From Guillaume Conteville
Tam Dalyell’s piece on the long-awaited regulation of chemicals within the European Union ends by saying we should only approve the proposals if they don’t damage industry (17 January, p 45). I am astounded at this in light of the overwhelming evidence on the global impact of these chemicals.
A study commissioned by the EU’s Environment Agency shows that there is insufficient toxin and eco-toxin data available for 86 per cent of 2500 chemicals on the European market in large volumes, to make even a minimal risk assessment under existing guidelines.
There are countless examples of wildlife being born with birth defects, fish being “feminised” and mammals with impaired immune systems all linked to industrial chemicals.
A survey by WWF-UK last summer found that the blood samples of everyone tested contained a cocktail of toxic man-made chemicals, some of which can pass from mother to baby.
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The truth is that we are living in a contaminated world and these polluting chemicals are compromising our children’s future. When will politicians face up to the fact that environmental regulations do not impede industry but offer opportunities? The question they have to ask themselves is: do they want a cutting edge, green industry or a dying, polluting one?
London, UK
