The French Environmental Health Network (RES), Générations Futures (GF) and ADVEPP, the organisation representing victims of perchloroethylene fumes have asked for a ban on perchloroethylene in new dry-cleaning facilities. They draw the attention to perchloroetylene on the occasion of the World Cancer Day 2012 in February. Perchloroethylene is a carcinogen (classified by the IARC as Group 2A) and neurotoxic solvent but still widely used in dry cleaning.

Go to (in French):actu-environment.com

Eight more substances of very high concern have been added to the REACH Authorisation list, following a decision adopted by the European Commission on 14 February 2012 and published in the Official Journal of the European Union.These eight chemicals, which are all carcinogenic and/or toxic for reproduction, are diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP), diarsenic trioxide, diarsenic pentaoxide, lead chromate, lead sulfochromate yellow (C.I. Pigment Yellow 34), lead chromate molybdate sulphate red (C.I. Pigment Red 104), tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) and 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT).

Go to: Commission Regulation (EU) 125/2012

The new restrictions concern in particular newly classified entries concerning CMR substances that will be prohibited for sale to the general public. However, the amendment of the Annex XVII provides a time-limited derogation for boron compounds used as household detergents and cleaners.

Go to: Commission Regulation (EU) No 109/2012

A project of Health Care Without Harm, the Global Green and Healthy Hospitals Network will be formally launched in early 2012. Hospitals and health systems from Argentina, India, Nepal, and England have already signed on as Founding Members. A sister network in the US, the Healthier Hospitals Initiative, has more than 300 hospitals members.
The Network will serve as a virtual community for hospitals and health systems seeking to implement the Agenda by charting progress in achieving measurable outputs, while sharing best practices and finding solutions to the challenges they share.
Health Care Without Harm is one of the organiser of the world’s leading conference CleanMed focusing on sustainable health care. SUBSPORT will participate and conduct a training session on Alternative Identification and Assessment at CleanMed.

Go to: www.greenhospitals.net

Blood bags for red blood cells currently contain a substance that is classified as reproductive disruptor and there is no acceptable alternative on the market. A new 4-year project, PVCfreeBloodBag, which is funded by the EU’s Life+ programme, will try to change this. The project was launched at a Kick Off seminar in Copenhagen, Denmark, on 7 and 8 of February 2012.

Go to: www.pvcfreebloodbag.eu

The 7th Pesticide Aktion Week will take place in March 20 to 30, with activities in many countries in Europe and internationally. This event has been initiated by the association “Generation Futures” and a collective of 170 organisations. The week aims to raise awareness on the health and environment risks of synthetic pesticides, highlight alternative solutions, and build a global grassroots movement for a pesticide-free world.

Go to: www.pesticideactionweek.org

After massive criticism from the Danish Consumer Council (DCC) IKEA personal care products no longer contain any of the 17 EDCs, found on the EU list of EDCs and allowed in cosmetics and personal care products.
The phase-out applies globally, and will therefore benefit consumers worldwide. However, consumers can still encounter the old products on the shelves at IKEA, until there are no more old products in stock. IKEA has not recalled the old products.

Go to: http://taenk.dk/

By the date set in the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) submitted to the European Commission its study on communication of information on the safe use of chemicals to the general public. The study provides insights on how to further improve hazard communication to EU citizens.

Go to: echa.europa.eu

SUBSPORT will conduct a training session on Alternative Identification and Assessment in Paris, January 27. The training session is organised in cooperation with ETUI, the European Trade Union Institute, the independent research and training centre of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) which itself affiliates European trade unions into a single European umbrella organisation.
The SUBSPORT training session will be part of the internal Trade Union seminar “7th Seminar on workers’ protection and chemicals”.
The Alternatives Identification and Assessment training provides participants with basic concepts and tools to facilitate the substitution of hazardous chemicals in products and processes with safer alternatives. The training is designed for authorities, industry, trade unions, NGOs and other interested parties in substitution of hazardous chemicals in products and processes with safer alternatives.

Our SUBSPORT Team also conducts training session according to your company/organisation requirements. If you are interested in our training sessions and would like to organise a training session, please contact SUBSPORT

A new report by Washington Toxics Coalition has found toxic Tris flame retardants in many popular baby products, including nursing pillows and car seats. Washington Toxics Coalition and Safer States tested newly purchased baby and children’s items. 85% of the products tested contained these chemicals, which are linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and other health effects and 80% of the products contained chlorinated Tris (TDCPP), which was used in children’s pajamas back in the 1970’s and was removed when it was found to be mutagenic, making it potentially cancer-causing.

Go to watoxic.org or directly to the report