Jo Reynolds FRSC’s Post

The European Union is limiting the use of harmful chemicals to create a toxic-free environment. Chemicals are essential in our modern society; however, most chemicals have hazardous properties that can harm the environment and human health. The EU will undertake multiple actions to achieve this. In my opinion, these are the 3 most important ones: 1. Banning the most harmful chemicals in consumer products, allowing their use only where essential. 2. Boosting the investment and innovative capacity for production and use of chemicals that are safe and sustainable by design, and throughout their life cycle. 3. Promoting the EU’s resilience of supply and sustainability of critical chemicals. What’s your opinion on this matter? 🧪 Read more news about the implementation of the actions at: https://lnkd.in/ePdyMdWA #sustainability #EUregulations #disinfection #takeaction

In Europe we need to continue to do more to reduce the risk posed by chemicals to both human health and the health of our environment. This is the message coming from an assessment published today jointly by our team here in the European Environment Agency and our colleagues in the European Chemicals Agency, as part of the work underpinning the EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability. While recognising that chemicals are essential to our society, we also need to move towards a situation where chemicals are designed, produced, and used in a safe and, very importantly, a sustainable way. The assessment finds that ongoing regulation of chemicals has resulted in better management of chemicals risk, but we are still in a situation where use of the most harmful substances is still increasing in the EU. These most harmful chemicals which are those which are carcinogenic, mutagenic and toxic to reproduction. The assessment clearly shows that chemicals are present at levels which present a potential risk in both our environment (e.g. water, soil) and in human bodies (as demonstrated by the recent EEA briefing on bisphenol A in human - https://lnkd.in/eycRykk9 ). The presence of harmful chemicals in products is also presenting a barrier to a more circular economy as materials are more problematic to recycle into safe products. The assessment is called the 'EU Indicator Framework for Chemicals' and is composed of i) a web-based indicator dashboard which presents trends and knowledge on a range of chemical indicators and ii) an accompanying synthesis report which brings together the information from the dashboard to identify the overall key messages and knowledge gaps. The online dashboard of chemical indicators which underpins this assessment is available here: https://lnkd.in/eq6rcrvN . The synthesis report can also be access from the same website. From the EEA perspective, thanks to everyone in my team and the wider Agency who contributed to the assessment, and in particular Jeanne Vuaille who was leading the project for EEA. The collaboration with our colleagues in ECHA was also excellent and we look forward to future projects!

Efforts to reduce the environmental impact of chemical processes have shaped the evolution of the entire sector https://lnkd.in/e-BPP5Xh

Efforts to reduce the environmental impact of chemical processes have shaped the evolution of the entire sector. #chemicals #rawmaterials https://lnkd.in/eHMeAYvN

Two of the EU's official agencies, the European Environment Agency (EEA) and ECHA, the European Chemicals Agency have joined forces to investigate the transition towards safer and more sustainable chemicals. We aren't surprised to learn that while the transition is progressing in some areas, in others it is just beginning. The report found that the overall use of the most harmful chemicals (in particular those that are carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic) is still growing but more slowly than the overall chemicals market growth. Slower growth is still growth. We need to do better. Circa's products are safer and more sustainable by design. Our green solvent Cyrene can replace harmful, fossil-based solvents, for example. #greenchemistry #earthday

From the impacts of #PFAS to the importance of taking the initiative with chemicals to maintain sustainability, read our discussion with the European Commission about the growing needs for sustainable chemistry in Europe. Read here: https://hubs.li/Q02qW2JL0 #GreenDeal #Sustainability #SustainableBusiness

"Exciting developments in the Chemicals industry as we witness a shift towards bio-based chemicals for environmental benefits. Companies are embracing sustainable practices to reduce their carbon footprint and protect the planet. Join us in supporting this positive change for a greener future. #ChemicalsIndustry #BioBasedChemicals #Sustainability"

Advancing Chemical Environmentalism: Protecting Ecosystems and Health In the realm of environmentalism, a crucial but often overlooked focus lies in the impact of chemicals on ecosystems and human health. #Chemicalenvironmentalism, a growing movement, sheds light on the significant repercussions of chemical usage and advocates for sustainable practices and safer alternatives. From industrial pollutants to everyday household chemicals, the ramifications span far and wide, prompting calls for action and awareness. One prominent concern in chemical environmentalism is the pollution of water bodies. Chemical runoff from agricultural activities, industrial discharges, and improper disposal of household products often find their way into rivers, lakes, and oceans. In the South Africa, for example, pesticides like atrazine and DDT have been linked to adverse effects on aquatic life, including disruptions in hormone regulation among amphibians. Household products harbour a trove of chemicals that can pose risks to both the environment and human health. Substances like phthalates and Bishenol A (and salts) in plastics, parabens in personal care products, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in cleaning supplies can leach into the environment, contaminating soil and water, and even disrupting endocrine systems in humans and wildlife. However, amidst these challenges, there are glimmers of hope. #Chemicalenvironmentalism advocates tirelessly campaign for stricter regulations on chemical usage, improved waste management practices, and the promotion of eco-friendly alternatives. Furthermore, advancements in green chemistry offer promising solutions, with researchers developing safer, more sustainable chemical compounds and manufacturing processes. The fight for #chemicalenvironmentalism is not one that can be waged alone. Collaboration between policymakers, industry leaders, scientists, and environmental activists is essential in driving meaningful change. Initiatives such as the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants and the European Union's REACH regulation demonstrate international efforts to address chemical hazards comprehensively. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, it is imperative to recognise the profound impact of chemicals on our planet and ourselves. #Chemicalenvironmentalism highlights the urgency of adopting responsible practices, advocating for policy reform, and supporting innovation in chemical production. Through collective action and awareness, we can strive towards a healthier, more sustainable future for generations to come.

Yesterday, I had the privilege of speaking at the @Steptoe EU Chemicals and Sustainability Conference, where a panel of experts delved into the overarching sectoral challenges that bridge the gap between business and politics. I am glad we could drive the discussion around ethanol, which underscored the critical importance of science-based and coherent EU legislation. A big thank you to all the speakers and attendees for making this event a success. Together, we are paving the way for a safer and more sustainable future. #Sustainability #EURegulations #ScienceBasedPolicy

Check out the latest article on defining the most harmful substances: 🌟 Key Highlights: - April 22, 2024: The European Commission adopted new criteria for "essential uses" of harmful chemicals, crucial for health, safety, and societal functions, with no alternatives available. - April 17, 2024: ECHA and EEA published a framework to assess chemical pollution, emphasizing progress and areas needing improvement. 💥 Impact: - Enhances predictability for industries and investors. - Supports the ecological and digital transition, health, and defense in the EU. - Aligns with the European Green Deal and Chemical Strategy for Sustainability. 🔗 Link : https://lnkd.in/eMK7Hhb6 Let's work towards a toxic-free environment and sustainable innovation! 🌱🔬 #Sustainability #Chemicals #GreenDeal #Innovation #Health