Archived press release

FOE Names MEPs Blocking Tighter Chemical Regulation

26 November 2001

MEACHER TO TAKE ACTION ON CHEMICALS IN BREAST MILK

FOE NAMES LABOUR MEPs THAT VOTED AGAINST CONTROLS

Labour MEPs are under fire from Environment Minister Michael Meacher after voting to block strict controls on chemicals which build up in the human body and in breast milk. Mr Meacher told the Independent on Sunday he was “appalled” by the MEPs action.

Nineteen Labour MEPS from across England and Scotland voted against the rest of the Socialist Grouping in the European Parliament and against UK Government policy, blocking plans put forward in an EC White Paper to tighten regulation on chemicals commonly found in household products.

More than 350 chemicals have been found in breast milk, including chemicals from household products such as perfumes and well as industrial chemicals. Health threats associated with these types of chemicals include testicular cancer, impairment of the immune system and hormone related trends such as falling sperm counts and girls entering puberty earlier. Developing foetuses (exposed to these chemicals in the womb), babies and toddlers are most at risk because their bodies are developing rapidly. However, it is widely accepted that breast feeding is the best option for babies.

The MEPs who voted against the proposals were:

David Bowe MEP (Yorkshire), Richard Balfe (London) , Michael Cashman (Midlands), Richard Corbett (Yorkshire),Robert Evans (London), Glyn Ford (South West), Neena Gill (Midlands), Mary Honeyball (London), David Martin (Scotland), Linda McAvan (Yorkshire), Eryl McNally, Claude Moraes (London), Simon Murphy (Midlands), Barbara O'Toole (North East), Brian Simpson (North West), Catherine Stihler (Scotland), Gary Titley (North West), Mark Watts (South East), Terry Wynn (North West).

Mike Childs, Safer Chemicals Campaigner at Friends of the Earth, said:

“ Breast milk and people's bodies will continue to be contaminated with man-made chemicals because of the vote by these MEPs. We desperately need controls on these chemicals if the most vulnerable in society - unborn babies, babies and toddlers - are to be properly protected.We hope that the MEPs involved will reconsider their positions and let the Government and the European Commission know that they have changed their minds. It just isn't acceptable to put the vested interests of the chemical industry before that of the youngest of their constituents.”

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust