Watchdogs Slam EU Over Chemical Delays

In simple terms, environmental groups are saying that the European Commission is slowing down its own plan to reduce dangerous chemicals. This plan, introduced in 2022, was supposed to remove harmful substances from everyday products and protect people’s health. But four years later, things are not going as planned.

A new report shows that many actions have been delayed or not even started. Because of this, around 100,000 tons of extra pollution may have been released. Some of the chemicals involved are especially worrying—like toxic substances found in children’s diapers and “forever chemicals” that don’t break down and stay in the environment for a very long time.

The delays affect many harmful materials, including:

• Lead in ammunition, which can damage kidneys
• Chemicals in childcare products, linked to cancer and genetic problems
• Certain fertilizers, which can release cancer-causing substances
• Flame retardants in vehicles, which build up in the body over time

Normally, the EU has rules (called Reach rules) that require quick action after experts give advice. But in many cases, decisions were delayed by over a year—and sometimes nearly four years.

Environmental experts say the plan once looked promising, but now it seems stuck, with no clear progress. Some even argue it no longer works as a real plan, but instead reflects a lack of action.

Source: Newstimehub