Chemicals policy developments - An overview of policy developments in the EU.

 The Swedish Presidency of the European Union Council is leading discussions on exposures to Endocrine Disruptors (EDCs) and the need to take into account the combined effects of hazardous chemicals, particularly EDCs. The so-called ‘Cumulative effects’ are not explicitly included in EU risk assessments, including REACH. HEAL is following developments and advocating for strong conclusions at the December Environment Ministers Council (21st or 22nd Dec).

 The European Commission is considering putting forward a proposal to regulate limits of Cadmium in phosphate fertilizers. Cadmium is variously recognized as a potential, suspected or definite carcinogen, is known to be toxic to the kidneys, and newer science suggests links with lung, bladder, breast and endometrial cancer. The Commission is examining different options to reduce humans’ exposure by limiting cadmium input to agricultural soils, and to harmonize the common market for phosphate fertilizers. The Commission has been canvassing the views of stakeholders and Member States. If a proposal is made, it will be sometime next year, after going through an Impact Assessment Review Board and internal Commission consultation. For more details, contact Lisette.

 The European Parliamentary examination of ROHS (‘Restriction of Hazardous Substances in electrical and electronic equipment’) has started, with a first discussion in the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) Committee on November 4th. The Rapporteur is looking to widen the scope of the law to other categories of products, and to increase the list of banned substances, with appropriate transition periods and some possibilities for exemptions. It will be important to get support from the political groups on these changes, and to ensure that ROHS is not weakened in relation to the REACH chemicals regulation.

HEAL’s action on environment and health

 HEAL and ChemTrust have sent a joint letter on Endocrine Disruptors and cumulative risk assessment to all EU Environment Ministers, with the recent ChemTRUST reports on Male Reproductive disorders, and the HEAL-ChemTrust materials on Breast Cancer.

 HEAL, ChemTrust and WWF met with a commission official to discuss developments under the European community strategy on Endocrine Disruptors and ways forward regarding future regulatory measures.

 HEAL attended a Commission workshop on Cadmium in phosphate fertilizers on October 28th, and will be making a written submission about which policy option best meets the aim of decreasing human exposure to cadmium from fertilizers via soil.

 HEAL is joining with a group of NGOs in advocating for improvements to ROHS, with a joint position paper to be circulated in Parliament.

Your action

 HEAL members, partners and other interested parties can use our model letter to contact your national environment minister, and urge them to support cumulative risk assessment especially for endocrine disruptors. Please contact us for further details and materials we have to assist you.

 HEAL is continuing our work on consumer right to know and hazardous chemicals in products, with some further steps this winter and next year. If you are interested in participating with specific actions and projects, please contact Lisette for more details.

 You can contact Members of Parliament on the ENVI Cancer report, or ROHS, or other topics passing through Parliament that we are monitoring. Please check with us about which MEPs to address and when, and get more information to support your messages.