About: Chemicals (REACH)
Brussels to address hazardous chemicals in EU green products initiative
The European Commission will seek to address “the presence of hazardous substances” in a wide range of products as part of its upcoming Sustainable Products Initiative (SPI), despite warnings from industry that it could conflict with the EU’s existing chemicals safety legislation.
Toxic ‘forever chemicals’ contaminate indoor air at worrying levels, study finds
Food and water were thought to be the main ways humans are exposed to PFAS, but a new study points to risk of breathing them in. EURACTIV's media partner, The Guardian, reports.
More effort needed to meet Europe’s ambition for zero pollution chemicals
More needs to be done by legislators and industry to reach Europe’s ambition of safe and sustainable chemicals, laid out in the chemicals strategy in October, according to the head of the European Chemical Agency (ECHA).
Harmful ‘forever’ chemicals widespread in EU fast food packaging, warns new report
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.
EU court rules out unjustified use of dangerous chemicals in paint
The EU illegally allowed dangerous lead substances to be sold in paints despite safer options being available, the European Court of Justice said in a ruling on Thursday (25 February).
20% of UK chemicals registrations face revocation after Brexit
Around 20% of registrations from UK-based companies to the European Union's REACH chemicals database have not been transferred to EU companies and will be revoked after 31 March 2021, according to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
UK chemicals industry faces £1 billion bill to build post-Brexit database
The UK is facing a £1 billion bill to replicate the EU’s chemical database after the government opted to leave the bloc's REACH system on 31 December.
Chemical recycling should be seen as a last resort, EU official says
Chemical recycling should be seen as a last resort option to deal with growing amounts of plastic waste while more research is needed to reduce its energy consumption, a senior EU official has said.
Environment must be considered in moves to end period poverty
Scotland passed a law to make menstrual products free and end period poverty on Tuesday (24 November), but more needs to be done to discuss the environmental and health impacts of disposable products, according to environmental campaigners.
EU’s new chemical strategy aims to prohibit hazardous substances until proven safe
The European Commission's new chemicals strategy, published on Wednesday (14 October), proposes to ban the most toxic substances by default, authorising them only on a case-by-case basis when they are proven to be indispensable to society.
Europe aims for ‘zero pollution’ in upcoming chemicals strategy
The European Commission will publish a strategy on Wednesday (14 October) on zero pollution in the chemicals industry, but any white paper will have to walk the same, precarious tightrope as its predecessors.
No-deal Brexit to leave UK without green watchdog for two years: report
A no deal departure from the EU in March would leave Britain without oversight of key energy and environment problems until at least 2021, a think-tank warned on Thursday (31 January). EURACTIV's media partner, Climate Home News, reports.
32% of chemicals non-compliant with EU rules
A third of chemicals do not comply with European Union rules due to insufficient toxicological data. EURACTIV France’s media partner the Journal de l’environnement reports.
EU circular economy’s REACH for the stars
As the EU doubles down on its waste management efforts and sets its sights on tackling plastic waste, the idea of a circular economy and internal market for recycling is gathering momentum. But it will not be an easy task for lawmakers or industry to realise.
EU leaps forward in attempt to ban carcinogens at work
After more than ten years of inaction, European lawmakers have taken the first step to update EU laws related to the prevention of occupational cancers that are believed to cause 100,000 deaths every year. Trade unions hailed the EU’s decision, which brings an end to years of stalemate.
EU experts agree on criteria for endocrine disrupting chemicals in pesticides
Experts from the 28 EU member states approved on Tuesday (4 July) a proposed list of criteria to identify endocrine disruptors in plant protection products – a move presented by the European Commission as a step towards a broader regulatory system for similar chemicals used in cosmetics, toys and food packaging.
Report: Commission criteria on endocrine disruptors should not be limited to pesticides
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.
Fire safety chemicals ‘threaten’ public health, alliance warns
The use of chemical flame retardants in furniture to increase fire safety has severe opposite implications, a number of associations have warned.
SMEs warn of ‘REACH leakage’ ahead of EU chemical review
A review of Europe’s REACH chemicals safety law, due in 2017, will look into the “cumulative costs” of the legislation on industry and small businesses in particular, according to a senior official at the European Commission.
REACH ‘monster’ will devour EU innovation, chemical industry warns
Chemical industry lobbyists have stepped up their criticism of Europe’s REACH chemical safety regulation, branding the law “a monster” that “will devour” the industry’s ability to innovate.
Study: Food packaging can contribute to obesity
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.
EU agency launches ‘plain English’ guide to toxic chemicals
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.
‘Cynical’ EU blamed for 100,000 workplace-related cancers
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.