HEAL appeals for regulatory changes to protect health from chemicals in Poland

The Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL), together with representatives from the medical, scientific, and civil society sectors, is calling on policymakers in Poland to develop a national action plan to reduce the health impacts of harmful chemicals and to support the revision of EU regulations. The appeal was presented on 10 June in Warsaw during the International Conference Preventing Disease by Reducing Exposure to Harmful Chemicals, held under the patronage of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU, the Polish Minister of Health, and the President of the Polish Supreme Medical Council.  

The conference brought together experts from Poland and Europe to discuss solutions to protect health from harmful chemicals found in food, water, soil, air, and everyday products. “Although scientific evidence linking chemicals to health problems continues to grow, political action remains insufficient. We urgently need stronger regulations to better protect public health,” Génon K. Jensen, Executive Director of HEAL, stated. 

Dr Maria Neira of the World Health Organization highlighted that 25% of the global disease burden is caused by preventable environmental factors. She emphasised that targeting the ten most harmful chemicals to human health could prevent two million deaths each year. “Addressing these difficult issues, as we are doing today, is a great opportunity. We can prevent disease, which is a remarkable mission, and it will also bring benefits to the economy,” she said during the conference.  

Harmful chemicals include groups of substances such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals“. “EDCs interfere with the hormonal system, which plays a key role in many important bodily functions. This disruption can lead to fertility issues, obesity, diabetes, and even cancer,” explained Dr Olga Wdowiczak, Environmental Health Policy Specialist at HEAL Poland. 

Professor Philippe Grandjean of the National Institute of Public Health in Copenhagen warned that PFAS may impair the immune system and reduce vaccine effectiveness, particularly in children. “This is a very alarming finding, as it leaves people vulnerable to disease. These chemicals are almost everywhere, and they remain in the body for years, accumulating with each exposure. We must take preventive action,” he added.  

In response to scientific evidence, survey results, and expert concerns, HEAL presented a health sector appeal in which medical professionals, scientists, and civil society organisations call on decision-makers in Poland to: 

• Develop and implement a national action plan to reduce the health impacts of harmful chemicals, following the example of other EU countries; 

• Support the revision of the EU REACH regulation to better protect health from hazardous substances; 

• Include environmental health and chemical exposure in the National Health Programme for 2026–2030, as well as in the school curriculum. 

“What we are proposing today is not just a set of recommendations – it is a call for decisive action. The health of millions of people can no longer wait for effective protection from harmful chemicals. We want to work together toward this goal with the health sector in Poland, and we invite all those who are willing to join us in this effort,” added Génon K. Jensen. 

The full text of the appeal is available online (in Polish). HEAL invites individuals and institutions based in Poland to express their interest in joining the appeal by emailing info@healpolska.pl.