As EU member states, regional and local authorities prepare to implement the revised Ambient Air Quality Directive (AAQD), this briefing by the Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) argues that decision-makers and authorities should pay particular attention to addressing socio-economic inequalities in their clean air efforts. The swift transposition and implementation of the new rules, with strengthened administrative collaboration and the full utilisation of financial support schemes, promise significant progress towards cleaner air across Europe. Improved air quality will be beneficial to everyone and contribute to preventing health inequalities for those living in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas.
HEAL, together with the EDC-Free Europe coalition, is calling on future EU leaders to protect health and the environment from health-harming endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Today, the coalition shared its priorities for the upcoming policy mandate at an event at the European Parliament.
EDCs are pervasive, found in everyday products, and place a substantial health and economic burden on Europe, with health-related costs from known EDCs estimated at €163 billion annually as of 2016—a figure likely far lower than the true cost.
“Future generations will judge current leaders on their response to the public health threats posed by EDCs and other harmful chemicals. The current EU chemicals regulations, namely REACH, need urgent updates to reduce exposure, suffering and thus also health costs.” Martin Hojsik, MEP, Renew Group states.
“EDCs are hazardous chemicals that disrupt hormone function and pose serious health concerns, contributing to reproductive cancers, diabetes, and neurodevelopmental disorders. EDC exposure is linked to falling sperm rates, early puberty, and can significantly impact ovarian function, contributing to fertility challenges that many people face. Especially the vulnerability of young children, already in the womb, underscores the potential for lifelong and multigenerational impacts.” Majorie van Duursen, Professor of Environmental Health and Toxicology at the Vrije Universiteit (VU) Amsterdam and FREIA project coordinator stated.
“We need strong preventative EU health policies against environmental health risks, such as EDCs, and much stricter and more streamlined regulatory oversight of harmful substances. This is essential for cancer prevention under the EU’s Beating Cancer Plan.” Alessandra Moretti, MEP, S&D said.
The coalition calls for expedited identification and regulation of EDCs, advocating for a transition toward an EDC-free, non-toxic circular economy. The coalition also stresses the importance of bolstering the EU’s leadership in international chemical governance and ensuring that citizens have access to justice and accountability regarding EDC-related issues.
“European citizens deserve protection from chemicals that jeopardise their health, with EDCs linked to certain cancers, diabetes, and developmental disorders. We urge EU policymakers to make healthy populations their top priority and act swiftly to eliminate these dangerous chemicals from our daily environments.” said Andreea Botoş, EDC-Free Europe Campaign Coordinator.
To this end the EDC-Free Europe coalition urges EU leaders to adopt their suggestions: 7 Priorities to protect people and the environment from endocrine-disrupting chemicals full statement / short version
Notes:
EDC-Free Europe is a coalition of over 70 environmental, health, women’s, and consumer groups across Europe, united in concern over the health and environmental impacts of hormone-disrupting chemicals (EDCs).
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