4^th October 2017

Brussels,

For immediate release

Today the European Parliament rejected the flawed criteria proposed by the European Commission on the definition of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs).

The European Commission was under a legal obligation to present such criteria on account of Article 5 (3) of the Biocidal Products Regulation (528/2012), and Article 80 (7) of the Pesticides Regulation (1107/2009). However, the text proposed by the European Commission – which was long overdue – is regarded by the majority of scientific experts (including the Endocrine Society) and most civil society organisations as totally inadequate.

The proposed criteria were not fit for purpose and would fail to identify EDCs that are currently causing harm. As they stand, the criteria will neither provide an adequate level of protection for the environment or for human health. HCWH Europe therefore welcomes the European Parliament’s resolution.

“Today’s result is a victory for human and environmental health in the EU, which was threatened by the definition for EDCs proposed by the European Commission. With their vote, MEPs have today recognised that these criteria are deeply flawed - EDC criteria should stand up to scrutiny and comply with the precautionary principle – a fundamental principle of EU governing policies related to the environment, and health and food safety”

- Philippe Vandendaele (Chemicals Policy Adviser, HCWH Europe) 

After today’s vote, the issue of the health and environmental hazards linked to EDCs remains and HCWH Europe can only urge the co-legislator to address the need for sound, science-based EDC criteria to ensure consistency across the legal framework of applicable laws.

Press contact:

Aidan Long, Press and Communications Manager – HCWH Europe

Email: aidan.long@hcwh.org

Phone: +32 465 10 09 40

NOTES TO EDITORS:

About Health Care Without Harm (HCWH) Europe

HCWH Europe is a non-profit European coalition of hospitals, healthcare systems, healthcare professionals, local authorities, research/academic institutions and environmental and health organisations. It currently has 84 members in 26 countries from the WHO European region, including 17 EU member states.

HCWH Europe works to transform the healthcare sector worldwide so that it becomes more ecologically sustainable and a leading advocate for environmental health and justice across the globe. We bring the voice of healthcare professionals to the European policy debate about key issues such as chemicals, climate change and health, green building, sustainable procurement, pharmaceuticals, sustainable food and waste management.

www.noharm-europe.org

^{Preview image: Francisco Antunes via Flickr cc}