Today, the European Parliament voted on the matter in plenary, and a great majority voted in favour of a resolution – in other words, against granting an authorisation.
Recycling is great – but not always
Circular economy is the new buzzword in the world of sustainability. It has truly become a hot topic – not only among legislators in the European Union, but also among companies that strive to have a progressive sustainability profile. And most importantly, the concept has gained a lot of traction in public opinion. But. Not all recycling, and not all recycled materials, are good.
For the first time ever, an authorisation could be rejected in the EU
Recently, the European Parliament Environment Committee voted in favour of a resolution against the draft decision from the EU Commission to grant an authorisation for using sodium dichromate, which is classified as cancerogenic, mutagenic and toxic for reproduction.
Don’t be fooled by the nice smell
US organisation Breast Cancer Prevention Partners (BCPP) released a report that examines fragrance chemicals in beauty, personal care and cleaning products sold in the United States. BCPP tested 140 products using semi- and non-targeted chemical analysis methods, and the results were quite concerning. More than one in four of the total 338 fragrance chemicals detected in the products were linked to serious chronic health effects, such as cancer, hormone disruption and reproductive harm.
The world needs a Paris Agreement on toxic chemicals
Ministers and vice ministers from eight different countries came together and wrote a joint statement, insisting on a global political commitment to tackle the problem of toxic chemicals in the world. The eight Ministers say they will press for discussions regarding a global agreement.