Guest Corner

In this section, ECHA invites stakeholders to contribute articles on their work and priorities related to chemicals in our everyday life.
In a recent survey, 89% of consumers in Europe said that when their home is clean, it gives them peace of mind, and that cleanliness and hygiene in public spaces is important for good health and wellbeing. These findings show an increasing awareness of the need for good hygiene practices.
"A tidal wave of plastic is on the horizon. According to the plastics industry, the world’s plastic production reached 350 million tonnes in 2017(...)taking on the plastics challenge in a way that puts health and the environment first to deliver on Europe’s Zero Pollution ambition requires upgrading European regulations... "
"The basic principle of the electronic cigarettes: vapourising the ingredients instead of burning them. At the BfR we have investigated this alternative to smoking. Our result: e-cigarettes are not without harm."
"One simple step for EU Member States would be to stop exporting toxic chemicals and pesticides prohibited from use for health or environmental reasons unless there is a strong public interest justification."
"If you need reliable information on the status quo of workplace safety and health in Europe, consult the OSH Barometer data visualisation.".
"Our research team found that frequent use of common household products is associated with lags in children’s language and cognitive skills by age two".
It is time to put European promises on endocrine disruptors “a cross-cutting strategy to protect citizens’ health from environmental degradation and pollution” into action.
PFAS or ‘forever chemicals’ have contaminated the drinking water and rainwater in the US according to a test study by the American Environmental Working Group (EWG). This could in part explain the contamination of people and animals around the globe.
Two inspections of slime toys published by the Danish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) show that the substance boron released from 11 slime toys could pose a serious risk for children. The Danish EPA advises consumers to get rid of the toys.
The most common tattoo complications are local inflammation, allergic reactions and bacterial infections. Sensitising and irritant substances contained in tattoo inks may cause allergic and other local skin reactions.
Since a couple of years back, people with chemical-something in their job titles have discussed what to do about so-called forever chemicals. But what are these chemicals and why are so many people discussing them?
"Innovative solutions in chemicals are essential to the circular economy and to our health, but need to stretch across the entire value chain to deliver what they promise"
"Do you know, for example, what the furniture in your home is made of? Did you know that it may have been treated with toxic flame retardants? "
"The result was 2100 kg of phthalates for the old mattresses and 175 kg for the plastic toys. Stockholm's children are also saved from about 230 kg of a type of a flame retardant."
"Salt also has an important technological role in the manufacture of many foods. In addition to its well-known function as a preserver and a flavor enhancer, it is also fundamental to the consistency and texture of lots of foods such as bread and cheese."
"A first step would be to prioritise the carcinogenicity assessment of chemicals for their potential to contribute specifically to the development of the four most prevalent cancers (breast, colorectal, lung and prostate cancers)."
"You as a consumer interact with alloys every day. Should you be alarmed that several metals entering the composition of alloys may present hazardous properties?"
"Sooner or later, everyday life products will become waste, and in a circular economy, waste become again part of everyday life products."
"Healthcare must increase its efforts to minimise the risks posed by the toxic chemicals used in their procedures, particularly for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, neonates, and chronically ill patients."
"The circular economy will only succeed if consumers are confident that products made from recycled materials are safe"
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