Tag: chemicals

Hormone-disrupting chemicals found in 60% of 121 children’s products 

A consumer organisation test found at least one bisphenol chemical in many children’s products. Time for a phase-out, Stine Müller from Forbrugerrådet Taenk suggests in a guest post.

/ May 31, 2023

Time’s up for harmful flame retardants in TV screens

Did you know that your furniture, clothes and electronic devices can contain harmful chemicals? The most common ones are halogenated flame retardants. The good news is that plastic in TV screens will be free of them thanks to new Ecodesign...

/ June 18, 2019

Fuzzy maths or how the Commission solves ‘costly’ chemicals laws

The European Commission is running EU chemicals laws through its REFIT machine. REFIT sounds like a strenuous fitness regime for overweight risk managers, right!? It’s not. Instead, it is a Commission programme that looks to streamline EU laws – a...

/ October 18, 2016

Did TTIP push the EU to scrap precaution on endocrine disruptors?

Last month, the European Commission broke a promise it had made to you and all other EU citizens. The promise? That the EU will not trade away the ’precautionary principle’ to strike a trade deal with the United States (known...

/ July 14, 2016

For better or for worse? The Commission and its ‘better regulation’ agenda

One of the Juncker Commission’s favourite catchphrases is to deliver ‘better regulation for better results.’ At the same time, it claims it will serve citizens and restore confidence in the European Union project. Unfortunately, recent developments suggest it is struggling...

/ February 25, 2016

Ending the deadlock on endocrine disruptors

Lately there has been a lot of talk in EU circles about endocrine disruptors. Endo-what you might ask? Let me break it down for you: Imagine you urgently need to call somebody with an important message. But no matter how...

/ February 23, 2016

How transparency can help monitor potential scandals in the TTIP negotiations

When I am asked why more transparency is needed in the TTIP negotiations, I reply it is because these trade negotiations are not mere ‘business as usual’; rules affecting our living standards are on the negotiating table and we should...

/ January 30, 2015