Working in Europe for Everyone in Yorkshire and the Humber

13th December 2006 - EU Wages War on Dangerous Chemicals

Ahead of a major vote in the European Parliament in Strasbourg this afternoon, Labour's Public Health Spokesperson in the European Parliament, Yorkshire MEP Linda McAvan has welcomed new legislation which will cut out dangerous chemicals from everyday life across the 25 EU countries and replace them with safer products where possible.

The legislation has been described as the most important in 20 years.

Many studies have highlighted the growing risk to public health presented by previously un-tested chemicals in common use today. The legislation will specifically look to prevent cancer, asthma, allergies and reproductive disorders.

It is believed that a third of occupational illnesses annually acknowledged in Europe are attributed to the exposure to dangerous chemicals. The European Commission considers that should the new directive succeed in reducing by 10% illnesses caused by chemicals in Europe, it would save 4500 lives each year.

Linda McAvan said;

"There are many chemicals in our immediate environment that we are simply not aware of - the fire retardant chemicals in furniture and clothes, for example. Most of them will be completely harmless, but a large number have never been tested and we simply don't know for sure what effect they are having."

The Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals (REACH) Directive has been scrutinised by European governments and the European Parliament since it was first proposed three years ago. When it comes into effect, perhaps as early as next Spring, REACH would require all chemicals of one tonne or more in volume manufactured in or imported into the EU each year to be registered with a new authority, the European Chemical Agency. The most dangerous chemicals — so-called persistent, bio accumulative and toxic substances — will be refused authorisation if safer alternatives exist. An expected further 1500 risky chemicals will only be allowed to be used with “adequate control”.

Linda McAvan said;

"People sometimes ask me how the EU helps them. This piece of legislation is a prime example. It is major legislation, the decisions about it have not been taken lightly, but it will protect your health. At long last, the law will uphold the precautionary principle - we should not wait until a substance hurts or kills someone before we look to regulate. We should know that chemicals are safe before we expose people to them."