Brussels, 18 July 2014 – Yesterday, Health Care Without Harm (HCWH) Europe and 17 other environmental and health NGOs signed a letter addressed to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) in support of their recent consumer awareness video, 'The Price You Pay'. 

ECHA's video aims to raise awareness of our right to ask if the products we purchase contain dangerous chemicals. This also seeks to direct consumers to the information provided in the Chemicals in our life section of the agency's website. However, the video has attracted criticism from some industry associations who have labelled it "unbalanced" and "alarmist".

The joint letter outlines how such criticism constitutes a concerning attempt to obstruct the consumer's right to know. "Public awareness is an integral part of promoting safer alternatives to harmful substances," adds Laurel Berzanskis, Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals Policy Officer for HCWH Europe. "Ultimately, ECHA's video is helping to raise awareness about the risks of chemicals in products."

Read the letter of support for ECHA and their commitment to ensuring that the health and wellbeing of European citizens is protected.

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