Health and Environment Alliance | Press Releases: Toxic Chemicals

Health risks associated with combined exposures to endocrine disruptors are systematically underestimated, shows EU research project

26th March 2019

Findings from the European research project EDC-MixRisk released today highlight that the health risks associated with the combined exposures to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are systematically underestimated under current assessment methods in the European Union.

EU Parliament misses the mark on putting end to toxic chemicals in children’s toys made from recycled plastics

14th March 2019

The European Parliament’s environment committee today agreed to new EU rules on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), which will keep millions exposed to toxic chemicals in toys and other products made of recycled plastics.

UNSAFE: New EU Rules Allow Toxic Chemicals in Children’s Toys and Other Products Made of Recycled Plastics

21st February 2019

The European Parliament and Council decision on the reform of the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation announced this week, hailed as protective for health, will keep children exposed to hazardous flame-retardant chemicals associated with thyroid disruption and neurological deficits. HEAL, Arnika and IPEN react.

Toxic Soup: Dioxins in Plastic Toys

23rd November 2018

A new study, "Toxic Soup: Dioxins in Plastic Toys", shows alarming levels of very toxic brominated dioxins in eight toys and one hair clip made of recycled plastic stemming from electronic waste.

New Communication on endocrine disruptors lacks concrete measures to reduce harmful exposures

7th November 2018

In a move that is long overdue, the EU Commission published today the EU Communication on endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). However it lacks specific measures and timelines on how people and the environment can be better protected from these harmful chemicals.

Toxic chemicals found in carpets sold by major European manufacturers

30th October 2018

New research has found toxic chemicals in carpets produced and sold by some of the largest carpet manufacturers on the European market. These chemicals include suspected carcinogens, endocrine disruptors and…

European Study Exposing Toxic E-Waste Chemicals in Children’s Products Spurs Calls for Policy to End Recycling Exemptions for Hazardous Waste

16th October 2018

Environmental health researchers released alarming evidence today that toxic brominated flame retardants, hazardous chemicals from electronic waste that are known to disrupt thyroid function and cause neurological and attention deficits in children, are contaminating recycled plastics in consumer products across Europe.

Endocrine disruptors – Put exposure reduction at the centre of EU action now, urge health groups

17th July 2018

As the European Commission’s consultation on a roadmap for a framework on endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) comes to a close, the Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) urges the European Commission…

HEAL’s vision for Europe leading the way towards a non-toxic environment

7th June 2018

The Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) today released its vision for Europe leading the transition towards a non-toxic environment and called on the European Commission to finally draw its long…

EDC-Free Europe coalition urges European Commission to protect people and environment from hormone disruptors

15th May 2018

The EDC-Free Europe coalition, representing more than 70 health and environment organisations across Europe, is calling on the EU Commission to finally release a long overdue strategy on endocrine disrupting…

Europe’s non-toxic environment strategy could lead the way towards an ambitious international chemical framework beyond 2020

13th March 2018

Brussels, 13th March 2018 – A global intergovernmental meeting starts today in Stockholm, Sweden, which is instrumental to the process of developing a Strategic Approach for International Chemical Management (SAICM) and a new framework beyond 2020.

Early life exposure to bisphenol A linked to the development of hyperactivity

7th March 2018

New study findings confirm bisphenol A effect on brain development and highlight urgency to accelerate drastic reduction of human exposure to known endocrine disruptor.

Health protective identification of endocrine disrupting chemicals – A challenge under current implementation plans

31st January 2018

A public consultation on the guidance document for the application of the identification criteria of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the context of the pesticides and biocides legislations is coming to a close today.

Europeans will remain exposed to BPA in food packaging

11th January 2018

A European Commission proposal to regulate bisphenol A in food contact materials was discussed today in the European Parliament Environment Committee (ENVI). The Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) regrets that Members (MEPs) gave the green light to a piece of legislation that fails to protect citizens’ health and will mainly benefit the chemical industry.

EU Member States adopt revised EDC proposal – A step in the right direction, but not enough

13th December 2017

Representatives from the European Member States in the EU Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed (SCOPAFF) today voted in favour of a revised European Commission proposal on identification criteria for endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs)

Glyphosate: future generations to pay the price of reauthorisation of health-harming herbicide

27th November 2017

Glyphosate, the world’s most widely used herbicide, was reauthorized for a period of five years on the European market today.

20 Organisations sign declaration expressing serious concern about pharmaceuticals in the environment in the EU

17th November 2017

Today, the Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) joined a group of twenty organisations – led by Health Care Without Harm (HCWH) Europe – to send a Declaration to European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella.

European Parliament demands ambitious proposal to reduce citizens’ exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals

4th October 2017

The European Parliament today rejected a controversial European Commission proposal on identification criteria for endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). The Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) applauds the courageous decision to veto a proposal that lacks ambition and would fail to protect human health and the environment.

NGOs acknowledge vote on first ever EDC criteria – Call on European Parliament to reject flawed criteria for sake of health

4th July 2017

Today, representatives of European member states from the EU pesticides committee adopted the criteria that are supposed to be used to identify endocrine disrupting chemicals (or EDCs) in the future.

Over 250 non-government organisations launch alternative vision for Europe

20th June 2017

Brussels, June 20, 2017 – More than 250 non-government organisations from across Europe have today released an alternative vision for a more democratic, just and sustainable Europe. [1] Intended to…

Press Releases: Toxic Chemicals