest. Even though it can give rise to a very emotional debate, policymakers and authorities should deal with endocrine disruptive substances, as with all chemical substances, via a science- and risk-based regulation. Whether a chemical substance can and will cause harm is a fundamental distinction for both authorities and industry in order to effectively protect people and the environment.

‘Suppressed’ EU report could have banned pesticides worth billions

Arthur Neslen — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 08:01:54 +0000

As many as 31 pesticides with a value running into billions of pounds could have been banned because of potential health risks, if a blocked EU paper on hormone-mimicking chemicals had been acted upon, the Guardian has learned.

Pesticides industry chief: Commission should move faster on endocrine disruptors

Joel Schalit — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 16:45:51 +0000

The European Commission's public consultation on endocrine disruptors, which ends today (16 January) is one positive step in a process of regulating chemical substances which has already been taking too long, says Jean-Charles Bocquet.

Health NGO: ‘Endocrine disruptors are one of the biggest public health threats of this century’

Henriette Jacobsen — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 07:48:43 +0000

?Although hormone-disrupting chemicals are recognised as a global public health threat by the World Health Organization (WHO), the European Commission's public consultation on the matter, which closes today (16 January), is only meant to delay action and regulation, argues Génon K. Jensen.

New chemicals added to SIN List

Beatrice Denis — Wed, 08 Oct 2014 16:10:42 +0000

Green chemicals NGO Chemsec included nearly 30 new chemicals on a list of harmful substances that the EU should regulate in order to curb health risks and water contamination.

How the Commission ‘blocked’ key environmental plans

Arthur Neslen — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 08:55:24 +0000

EXCLUSIVE / Plans to crack down on endocrine disruptors and illegal timber being imported into the EU, were buried by the outgoing President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, and his secretary-general Catherine Day, according to a senior EU source.

EU seeks uniform regulation of hormonally active substances

Nicole Sagener — Fri, 04 Jul 2014 16:18:49 +0000

Hormonally active substances have been blamed for conditions like infertility and cancer, but they can still be found in pesticides and every-day products like food packaging and cosmetics, causing the EU to discuss uniform regulation and attempt to balance consumer fears and economic interests. EURACTIV Germany reports.

Denmark scraps planned ban on phthalate chemicals

Henriette Jacobsen — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 13:43:38 +0000

After pressure from the European Commission and the outcome of a related court case, the Danish government has decided to scrap its planned ban on four phthalates, a group of chemicals used to soften plastic.

France urges ‘quick action’ on endocrine disruptors

Frédéric Simon — Wed, 11 Jun 2014 12:54:48 +0000

Paris has placed the EU’s endocrine disruptor strategy on the agenda of a meeting of environment ministers on Thursday (12 June), saying the effects of some chemicals on the human body are now sufficiently documented and call for urgent action at the European level.

Sweden to sue Commission over delays to rules on chemicals

admin — Fri, 23 May 2014 08:22:19 +0000

Sweden will sue the European Commission to force it to speed up work on identifying and banning chemicals some researchers say may disrupt human hormones and cause disease, the environment minister said on Thursday (22 May).

Pressure grows on Commission to publish criteria on endocrine disruptors

admin — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 08:52:57 +0000

The French parliament’s committee on European affairs has published a report on the European strategy on endocrine-disrupting chemicals which calls on the EU to react urgently to the matter.

Sweden to sue the Commission for delaying hormone-affecting criteria

Henriette Jacobsen — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 12:12:32 +0000

Sweden's government is considering suing the European Commission for stalling on criteria which are required to stop hormone-affecting substances, says the minister for the environment, Lena Ek.

Endocrine disruptors: Harmful or not?

Frédéric Simon — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 13:58:38 +0000

Rising levels of cancers and fertility problems have attracted scientists’ attention to endocrine disrupting chemicals, with some calling for strict regulation of the substances, in line with the precautionary principle. Others meanwhile, stress the worthiness of those chemicals in everyday products such as plastics and warn that the foundations of science risk being turned upside down if precautionary measures are taken.

The EU, US approaches to endocrine disruptors have been appropriate until now

Henriette Jacobsen — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 11:52:28 +0000

Critics point out that some chemicals like bisphenol A can briefly influence human endocrine levels. But they dismiss the fact that our endocrine systems are dynamic and built to quickly adjust to brief exposure to these endocrine disruptors, writes Jeff Stier.

Report: Scientists who attacked EU chemicals policy had industry ties

admin — Mon, 30 Sep 2013 08:45:30 +0000

Seventeen scientists who publicly criticised EU plans to regulate endocrine-disrupting chemicals have been linked to regulated industries, according to Environmental Health News.

Pesticides industry rep: Tighter rules on chemicals could lead to crop losses

Henriette Jacobsen — Thu, 22 Aug 2013 08:35:56 +0000

Health campaigners and NGOs have called on the EU to ban all endocrine-disrupting chemicals used in the production of some pesticides and everyday consumer products. But further bans will make it increasingly difficult for farmers to protect their crops from diseases without necessarily improving human health or the environment, argues Craig Winneker.

Study says industry undermines EU chemicals safety

admin — Thu, 25 Jul 2013 07:50:33 +0000

With inadequate reporting of information, corporations are undermining European chemical safety and jeopardising the fundamental principle of the EU's chemicals law REACH “no data, no market”, according to a report by the environmental law group ClientEarth.

Heated chemicals debate continues with open letter to EU chief scientist

Henriette Jacobsen — Tue, 23 Jul 2013 08:01:40 +0000

Eighty-one scientists have sent a letter to the European Commission president's science advisor urging the EU executive to listen to 'science' before regulating endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which can be found in everyday consumer products.

Commission backs EFSA’s definition of endocrine-disrupting chemicals

admin — Fri, 05 Jul 2013 08:06:08 +0000

In a letter to the anti-pesticides activist group PAN Europe, EU Health Commissioner Tonio Borg backs the European Food Safety Authority's (EFSA) definition of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, saying it is in accordance with the international scientific consensus.

Consumer groups urge Brussels to act faster on endocrine disruptors

Henriette Jacobsen — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 07:48:09 +0000

Consumer groups are urging the European Commission to implement the 'precautionary principle' into EU rules on endocrine-disrupting chemicals, in order to secure safety as additional research underlines the potential harms of too much exposure to the chemicals.

EU scientific committee clears parabens in cosmetics as ‘harmless’

Henriette Jacobsen — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 07:56:09 +0000

Parabens, chemical substances widely used in sunscreens and thought to disrupt the human endocrine system, are not posing any health risk in the amounts currently used, according to the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS).

89 scientists join call for EU action on hormone-disrupting chemicals

admin — Fri, 24 May 2013 08:34:38 +0000

Rising levels of cancer along with increasing brain, thyroid and reproductive problems have led an international group of scientists to call for tougher EU regulation on some chemicals used in everyday life.

Pesticide industry and NGO clash over EFSA definition of endocrine disruptors

Henriette Jacobsen — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 16:37:26 +0000

The Pesticide Action Network Europe (PAN Europe) has sent an open letter to the Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy Tonio Borg complaining about an Opinion by the European Food Safety Authority on endocrine disruptors. The industry, however, backs EFSA's views.

Swedish minister wants tougher EU limits on chemicals

Henriette Jacobsen — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 11:57:38 +0000

Sweden’s environment minister is threatening to introduce a national ban on endocrine-disrupting chemicals if the European Union does not act, citing growing evidence of their health-damaging effects.

EFSA paves way for regulating endocrine disruptors in food

Henriette Jacobsen — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 07:38:29 +0000

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has endorsed the World Health Organization's (WHO) definition of endocrine disruptors, paving the way for the European Commission to regulate those chemicals in food. The pesticide industry reacted angrily, saying the scientific process has been "rushed to meet political deadlines".

Parliament wants endocrine disruptors added to REACH priority list

Henriette Jacobsen — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 07:49:06 +0000

The EU should act to reduce exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals, the European Parliament said in adopting Swedish MEP Åsa Westlund’s recommendation to list those as "substances of very high concern" under the REACH chemicals regulation.

Firms using toxic chemicals ‘named and shamed’ in new database

Henriette Jacobsen — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 07:38:38 +0000

Which companies are putting the most hazardous chemicals on the market? The information is now publicly available in a new database called the 'SIN List' after environmental NGOs filed a lawsuit asking for greater transparency.

EEA chief: ‘Scientific uncertainty is not a justification for inaction’

arthur — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 07:42:16 +0000

Use of the Precautionary Principle in EU decision-making has been criticised by some business groups but it must remain a central plank in responsible policy process, argues Jacqueline McGlade, the executive director of the European Environment Agency.

UN report finds ‘new proof’ of link between endocrine disruptors and common diseases

Henriette Jacobsen — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 08:30:04 +0000

A new United Nations report has provided more evidence linking endocrine disrupting chemicals to the development of different cancers, obesity and diabetes.

MEPs want stronger regulation on chemicals affecting hormones

admin — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 07:45:09 +0000

The EU must take action to reduce human's exposure to suspected hormone-affecting endocrine disruptors. Current regulation should be closely examined with a view to updating or proposing new legislation by June 2015 at the latest, the European Parliament's Public Health Committee said in resolution approved yesterday (23 January).

EU-funded research shows mothers, children exposed to chemicals

admin — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 08:35:56 +0000

The first pan-European biomonitoring survey, funded by the European Union, suggests that all mothers and children have chemicals in their bodies that should not be there.

REACH benefits not obvious yet, EU admits

Frédéric Simon — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 08:22:02 +0000

The REACH chemical safety regulation has so far showed limited results, with only "anecdotal evidence" that industry was starting to phase out the most dangerous substances, the European Commission said ahead of a review of the legislation due later this month.

Closing the loopholes on REACH

Frédéric Simon — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 12:35:45 +0000

The upcoming review of the REACH chemicals regulation provides an opportunity to close the loopholes on the legislation and regulate nanomaterials, endocrine disrupters and chemical cocktails, writes Monique Goyens.

Denmark defies EU with planned ban on phthalate chemicals

Henriette Jacobsen — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 08:11:49 +0000

Danish Environment Minister Ida Auken has decided to ban four industrial chemicals linked to disrupting the human endocrine system, pushing Denmark ahead of the European Union which has already started a process of phasing out phthalates.

Consumer group shows Euro 2012 shirts the red card

admin — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 08:14:05 +0000

As the Euro 2012 football competition nears kick off, the continent’s most skilful footballers have been warned that their shirts could well be stuffed full of harmful toxins by the European Consumer Organisation, BEUC.

REACH chemical safety review: Re-opening a can of worms?

Frédéric Simon — Thu, 10 May 2012 09:54:45 +0000

Five years after its adoption, the European Commission is preparing to review the controversial REACH regulation, which for the first time required chemical manufacturers to justify that their products are safe for consumers before placing them on the market.

US scientist: ‘Many routes of exposure’ to endocrine disruptors

Frédéric Simon — Wed, 09 May 2012 09:01:14 +0000

Shanna H. Swan, a renowned scientist specialising in reproductive medicine, has warned about the health effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) known as phthalates which can end up in food via pesticides or plastics. In an interview with EURACTIV, she calls on regulators to better protect consumers against those "hidden chemicals".

Scientist calls for regulation of ‘stealth chemicals’

Frédéric Simon — Wed, 09 May 2012 08:29:15 +0000

Shanna H. Swan, a renowned scientist specialising in reproductive medicine, has warned about the health effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as phthalates which can end up in food via pesticides or plastics. In an interview with EURACTIV, she calls on regulators to better protect consumers against those "hidden chemicals".

Europe’s risk assessment of chemicals has gone wrong

Frédéric Simon — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 12:59:24 +0000

The EU's risk assessment system for chemicals has derailed and should be reformed urgently in favour of a science-based system that takes full account of the work undertaken by the scientific community, argues Hans Muilerman.

Toxicity tests for chemicals: If only we all had EFSA’s crystal ball

Evan Lamos — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 12:31:47 +0000

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) seems confident that research on the toxicity of low doses of chemicals in food is irrelevant to risk assessment. This is despite mounting evidence that low-dose exposure, particularly to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, could be contributing to rising rates of a number of diseases, writes Paul Whaley.

Industry lashes out at “alarmist” new chemicals report

admin — Thu, 21 Oct 2004 08:45:00 +0000

The battle over REACH rages on with new results of blood tests by the WWF immediately dismissed by the bromine industry. Test results, it is argued, are "alarmist" and aimed at "creating public anxiety".

EU ministers agree to ban chemicals in toys

admin — Thu, 07 Oct 2004 16:52:17 +0000

The Competitiveness Council has unanimously voted in favour of a ban on certain chemicals used in toys for young children. Industry representatives have already stated they were considering legal action.

Environment and health strategy (SCALE)

admin — Wed, 07 Jul 2004 00:00:01 +0000

Concerned about the increasing effects of environmental pollution on people's health, the Commission adopted a European strategy for Environment and Health in June 2003. One year on, it presented an Action Plan which focuses on the most vulnerable groups, particularly children. Environmental NGOs and the European green party heavily criticised it for being too weak on legislative proposals and focusing only on research.

Tests reveal presence of toxic chemicals in MEPs’ blood

admin — Thu, 22 Apr 2004 08:10:00 +0000

Blood tests conducted by WWF on Parliamentarians have revealed the presence of dangerous chemicals in every sample. Industry says it is "concerned" but questions the real threat to human health.

Commissioner Wallström proves urgency of chemicals policy overhaul

admin — Fri, 07 Nov 2003 00:00:00 +0000

Environment Commissioner Wallström announced on 6 November that 28 chemical substances had been found in her body, illustrating the urgency of the EU's radical review of its chemicals policy.

Health & Environment: Council wants inclusion of quantifiable objectives

admin — Mon, 27 Oct 2003 00:00:00 +0000

On 27 October, Environment Ministers will adopt conclusions on the European strategy for health and environment. The strategy is designed to tackle the problem of illnesses linked to environmental factors.

First stakeholders’ meeting on European health and environment strategy

admin — Thu, 10 Jul 2003 00:00:00 +0000

On 11 July, the Commission will host a first stakeholders' meeting to discuss the European health and environment strategy.

Commission wants to protect children from environmental pollution

admin — Wed, 11 Jun 2003 00:00:00 +0000

Worried about the increasing health effects of environmental pollution, the Commission adopted a Communication outlining a European strategy for Environment and Health on 11 June.