Half of EU Leaders Test Positive for Toxic PFAS Chemicals
Alarming results from a recent study reveal that half of the EU leaders tested had contamination levels of toxic PFAS chemicals high enough to potentially impact their health. One individual even showed levels indicating a possible long-term risk. This comes amidst a proposal by five European countries to ban over 3000 PFAS chemicals under the EU Chemicals law.
All 24 European politicians tested had PFAS substances in their bodies. Danish Environment Minister Magnus Heunicke tested positive for four PFAS, three of which can harm unborn children, disrupt hormones, cause liver damage, and are suspected carcinogens. EU Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall also tested positive for 6 out of 13 PFAS, including some classified as toxic for reproductive health. The U.N. Special Rapporteur on Toxics and Human Rights, Marcos Orellana, criticized the EU's proposal to dilute chemical protection laws, warning it could undermine the bloc's global leadership in green policy and the rule of law. The European Commission is currently working on a 'chemicals omnibus' bill to simplify EU laws and is expected to revise the major chemicals regulation, REACH, this year.
The presence of toxic PFAS chemicals in EU leaders highlights the urgent need for stricter regulations. Denmark, Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands, and Norway have jointly proposed a ban on thousands of these chemicals. However, the EU's plans to dilute chemical protection laws have raised concerns. The upcoming revision of the REACH regulation and the 'chemicals omnibus' bill will be crucial in addressing this issue.
