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Press Release
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Press Release
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Will your government allow pollution of breast milk to continue? Competitiveness Ministers to decide on the shape of new chemicals policy
Brussels, 12 December 2005 . More than 300 chemical contaminants have been found in breast milk - reveals the latest study published by Friends of the Earth Europe. "Toxic Inheritance" presents an analysis of studies conducted by various scientific bodies [1] on the topic of breast milk contamination. The report is released on the eve of an Extraordinary Competitiveness Council, when the EU Ministers are expected to seal a deal on the European Chemicals Reform (REACH) [2]. The study shows that the accumulation of toxic chemicals in our bodies is the direct result of a misguided EU chemicals policy. "The study provides yet another piece of evidence that the current system is unable to guarantee adequate levels of protection from dangerous chemicals for both people and the environment. We are calling upon the Ministers to take this unique opportunity to protect women, men and children from chemical pollutants" said Aleksandra Kordecka, Chemicals Campaigner of Friends of the Earth Europe. "The health of the next generation is on the line. How can the EU competitiveness improve if its citizens don't get a chance to thrive in their early years?" asked Kordecka. Friends of the Earth Europe, alongside other Environmental, Health and Women's Organisations are urging the Competitiveness Ministers to strengthen the REACH proposal by ensuring that it will help both identify and replace hazardous chemicals. The groups demand an improvement of the registration procedure, which is the basis for identifying the most hazardous chemicals and their safer alternatives. They are also calling upon the Ministers to approve the measures on authorization adopted in the European Parliament, which oblige the industry to replace hazardous chemicals with safer alternatives when these are available (the 'substitution principle'). This provision is essential to end the build-up of harmful chemicals in our bodies and the environment. "Moreover, making the substitution principle mandatory will boost European Competitiveness in medium and long term", added Kordecka. The study shows that chemical residues were found in over 40 000 breast milk samples tested for in Germany since 1980 and many substances banned since the 1970's can still be detected. Breast milk is a particularly well-suited indicator of chemical contamination of humans, as the accumulated substances are transported from fatty tissues into the milk during milk production. Mothers transfer stored substances to their unborn, thus contamination starts in the womb and continues with breastfeeding. Children are particularly vulnerable to contamination as chemicals can cause long-term damage in the development phase. Breastfeeding should be encouraged as it provides the baby with vital nutrients and strengthens the immune system as well as ensures close mother-child bonding. This is why the contamination of the first food for infants is scandalous and cries out for an improved chemicals legislation. Mothers should be able to breastfeed with confidence, knowing that there are no synthetic chemicals in their bodies. "Ministers need to vote for a phase out of chemicals that can build up in the human body and the environment. It is high time the chemical industry cleans up its act" said Kordecka. Contact: * Aleksandra Kordecka (in Brussels), Chemicals Campaigner, Friends of the Earth Europe, +32 (0) 498 505 185 The study can be downloaded from http://www.foeeurope.org/publications/2005/toxic_inheritance.pdf Notes to editor: [1] the German National Institute for Consumer Health Protection and Veterinary Medicine and Germany's National Breastfeeding Commission [2] REACH - Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals
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