EU set to abandon hazardous chemicals ban amid industry pressure

Leaked documents reveal that the European Commission is on the verge of reneging on its commitment to ban all but the most essential hazardous chemicals in Europe.    

This promise was a key aspect of the European Green Deal introduced in 2020. Initially, it was anticipated that 7 000 to 12 000 hazardous substances would be banned from all marketable products under an update to the EU's Reach regulation, including many per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) linked to hormonal, reproductive, and carcinogenic illnesses.    

However, the British daily newspaper The Guardian has discovered that the EU's executive body is considering a change of course due to pressure from the European chemical industry and right-wing political parties. A leaked legislative document suggests three options, limiting 1%, 10%, or 50% of products containing hazardous chemicals currently available.    

Tatiana Santos, the head of chemicals policy at the European Environmental Bureau, warns that every delay in controlling harmful chemicals brings more suffering and illness. She believes that the EU's regulatory retreat could jeopardize the European Green Deal and fuel distrust of political elites.    

A leaked 77-page impact study estimates that the health savings from chemical bans would outweigh industry costs by a factor of 10. Reduced treatment costs for cancer and obesity would amount to €11bn-€31bn per year, while adjustment costs to businesses would range from €0.9bn-€2.7bn annually.    

However, the Reach update was postponed after disagreements between two commission departments. The environment directorate advocated for strong measures, while the internal market directorate resisted.    

Moreover, several EU heads of state have called for a pause in environmental regulation to support industry.    

 

Source:  

The Guardian