Posted by Willie — 11 June 2012 at 1:38pm
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Last Friday was World Oceans Day. Being an oceans campaigner that, on one hand, means a lot – but on the other it begs the question of why the rest of the world
doesn’t think about oceans all the other days, like I do!?
Giant chemicals firms representing private business interests are trying to undermine and destroy EU attempts to protect the public from hazardous chemicals, reveals a Greenpeace report released today.
Today a Greenpeace study shows how toxic man-made chemicals are contaminating the European eel population [1]. The study of European eels (Anguilla anguilla) from 20 rivers and lakes in 10 EU countries [2] found that eels from every location contained residues of at least one brominated flame retardant (BFR) compound, indicating the widespread dispersal of these chemicals in European waters. Levels of BFRs found in a sample of UK eels from the River Thames were more than double those recorded in the majority of other samples in this study.
Children's plastic toys sold in Europe are to be made safer following a decision by the European Parliament today to ban manufacturers from using six toxic chemicals to soften the plastic. The ban follows evidence that the chemicals, shown to damage the kidneys, liver and sex organs in animals, can be ingested by children who suck the products. (1)
Summary
REACH is a complicated proposal for new chemical regulation. This document is intended as background reading to explain the concept in simple terms.
Greenpeace today reacted to newly published chemicals regulations by claiming that the European Commission had bowed to the interests of the chemical industry instead of addressing public health and environmental concerns.
Speaking about the Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals legislation (REACH), Oliver Knowles, Greenpeace Toxics Campaigner, said:
We have carried out tests on a range of household products to find out if they are harbouring harmful chemicals. The results are disturbing. Many products like perfumes, shampoos, and plastic goods were found to contain high levels of dangerous chemicals. Shockingly, Disney-branded pyjamas available at The Disney Store and other big retailers were amongst the worst offenders. We were astounded to learn that a brand aimed at children could sell products which could damage their health.
Summary Research published in peer-reviewed scientific journals has reported possible links between commonly used chemicals and a range of health problems.
