The May 2025 vote on the European Parliament’s priorities for the next EU long-term budget (Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034) included many important health considerations, including on financing for measures to prevent climate change and biodiversity loss. Unfortunately, MEPs failed to include financing to address pollution and the related health impacts. The Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) calls on earmarking at least 10% of the next EU budget for zero pollution objectives across various funding instruments.
Several organisations, including HEAL, are calling for Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, Séjourné, to ensure the most harmful chemicals will no longer be allowed in children’s toys. The EU is currently revising its Toy Safety Legislation — a key opportunity for policymakers to strengthen protections for children against most harmful chemicals with no further delay. That is why NGOs are urging a ban on most harmful chemicals — PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) and bisphenols — in toys.
The health impacts associated with these chemicals are not to be taken lightly:
- PFAS are present in the blood of children and teenagers in Europe, and PFAS exposure has been linked to immune dysfunction, reduced fetal growth, neurodevelopmental effects, certain types of cancers, thyroid disease and hormone disruption.
- Bisphenols, such as BPA, have been linked with developmental and health problems in children. Bisphenols are endocrine disruptors and can cause obesity, infertility (male and female), neurodevelopmental effects, increased risk for cancer and lower birth weight.
“There is no justification for continuing to use these chemicals in toys, as their damaging effects have been known for decades. I hope that European decision-makers are eager to protect children and families from these well-known harmful chemicals without further delay.” Sandra Jen, Programme Lead for Health and Chemicals at HEAL states.
Read the joint-letter to Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy..
