CHEMICAL HEALTH RISK TO CHILDREN

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 2nd Jun 2005

The urgent need for a new EU wide law to ensure that chemicals pose no threat to human health and the environment has been given fresh impetus by a new study into risks to children, says North East Euro-MP Fiona Hall.

A new US study shows that chemicals in a host of everyday products are causing genital abnormalities in baby boys.

The chemicals, called phthalates, can be found in thousands of products from toys, paints, inks and vinyl flooring as well as hairsprays, deodorants, nail polish and perfumes.

Fiona Hall is a Liberal Democrat key negotiator on new chemicals legislation known as Reach (Regulation Authorisation and Evaluation of Chemicals), which will put every chemical under the spotlight.

More than 30,000 chemicals in use across Europe will be evaluated over the next 12 years if agreement is reached to implement the law.

Ms. Hall said: "Chemicals are essential for our way of life but of course can present dangers. It is unacceptable that we have more than 30,000 chemicals in daily use and yet no assessment has been made of their long term effect."

The chemical industry accepts the need for better control of chemicals but us concerned that increased costs may lead to a loss of jobs and economic competitiveness.

Fiona Hall said: "Latest studies suggest that the costs for most companies will be much less than originally thought. But it is important that control of chemicals is carried out in a way which avoids unnecessary burdens. I've had a number of discussions about this with representatives of the chemical industry."

Both the European Parliament and the EU Council of Ministers will be voting on the issue later this year.

Notes to editors

Study into the effects of phthalates was carried out by scientists in centres across the US and was reported in 'The Guardian' 27 May 2005.