|
 |
| |
| In this issue |
| |
|
| |
Top Story
|
| |
The Berlaymont Declaration
The rising levels of cancer in European Union Member States, along with increasing brain, thyroid and reproductive problems, which may all be connected with exposure to chemicals widely used in industry, have led an international group of scientists to demand a much tougher regulatory regime governing the use of chemicals in the EU. The Berlaymont Declaration on Endocrine Disruptors has been signed by 89 leading public health scientists from around the world and has been presented to Antonio Tajani, the Vice-President of the European Commission, Tonio Borg, Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy, Maire Geoghegan-Quinn, Commissioner for Research Innovation and Science, and Janez Potocnik, Commissioner for the Environment. It explains that the Europe-wide rate of increase in endocrine-related diseases - diseases caused by interference in human hormones - cannot be explained by genetics or lifestyle choices. more |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Policy Updates
|
| |
Amendments to medical device proposal
The medical device debate continues in the European Parliament. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in the Environment (ENVI), Internal Market (IMCO) and Employment (EMPL) Committees have tabled amendments to the European Commission's regulation proposal on medical devices. This is supporting the position of HCWH Europe that calls for phasing out hazardous chemicals that are contained in medical devices. In particular, HCWH Europe calls for the phasing out of chemicals that are carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic (CMRs) and chemicals that are endocrine disruptors (EDCs). The Environment Committee is leading the debate with the drafting of a report whilst IMCO and EMPL will be giving an opinion. The ENVI draft report by German Socialist MEP Dagmar Roth-Behrendt and amendments to the EC proposal will be voted on 10th July 2013. The plenary discussion is scheduled for September. Please click here for further information on the ENVI draft report and amendments (more). |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
A new European Commission environment initiative
A new Environment Directorate-General initiative, titled “Legislative proposal amending the scope of the new RoHS Directive (restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment), aims to have a scope for the RoHS Directive which is most eco-efficient, based on an assessment of the impacts from an environmental, economic and social point of view. Fore more information, click here (more). |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Publications
|
| |
The Royal College of Ophthalmologists
In a recent position paper, The Royal College of Ophthalmologists calls for leadership from the profession and the healthcare industry to develop best practice in sustainability and integrate this into ophthalmic service redesign (more). |
| |
|
| |
| |
|
| |
Member Updates
|
| |
ARNIKA
 Arnika helped with the creation of the Green Map and also an environmental information centre in the capital of Belarus, Minsk. In this application (for smartphones) people can find for example where to dispose of old electronic equipment for it to be professionally managed with minimum environmental impact. The information centre has already helped more than 450 citizens (more). |
| |
|
| |
| |
|
| |
The Danish Ecoogical Council responds to government's postponement of ban
The Danish Government has decided to postpone the planned ban on four endocrine disrupting phthalates for two years. Our member organisation the Danish Ecological Council together with the Danish Consumer Council has issued a press release criticizing the postponement because of the risk to fetuses, young children and pregnant women. The Danish Government had previously announced a ban on DEHP, DBP, DIBP and BBP phthalates in consumer products to be introduced this autumn (more). |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
GGHH Project
|
| |
The Global Green and Healthy Hospitals Project, the international network promoting greater sustainability and environmental health, is pleased to welcome two new members to the network. The Royal College of Physicians
The Royal College of Physicians is an independent professional membership organisation and registered charity, representing over 28,000 physicians in the UK and internationally (more). The Royal Free London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
The Royal Free began as a pioneering organisation and continues to play a leading role among UK hospital trusts. They continue to lead improvements in healthcare, from targeted cancer therapies to new kinds of surgery and offer an exceptionally wide range of local and specialist services (more). |
| |
|
| |
| |
|
| |
| Events |
| |
Oxford, United Kingdom: CleanMed Europe 2013 (3 days left for Early-bird tickets!)
Date: 17-19 September 2013
CleanMed Europe is the only European conference on sustainability within the healthcare sector, addressing the environmental impact of the health care sector on a local, regional, and global level.
Key topics: Pathways to sustainable healthcare through greening hospitals and clinics, low-carbon technologies, leaner systems and preventative measures. Authorities.
Who should attend?: Health and social care professionals and managers, people from healthcare infrastructure (estates and facilities, finance, IT, energy, procurement and waste), patient leaders, industry leaders, researchers and experts in sustainability (more). |
| |
|
| |
|
Oslo, Norway: IHF World Hospital Congress
Date: 18 - 20 June 2013
Key topics: New health care models, new technology and access to health services.
Oslo2013 is the forum in which leaders, policy makers and clinicians from all over the world will share their experiences and best practices in healthcare delivery.
Who should attend?: All top officials from the major international healthcare organisations (more). |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Chemicals
|
| |
Flame retardant HBCDD to be phased out
At the Stockholm Convention meeting in May 2013 it was decided that the flame retardant HBCDD will be phased out. HBCDD is a flame retardant still widely used globally, primarily in insulation materials for buildings but also in textiles and electronic equipment. Global production is estimated at 28 000 tonnes / year. It is toxic, persistent and is also found in the Arctic environment. The substance is largely absorbed by living organisms, disturbs reproduction and is proven toxic to aquatic organisms. (more). |
| |
|
| |
|
The Untold Story: the EU's Health and Safety Strategy
The European Trade Union Institute has produced this video to highlight the need of a new Community health and safety strategy for the period 2013-2020 (more). |
| |
|
| |
| |
|
Notice: In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving this information for research and educational purposes. As all these articles are public, some links might expire after some days after their release date. |
| |
|
To unsuscribe click here |
Text