Towards a safer future

We should be able to buy and use everyday products safe in the knowledge that they aren't doing us or wildlife any harm. At the moment it's a bit of a gamble.

Friends of the Earth thinks this isn't good enough and we are challenging industry, retailers governments and the European Parliament to support effective REACH legislation. You can help us.

Industry

The chemical industry claims to be heavily regulated. The fact is - it isn't. Chemicals on the market before the 1980s - ie most of them - don't have to be safety tested. There's virtually no safety information available for the vast majority of chemicals produced. Worse of all, industry spends €millions lobbying against proper regulations to control chemicals.

Many companies won't tell you what's in their products or refuse to switch to safer chemicals. But the good news is that others are using or planning to use safer alternatives to risky chemicals and aim for full disclosure. By choosing the more responsible companies you'll be encouraging the others to change.

There's never been a better time to get new laws for safer chemicals. European chemical laws are currently under review, with some countries, such as Sweden, pushing for tighter regulation. But it's still going to be a fight. The chemical industry is a huge and powerful force that will be lobbying against change.

Friends of the Earth is teaming up with leading consumer and environmental groups across Europe to demand safer chemicals. We think we can succeed - and you can help!