Yesterday, the European Commission released its chemicals ‘omnibus’ package – and it’s already raising serious alarms.
“This is a textbook case of confusing simplification with deregulation,” says Theresa Kjell, Head of Policy at ChemSec. “Cutting red tape is one thing, but cutting corners on health and environmental protection is quite another.”
The package, which was released Tuesday, 8 July, includes measures that make it easier to use highly toxic chemicals, including substances known to cause cancer, in some everyday consumer products such as cosmetics and personal care items.
This marks a sharp deviation from the EU’s stated goals under the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, which promised increased protection for people and the environment.
“This is going in completely the opposite direction of what was promised,” adds Kjell. “European citizens were told the EU would raise the bar on chemical safety. Instead, this proposal lowers it – quietly, and at the worst possible time.”
“The people of Europe do not expect – and should not accept – cancer-causing chemicals in their day-to-day products”
ChemSec urges Member States and the European Parliament to stand up for their constituents in the decision-making process.
“The people of Europe do not expect – and should not accept – cancer-causing chemicals in their day-to-day products,” says Kjell. “They count on their representatives to act in their best interest, not in the interest of chemical lobbyists.”
Europe cannot afford to backslide in this. The chemicals ‘omnibus’ will prioritise convenience for industry over the well-being of millions of people – a trade-off that is both politically spineless and morally indefensible.
