Archived press release

Chemical Industry Tries To Stop Action On Dangerous Hormone Pollution

19 May 1998

International concern with chemicals that interfere with hormone systems has increased substantially over recent years. The Environment Agency in the UK has shown that in some rivers 100 per cent of male fish have been feminised (developing egg cells in their testes)due to environmental exposure to these chemicals. More recently concern with the potential human impacts has developed, with breast cancers, testicular cancers and falling sperm counts all being identified as potential impacts. Human exposures to these chemicals include migration from food can linings (bisphenol a), plastic packaging(phthalates) and pesticide residues in food. As very few of the 100,000 chemicals in use have ever been tested for hormone mimicking properties, we have no idea how dangerous other chemicals in everyday use are. Michael Meacher, Minister for the Environment, has already spoken of his concern at the use of hormone mimicking chemicals, the decline in sperm counts and the growing signs of serious damage to the endocrine systems of mammals, including humans [3].

FOE has written to the Environment Agency to urge them to stand firm on their intention to prevent these chemicals entering the environment [4]. FOE has also written to Michael Meacher, and Frank Dobson, Secretary of State for Health to urge them to ensure that the forthcoming chemicals strategy allows precautionary action to prevent suspected hormone mimicking polluters being produced and released.

Dr Michael Warhurst, Toxics Campaigner at Friends of the Earth said:

" The position adopted by the chemical industry on these hormone mimickers is immoral. They are, in effect, saying 'show us the dead bodies before we'll take action'. The time has come to stop these companies using humans and the environment as guinea pigs to test the dangers associated with the chemicals they produce. The financial health of the fat cat directors and shareholders is clearly of more importance to the chemical industry than the health of the children and wildlife exposed to these chemicals."

He added:

"There is growing scientific concern about these chemicals and a growing understanding of the need to take precautionary action to prevent them being released into the environment. For the sake of the health of the nation the Government must ensure that the new chemicals strategy they are producing leads to the banning of these chemicals and they must empower the Environment Agency to stand up to the might of the chemicals industry."

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS:

[1] "Chemical Industry calls for dangerous delay on hormone toxins - Friends of the Earth condemns their complacent and selfish attitude" [2 pages], Copies available from Friends of the Earth. Written in response to the Chemical Industries Association submission to the Environment Agency's Consultation 'Endocrine-disrupting substances in the environment:What should be done?'.

[2] 'Response to the Environment Agency Consultative Report 'Endocrine-disrupting substances in the environment: What should be done?', Chemical Industries Association,April 1998.

[3] Speech by Michael Meacher to SERA conference, 25th January 1997.

[4] "Environment Agency Consultation Document 'Endocrine-disrupting substances in the environment: What should be done?'; Response from Friends of the Earth", April 1998, Available from Friends of the Earth, and at:
/camps/indpoll/9804edcc.htm

[1] "Chemical Industry calls for dangerous delay on hormone toxins - Friends of the Earth condemns their complacent and selfish attitude"

If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust