On May 26, 2020, the non-governmental organizations Health and Environmental Alliance (HEAL) and the European Cancer Leagues published a series of infographics focused on preventing cancer caused by environmental factors. Various facts related to cancer in the EU are illustrated, including that 25% of deaths in the EU are related to cancer and over 40% of cancer cases are preventable. Environmental factors increasing cancer risk include exposure to known and suspected carcinogens as well as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). HEAL calls on the European Commission (EC) to more actively prevent cancer in the EU through its policies related to the European Green Deal (FPF reported) including the recently released Farm to Fork Strategy (FPF reported) and its upcoming Chemicals Strategy (FPF reported). Specifically related to food packaging, the fact sheets emphasize the need for the EC to revise the current legislation on food contact materials to reduce exposure to carcinogens and EDCs.
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HEAL (May 25, 2020). “HEAL and European Cancer Leagues launch infographic illustrating how Europe can prevent cancer by tackling environmental pollutants.”
