toxics

Brussels, 26 Oct. 1999 - Greenpeace today revealed that Health Commissioner David Byrne and Enterprise Commissioner Erkki Liikanen are jointly proposing an EU-wide emergency ban and a permanent ban of soft PVC teething toys for children under three years old (1). Greenpeace welcomed that the European Commission is finally moving ahead on banning soft PVC teething toys. However, Greenpeace stressed that the proposed measures are insufficient and inconsistent with the Commission's acknowledgement of a serious and immediate health risks for babies.

Selaata, North Lebanon, 11 October 1999 - Greenpeace activists and the media were today assaulted by the police and guards, and shots were fired by the Lebanese military, during a peaceful protest at the dock of the major polluter in Lebanon, the Lebanese Chemical Company (LCC). Greenpeace is opposing the ecological crimes committed by this company which daily discharges toxic sludge into the Mediterranean.

AMSTERDAM, September 23, 1999 - Today Greenpeace congratulated the world's largest auto manufacturer, General Motors, on its [announcement] decision to eliminate polyvinyl chloride (vinyl) plastic from its auto interiors. General Motors (GM) said moving away from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) will enable improvements in durability and a reduction of interior odors.