Chemicals and Health campaign
Tens of thousands of man-made chemicals are manufactured, used and released into the environment every day. Many have never been properly safety tested and some have been linked to serious health problems in humans and wildlife.
Between 2001 and 2006, WWF campaigned to ensure that, wherever possible, hazardous chemicals were substituted with safer alternatives through the then new EU chemicals legislation, known as REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals).
Throughout 2006, online campaigners helped WWF to call for tough new EU REACH legislation by e-mailing MEPs and the then Prime Minister, Tony Blair, directly.
In the final Parliamentary vote on REACH, which took place in December 2006, MEPs voted in favour of the compromise deal agreed by all EU governments.
The final text of the new REACH law brought good news and bad news for the environment, wildlife and human health.
The good news is that chemicals which build up in living organisms and those which linger in the environment for a long time will have to be replaced whenever safer alternatives are available.
The bad news is that chemicals which may cause cancer or birth defects, affect DNA, disturb the hormone system or cause other serious illnesses (so-called CMRs and hormone disrupting chemicals) will continue to be allowed on the market even if safer alternatives are available.
Read our REACH press release from 2006 to find out more.
Thank you
WWF would like to thank the National Federation of Women's Institutes, the Co-operative Bank, Boots the Chemists and WWF campaigners for tirelessly working to prevent REACH being watered down even further by very well-funded chemical industry lobbying.
CHEM Trust is now continuing this important campaigning begun by WWF.