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.
Friends of the Earth says:
- All chemicals should be assessed for safety
- The safest chemicals should always be used
- Chemicals that build up in our bodies should
be phased out
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Retailers and manufacturers
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.
Friends of the Earth says:
- You should have a right to know what's
in the products you use
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Government
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!
