Press release – 250 scientists call on the European Commission to address people’s exposure to chemical mixtures

HEAL welcomes the call from 250 scientists urging the European Commission to follow scientific recommendations and include provisions to account for the effects of chemical mixtures to better protect health in the upcoming revision of REACH, the EU’s regulation for chemicals.

Scientific evidence shows that the combined effects of chemical mixtures pose significant and underestimated risks to human health, biodiversity, and ecosystems. Currently chemical risk assessments are still typically carried out on a substance-by-substance basis—an approach that does not reflect real life exposures to harmful chemicals. Even if single chemicals are present at levels considered as safe, their combined effects can be harmful.

The scientists issuing the call refer to EU-wide biomonitoring data showing widespread public exposure to multiple hazardous substances, such as PFAS and bisphenol A. They also cite research linking chemical mixtures to adverse outcomes including reduced sperm quality, IQ loss, delayed language development, and neurotoxicity in unborn children.

To address these risks, the scientists support the introduction of a Mixture Assessment Factor (MAF) in REACH—a measure that would be pragmatic as it builds on the existing system. The MAF works by adjusting the acceptable exposure level of each individual chemical downwards to provide a protective margin for mixture effects.

“The evidence is clear: it is urgent to reduce people’s exposure to harmful chemicals and to effectively account for the effects of chemical mixtures, which often begin before birth. The revision of REACH is a crucial opportunity to reflect the scientific consensus on mixture toxicity and adopt a more protective and updated approach to chemical regulation in the EU.” Genon Jensen, Executive Director of HEAL states.

HEAL calls on the Commission to follow through with its commitment in the Chemical Strategy for Sustainability to better protect public and environmental health, and to heed the scientists’ call by introducing the MAF factor in the upcoming revision of REACH.

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Learn more about the reform of REACH here.