Climate change, environmental pollution and biodiversity loss affect people’s health and generate multi-billion-euro economic losses, as a briefing produced by HEAL Poland under the patronage of the Institute of Water Economy and Meteorology of the National Research Institute and the Polish Federation of Asthma, Allergy, and COPD Patients Associations highlights.
HEAL is calling for greater political commitment and attention on reducing exposure to hazardous chemicals for better health, in EU and national regulations. HEAL has opened a new chapter in its work in Poland – launching an initiative to address growing concern about harmful chemicals; as a recent Eurobarometer survey shows that 84% of Poles are worried about the effects of harmful chemicals on their health.
A key focus area will will be Endocrine Disruptive Chemicals (EDCs), which are prevalent in everyday products such as clothing, food packaging, and cosmetics. These chemicals can have negative health impacts, including hormonal disruptions, cancers, and developmental issues in children.
Recent reports, such as those from the Polish Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK), indicate that chemicals exceed allotted safety limits in several products. Most Poles are worried about the health impacts of harmful chemicals. According to Eurobarometer data, 25% of respondents strongly agree, and 57% somewhat agree with the statement: “I am concerned about the impact of harmful chemicals in everyday products on my health.” The same study reports that 27% are very concerned, and 60% are somewhat concerned about the potential health effects of exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This adds up to nearly 90% of the population.
Ensuring safety from harmful chemicals requires the improvement of EU and national regulations, but individuals can also take steps to reduce exposure. HEAL has prepared easy to follow guidelines to help avoid harmful EDCs at home and surroundings, which are now available in Polish. These practical guidelines entail replacing damaged non-stick coated frying pans, avoiding artificial fragrances, dusting with reusable cloths dampened with water, avoiding clothes labeled “odor-resistant” or “antibacterial,” and limiting the use of cosmetics, especially during pregnancy.
“Our hormonal system participates in many crucial processes in the body, and EDCs, by disrupting it, can cause various health problems. Exposure to these substances affects reproductive health, contributes to the development of obesity, diabetes, and even cancer,” explains Dr. Olga Wdowiczak, Environmental Health Specialist at HEAL Poland. “Children are one of the groups particularly sensitive to the harmful effects of EDCs. Toxic substances can interfere with their proper development and lead to diseases that may manifest later in life“, she adds.
HEAL urges decision-makers to improve EU and national regulations on chemicals to protect people’s health. Protection of groups especially vulnerable to adverse health effects – such as children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses – should be a priority.
Download the infographic ‘10 TIPS To Avoid Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in and Around the Home’ in Polish, English, Dutch and French.
