HEAL Executive Director at Implementation Dialogue on Biocides

Today, together with members Pesticides Action Network (PAN) Europe and Women Engaged for a Common Future (WECF), HEAL’s Executive Director Génon Jensen participated in the Implementation Dialogue on Biocides hosted by the EU Health Commissioner Várhelyi. 

What are biocides and why are they relevant to human health? 

Biocides aim at killing or controlling organisms, meaning that they can potentially pose serious health hazards for people and the environment.  Biocides can be found in disinfectants, wood preservatives or insecticides used by citizens at home e.g. on pets. 

This is why the Biocidal Products Regulation requires the approval of active substances and the authorisation of biocidal products these active substances are used in. Active substances that are e.g. carcinogens, reprotoxic substances or that interfere with our hormone systems will in principle not be approved. 

However, under the Review Programme currently only ~50 % of the assessments of active substances that are being placed on the EU market have been finalized. 

HEAL’s Executive Director underlined the need for a strong regulatory framework on biocidal products which ensures they no longer contain health-harming EDCs.  

HEAL recommends two improvements to the implementation of rules on biocides, in order to prioritise the health of citizens. 

• The Review Programme of biocidal active substances needs to be accelerated without lowering the level of protection for human health and the environment. To do so, companies must swiftly provide the data necessary to conclude ongoing assessments, e.g. on endocrine disrupting properties. 

• Transition to safer alternatives as substitutes of active substances that fulfil the exclusion and substitution criteria in the Biocidical Products Regulation. This is a key area for innovation that will contribute to improving public health by lowering the exposure of citizens to harmful chemicals. The exclusion and substitution criteria need to be comprehensively applied, and derogations must only be allowed under thoroughly justified circumstances.