Chemicals

Over 100 synthetic chemicals may be found in our blood stream
You are here: Home page » Policies » Chemicals
In recent years, the use of chemicals in everyday products has increased dramatically. The laws that aim to protect us from health harm often lag behind the knowledge on the hazards. Minimising chemical exposure and encouraging non-chemical alternatives remain priorities.


News on our policy work

US expert warns on feminisation of boysUS expert warns on feminisation of boys

Professor Shanna Swan, a leading US scientist and expert on phthalates, was at EU Parliament on 12 April 2012 to present EU decision makers with her latest research findings on the health impacts of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Professor Swan highlighted her work linking exposure to phthalates and a feminisation of boys exposed in utero. Learn more...


Report paves way for ban on "gender bender" hormone-disrupting chemicals

The European Commission has released a major report on the science of defining and identifying Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs). This report provides the way forward for taking action to reduce exposure through the various EU laws. Learn more...


Challenges and solutions in the regulation of chemicals with endocrine disrupting properties

The EU is developing an agreed way to identify chemicals with endocrine disrupting properties, for future regulatory action. To ensure these criteria catch harmful EDCs and enable swift reduction of exposures to protect public health, HEAL advocates that important scientific studies be used and that chemicals are not excused on the basis of a misleading indicator of risk. Learn more...


Daily chemical exposure adds to obesity and diabetes risk Daily chemical exposure adds to obesity and diabetes risk

Scientific evidence provides new urgency for banning certain chemicals to protect health. Hormone disrupting chemicals, also called endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), in food and consumer products may be causing obesity and diabetes. Learn more …


Learn more about HEAL’s views and policy work on Chemicals

16 May 2012: Common diseases linked to chemical exposures before birth

20 March 2012: Daily chemical exposure adds to obesity and diabetes risk

20 February 2012: Report paves way for ban on "gender bender" hormone-disrupting chemicals

25 January 2012: Study offers warning of negative immune effects from PFC exposure

13 October 2011: Press statement: Bedroom dust used to urge EU to act more urgently on REACH

All press releases on Chemicals »
5 April 2012

To: EU Environment Ministers
Re: Joint NGO letter on the 7th EAP to EU environment ministers

23 June 2010

To: EFSA
Re: Potential adverse health effects associated with BPA exposures

20 May 2010

To: MEPs
Re: Call for restriction of BFRs and PVC in electrical and electronic equipment in the RoHS revision

All letters on Chemicals »

2 April 2012: Call on industry to provide substitution case stories

3 April 2011: NGO Position paper: Requirements for the proper regulation of chemicals with endrocrine disrupting properties

15 February 2010: NGO Position Paper on RoHS revision

13 February 2008: NGO Consultation response: RoHS Directive - technical changes to the scope of the directive, definitions and facilitating implementation

15 June 2006: NGO Position paper: Priorities for REACH second reading (FR)

All position papers on Chemicals »

6 April 2012: A CHEM Trust and HEAL briefing: Regulating chemicals with endocrine disrupting properties

20 March 2012: Chemicals in our food and consumer products – A missing link in the epidemics of obesity and diabetes? (Leaflet)

23 June 2010: Chemical Cocktails: harmful mixtures upset our hormones

23 June 2009: Harmful chemicals in products you buy? Your right to know

23 June 2009: Invisible burden - Good reasons to get rid of PBT chemicals

All publications on Chemicals »

June 2011, Professor Andreas Kortenkamp - The Prague Declaration on Endocrine Disruption

October 2010, World Medical Association
Statement on Environmental Degradation and Sound Management of Chemicals

June 2009, Prof. Dr. Andreas Kortenkamp
State of the Art Report on Mixture Toxicity

May 2009, Professor Richard Sharpe
Male Reproductive Health Disorders and the Potential Role of Exposure to Environmental Chemicals

All scientific statements on Chemicals »
About HEAL

HEAL is a leading European not-for-profit organisation addressing how the environment affects health in the European Union. We demonstrate how policy changes can help protect health and enhance people’s quality of life. Read more »

Policies
Resources
Members

HEAL has over 70 member organisations, representing health professionals, patients, citizens, women, youth and environmental experts. Members include international and Europe-wide organisations, as well as national and local groups. Read more »

Contact us

Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL)
28 Boulevard Charlemagne
B1000 Brussels, Belgium
Phone: +32 2 234 3640
Fax: +32 2 234 3649
E-mail: info@env-health.org
Press: Diana Smith

Direct telephone numbers: HEAL team page.