Menu
27/06/2003
Environmental think-tank issues chemical safety warning
The Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution has today called for a fundamental reform of the system used by government and industry to protect people and wildlife from man-made chemicals.
The commission makes 54 recommendations for action and change in its latest report, Chemicals in Products: Safeguarding the Environment and Human Health, which is published today following a two-year study.
The commission, a leading environmental think tank, says the current regulatory system fails to prevent serious risks to human health as well as to plants, animals and the wider environment.
The commission has said that chemical "scares" and disasters of the past - with organochlorine pesticides like DDT the most notorious examples - are "likely to be repeated in the future".
The report says: "Current approaches to assessing and managing the risks of man-made chemicals in the environment are cumbersome, unsound and rely heavily on animal testing.
"We want to see a government strategy to achieve a steady, measurable reduction in the use of hazardous chemicals."
At the heart of the Commission’s concerns are some 30,000 chemicals which are used in the European Union but which "have never" been subject to comprehensive testing on any risks they pose to humans and ecosystems.
This huge backlog will not be dealt with for centuries, says the commission's report, at current rates of assessment.
It proposes a system that would "quick check" all 30,000 chemicals within three years, as opposed to subjecting each one of them to a much slower, more expensive and exhaustive analysis. They would be assessed according to their toxicity, how long they lasted in the environment before being broken down and their tendency to accumulate in the bodies of animals.
(GMcG)
The commission makes 54 recommendations for action and change in its latest report, Chemicals in Products: Safeguarding the Environment and Human Health, which is published today following a two-year study.
The commission, a leading environmental think tank, says the current regulatory system fails to prevent serious risks to human health as well as to plants, animals and the wider environment.
The commission has said that chemical "scares" and disasters of the past - with organochlorine pesticides like DDT the most notorious examples - are "likely to be repeated in the future".
The report says: "Current approaches to assessing and managing the risks of man-made chemicals in the environment are cumbersome, unsound and rely heavily on animal testing.
"We want to see a government strategy to achieve a steady, measurable reduction in the use of hazardous chemicals."
At the heart of the Commission’s concerns are some 30,000 chemicals which are used in the European Union but which "have never" been subject to comprehensive testing on any risks they pose to humans and ecosystems.
This huge backlog will not be dealt with for centuries, says the commission's report, at current rates of assessment.
It proposes a system that would "quick check" all 30,000 chemicals within three years, as opposed to subjecting each one of them to a much slower, more expensive and exhaustive analysis. They would be assessed according to their toxicity, how long they lasted in the environment before being broken down and their tendency to accumulate in the bodies of animals.
(GMcG)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 October 2004
Pensions crisis could mean retirement poverty for millions
A massive deficit in the pensions savings could leave nine million people in poverty by the time they retire, according to a report by the Independent Pensions Commission.
Pensions crisis could mean retirement poverty for millions
A massive deficit in the pensions savings could leave nine million people in poverty by the time they retire, according to a report by the Independent Pensions Commission.
06 August 2013
Charities Urged To Look At Salaries Paid To Leaders
A charities regulator has warned that the industry risks falling into "disrepute" over the large salaries paid to some organisations staff. It follows a report by the Daily Telegraph that found salaries of £100,000 or more were paid to some 30 staff at 14 leading UK foreign aid charities last year.
Charities Urged To Look At Salaries Paid To Leaders
A charities regulator has warned that the industry risks falling into "disrepute" over the large salaries paid to some organisations staff. It follows a report by the Daily Telegraph that found salaries of £100,000 or more were paid to some 30 staff at 14 leading UK foreign aid charities last year.
30 July 2003
Polluters deserve harsher penalties, says Environmental Agency
The Environment Agency has warned that higher fines and more prosecutions are failing to stop multi-million pound businesses from committing environmental crimes.
Polluters deserve harsher penalties, says Environmental Agency
The Environment Agency has warned that higher fines and more prosecutions are failing to stop multi-million pound businesses from committing environmental crimes.
31 July 2007
Former BNP Member Jailed Over Explosive Chemicals
A former member of the British National Party has been jailed for two-and-a-half years for storing a collection of explosive chemicals in his home. Robert Cottage, 49, from Colne in Lancashire, had admitted possessing the chemicals in February. He was cleared of additional charges of conspiracy to cause explosions, following two trials.
Former BNP Member Jailed Over Explosive Chemicals
A former member of the British National Party has been jailed for two-and-a-half years for storing a collection of explosive chemicals in his home. Robert Cottage, 49, from Colne in Lancashire, had admitted possessing the chemicals in February. He was cleared of additional charges of conspiracy to cause explosions, following two trials.
27 May 2005
Chemicals may harm baby boys
For the first time, researchers have identified an association between pregnant women’s exposure to a group of chemicals known as phthalates and adverse effects on genital development in their male children.
Chemicals may harm baby boys
For the first time, researchers have identified an association between pregnant women’s exposure to a group of chemicals known as phthalates and adverse effects on genital development in their male children.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
