Archived press release

New Rules Leave Consumers Exposed to Hazardous Chemicals

28 October 2003

The final draft of new rules over-hauling the regulation of chemicals is expected to be adopted by the European Commission in Brussels on Wednesday (29^th October 2003), despite widespread concern that the proposals do not go far enough in tackling the threat to consumers posed by some chemicals in frequent use.

Environmentalists from across Europe have campaigned for tighter legislation governing a number of chemicals used in household goods which have been show to accumulate in the body, and affect the human hormone system, raising concerns about effects on health.

The adoption of the final draft follows four years of consultation and intensive lobbying by industry, who claim that regulation will affect jobs. The proposed legislation is expected to take a further two years to reach complete agreement, with approval from both the European Parliament and Council of Ministers.

A recent draft seen by Friends of the Earth shows that the Commission's ambitions to create an effective regulatory regime have been curtailed since the initial White Paper produced two years ago. But despite industry claims that regulation will lead to job losses and affect gross domestic product, with companies moving out of Europe, an impact assessment estimated that the changes will cost industry only 0.05% of its turnover [ref].

Friends of the Earth has criticised the draft because:

• It includes a weak "adequate control" concept which means that even the most hazardous chemicals may continue to be used - and which will mean a lack of incentive for innovation in finding safer alternatives

• Excessive secrecy clauses for business, hampering public access to information

• It does not require full safety information for around 20,000 chemicals used in lower volumes.

Friends of the Earth's chemicals campaigner Mary Taylor said:

"This legislation should be good news for consumers, but these proposals seem to be build in loopholes to permit the continued use of hazardous chemicals, rather than ensuring the public are safe. It represents a missed opportunity to drive innovation and encourage development of a safer chemicals industry. Consumers should be confident that the products they buy are not exposing them to chemicals in their homes. But this proposal leaves gaping concerns. And excessive secrecy does nothing to help the credibility of the EU institutions or the chemical industry."

Friends of the Earth is encouraging individuals across Europe to lobby EU decision makers on the proposed legislation. Working in coalition with other environmental organisations, Friends of the Earth has launched a multi-lingual web site which permits individuals to email key decision makers. The 20 European Commissioners have already received some 30,000 emails in just 12 days from citizens asking them to ensure that the legislation protects the environment and human health. See www.chemicalreaction.org

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