The 3rd March saw the launch of the French environment and health network, Reseau Environment Santé (RES). RES brings together a coalition of groups including environmental NGOs, health affected and scientific groups as well as health professionals in France – MDRGF, WWF France, Objectif Bio, Nord Ecologie Consiel, Fac Verte, Foundation Sciences Citoyennes. It is supported by two European networks, the Health & Environment Alliance (HEAL) and Women in Europe for a Common Future (WECF).

RES strives to bring about improvements in environment and health policies as well as providing a voice in the face of strong industry opposition. One of their key issue is endocrine-disrupting chemicals that, regardless of scientific evidence linking them to the cancer epidemic, reproductive and cardiovascular problems and diabetes, are currently widespread in consumer products. The RES’ first campaign revolves around pushing for the phase out of Bisphenol A (BPA) - a chemical compound found in most plastic food packaging. RES calls for BPA to be pushed forward in the REACH process as a priority substance for substitution.

RES will also focus on the French national cancer plan and urge the inclusion of environmental factors in the plan.