On November 7, 2018, the European Commission (EC) adopted a communication on endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) “confirming its commitment to protecting citizens and the environment from hazardous chemicals.” The EU’s strategic approach to EDCs as outlined in the communication aims to 1) minimize overall exposure to EDCs, 2) accelerate research to improve decision-making, and 3) promote an active dialogue between all stakeholders for collaborative work. Further, the EC will launch a “fitness check” of the current legislation applicable to EDCs to assess “whether it delivers on the objectives of protecting human health and the environment.” A public consultation will be included in the fitness check.
The non-governmental organizations (NGOs) Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) and Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) commented on the EC’s communication claiming that “it lacks specific measures and timelines on how people and the environment can be better protected from these harmful chemicals.” NGO CHEM Trust added: “In particular the proposal to launch a Fitness Check to assess whether EU relevant legislation on endocrine disrupters delivers on the protection goals will lead to further delays instead of solving known inadequacies in the risk management of EDCs in the EU.” All three NGOs are part of the EDC-Free Europe campaign that published a position paper in May 2018 containing eight specific demands for an EU EDC strategy (FPF reported).
Read more
EC (November 7, 2018). “Endocrine disruptors: A strategy for the future that protects EU citizens and the environment.”
EC (November 7, 2018). “Commission Communication on endocrine disruptors: Questions and answers.”
EC (November 7, 2018. “Endocrine Disruptors Strategy and European Citizens’ Initiative.”
Clelia Oziel (November 7, 2018). “EU outlines new strategy on EDCs.” Chemical Watch
HEAL (November 7, 2018). “New Communication on endocrine disruptors lacks concrete measures to reduce harmful exposures.”
CIEL (November 7, 2018). “New Communication on endocrine disruptors lacks concrete measures to reduce harmful exposures.”
Ninja Reineke (November 7, 2018). “New EU Communication on endocrine disrupters: missing the action.” CHEM Trust
EDC-Free Europe (November 7, 2018). “EDC-Free Europe reacts to new Communication on endocrine disruptors.”
Endocrine Society (November 7, 2018). “European Commission communication falls short of protecting public from EDC exposure.”
Cefic (November 12, 2018). “Cefic welcomes Commission communication on endocrine disruptors.”
Caterina Tani (November 14, 2018). “France calls for stronger EU stance on EDCs.” Chemical Watch
Reference
EC (November 7, 2018). “Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions – Towards a comprehensive European Union framework on endocrine disruptors.” (pdf)
