chemicals

Publication date: March 2004

Summary
REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals) will completely change the way chemicals are controlled. It will pass through the European Parliament during 2004 and 2005, and should become law in 2006. When it comes into force, chemical companies will, for the first time, have to provide basic health and environmental safety data on the chemicals they produce.

Publication date: October 2003

Summary
Many chemicals used routinely in consumer products are also present in the human body, including prenatal and newborn children. These chemical pollutants are likely to be having a detrimental effect not only on the health of adults, but also on young children, who are particularly at risk.

Publication date: April 2004

Summary
This report shows that chemicals which may represent a long-term hazard to human health are present in Disney childrenswear. Disney garments, including pyjamas, T-shirts and underwear, were bought at retail outlets in 19 countries around the world and the printed logo section analysed for chemicals by the Danish independent laboratory, Eurofins.

A beginner's guide

Publication date: November 2003

Summary
REACH is a complicated proposal for new chemical regulation. This document is intended as background reading to explain the concept in simple terms.