EU is urged to act over deadly chemicals

A call for moves to reduce exposure to both very persistent and bioaccumulative chemicals has been signed by more than 60 top independent UK and European scientists, according to WWF, the global environment network.

The chemicals are synthetic, highly toxic, remain in the atmosphere for many years and can be carcinogenic.

The scientists also want action to cut exposure to hormones or endocrine disrupting chemicals.

Publication of the declaration marks the launch of WWF’s Chemicals and Health Campaign in partnership with the National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI) and a strategic initiative with The Co-operative Bank.

Draft EU chemicals law – currently the subject of an official internet consultation by the European Commission – presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ensure a safer future for wildlife and people, said WWF.

However, the environmental group and the NFWI fear that the draft legislation is weak and will not meet their demands, nor those of the scientists.

WWF and NFWI are calling for very persistent and bioaccumulative chemicals (vPvBs) and hormone disrupting chemicals (EDCs), to be properly regulated and replaced where safer alternatives exist, or banned where necessary.

The scientists have also gone on record to state that for both these groups of substances there should be a requirement to use safer alternatives where available.

Gwynne Lyons, WWF Toxics Science and Policy Advisor, said: “It is illogical to permit the continued use of chemicals that can build up in our bodies, or chemicals that can disrupt our hormones when safer alternatives are available.

“Yet that is exactly what new draft European legislation is seeking to do.

“It seems that the costs to health are yet again being sidelined, while industry lobbying for “business as usual” takes centre stage.”

WWF’s investigative research reveals widespread contamination and mounting fears that chemicals may be linked with rising rates of certain cancers, birth defects and effects on children’s immune system.

Up to 300 man-made chemicals have been found in humans, and it is believed that most if not all humans, are contaminated with persistent industrial chemicals.

Wildlife is also affected, including polar bears, seals, peregrine falcons, flounder and beluga whales.

Helen Carey, National Chairman of NFWI said “This research makes alarming reading.

“The WI has long been concerned about the impact of chemicals and the hidden costs to future generations.

“We must strive to make certain that those chemicals which have been proven to harm man, wildlife or the environment are phased out with as little delay as possible.

“We need to ensure that the chemicals which surround us are safe to use and hold no hidden risks for our children and grandchildren.”

WWF said exposure to chemicals that can be passed from mother to child in the womb and chemicals that can disrupt hormones, are a major worry because there is a broad picture of disturbing trends in many diseases.

Hormone-related cancers have increased dramatically in recent years.