On June 7, 2018, the non-profit organization Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) published a briefing entitled “How can Europe lead the way to a non-toxic environment?” which recommends twelve priority actions. “Under the 7th Environment Action Programme, the European Commission is legally committed to release a Union’s strategy for a non-toxic environment by the end of 2018,” HEAL explained. Thus, the organization calls on the Commission “to finally draw its long promised strategy.”
To achieve the vision of a non-toxic environment, HEAL proposes to: 1) put vulnerable population groups (e.g., pregnant women, children, adolescents, the elderly) first, 2) reduce chemical exposure across sources, taking into account chemicals’ lifecycle and disposal, 3) tackle endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) beyond pesticides and biocides (e.g., in toys, food contact materials, cosmetics), 4) take on flame retardants, 5) tackle per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), 6) address excessive use of pesticides, 7) accelerate identification of substances of very high concern (SVHCs), 8) translate identification of SVHCs across all other relevant legislations, 9) address exposure to chemical mixtures, 10) improve knowledge generation and communication, 11) involve the health community in the strategy for better disease prevention, and 12) implement consumers’ right to know.
Read more
HEAL (June 7, 2018). “HEAL’s vision for Europe leading the way towards a non-toxic environment.”
Chemical Watch (June 11, 2018). “NGO urges Commission to consider EU non-toxic strategy priorities.”
Reference
HEAL (June 7, 2018). “How can Europe lead the way to a non-toxic environment?” (pdf)
