Health and Environment Alliance

Dear Minister: Voice your support to non-renewal of chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos-methyl

30th October 2019

Exposure to the pesticide chlorpyrifos harms children's brains. Yet it continues to be one of the most commonly used pesticides in Europe. HEAL calls on all European health, environment and agriculture ministers to support the non-renewal of chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos-methyl.

New study warns against likely regrettable substitution of flame retardants used in numerous consumer products – Health groups ask for faster regulation

22nd October 2019

A new study by a group of US scientists compared two groups of flame retardants – respectively polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and organophosphate ester flame retardants (OPFRs) - for a number of properties and warns that replacing the former by the latter is likely a regrettable substitution.

Carcinogenicity assessment was flawed for 4 out of 10 pesticides, new report shows

21st October 2019

A new PAN Germany and HEAL review of carcinogenicity assessments of pesticide active ingredients shows 40 percent of them are not carried out in compliance with existing European guidelines, leading to possible continued exposure of farmers and consumers to cancer-causing pesticides. In 30 percent of the cases significant details were missing from the dossiers, raising uncertainties about how European authorities came to a conclusion.

HEAL welcomes the 10 commitments from Frans Timmermans, Virginijus Sinkevičius and Stella Kyriakides to act for a healthy planet for healthy people

10th October 2019

After European Commission President-elect Ursula von der Leyen had unveiled who will join her team during her administration, the newly-elected members of the European Parliament had a chance to test these confirmed nominees during committee hearings. So how did the European Green Deal Executive Vice-President designate, the Environment and Oceans Commissioner-designate and the Health Commissioner-designate perform and what did they commit to as a team?

There is only one way to protect children from the toxic pesticide chlorpyrifos: an EU-wide ban

8th October 2019

The widely used pesticide chlorpyrifos can seriously harm children’s healthy brain development. It will be for the next European Commission and European governments to deliver the one obvious solution: a complete ban of chlorpyrifos, to protect health and the environment.

Why regulation is the key to protecting today’s and future children from toxic plastic toys

3rd October 2019

It’s encouraging to see that plastic pollution in oceans and environment has become quite a talked about topic. But an issue that is often overlooked is the toxic chemicals that can be found in plastic, and how they harm our health, writes HEAL's Executive Director Genon K. Jensen.

Fact cards: chemicals in food contact materials put our health at risk

2nd October 2019

Nobody should ever have to worry about toxic substances making their way into our food. Yet, if you ask around, most consumers have no idea about the composition of the packaging wrapping their food and drinks, and how this might affect them. Here are nine fact cards to illustrate why we are concerned.

Chemicals in food wrappings can impact people’s health

2nd October 2019

Chemicals used for packaging our food can put our health at risk. This new infographic from HEAL explains the story behind food contact materials.

18 NGOs write to REACH committee ahead of potential vote on a restriction on tattoo inks and permanent make-up

1st October 2019

A tattoo can be an important means of cultural or self-expression and is popular among Europeans. 18 NGOs have written to members of the REACH committee regarding an proposal for a restriction on tattoo inks and permanent make up.

First-ever Plastic Health Summit to present preliminary results of ground-breaking research by ZonMw

1st October 2019

What health risks do micro- and nanoplastics pose to the human body? The Plastic Health Summit, taking place October 3rd, brings scientists, influencers and industry from all over the world together and presents the preliminary results of ground-breaking research by ZonMw.

Monthly Archives: October 2019