Experts and campaigners have joined forces in a unique alliance to force the Government to act in the wake of the publication of controversial study of oestrogenic chemical pollution of the environment last week[1]. Friends of the Earth's demand for a phase out of these chemicals has been backed by Greenpeace, the Pesticides Trust, the World Wide Fund for Nature, the Women's Environmental Network and the International Society for Stereology [2].

In a letter from representatives of these organisations published in The Times this morning (31.7.1995), they state:

"If ever there was a case for applying the "precautionary principle" (i.e., it's better to be safe than sorry), and phasing out the groups of chemicals that are the principle suspects, then surely this must be it."

They conclude:

"We have enough experience of the real human health, environmental and financial costs of past misjudgements about asbestos, PCBs and ozone depletion to act urgently on this most serious threat. Inevitably there will be some short-term difficulties for some companies. However, when faced with two choices, the consequences of one which may be difficult for the few and the other unthinkable for the many, then the route to take is obvious."

Other experts have gone on the record as being dissatisfied with the Government's complacency and inaction on this issue including Donald Reid, Director of the Association of Public Health.

ENDS

Notes to editors

[1] Medical Research Council: Institute for Environment and Health "Environmental oestrogens: Consequences to Human Health and Wildlife" July 1995 (commissioned by the Department of the Environment) [2] The signatories are: Charles Secrett (Friends of the Earth), Peter Beaumont (Pesticides Trust), Dr. C.V.Howard (International Society for Stereology), Angela Mawle (Women's Environmental Network), Peter Melchett (Greenpeace), Robin Pellew (World Wide Fund for nature, UK).