Several environmental organizations claimed this Wednesday to the European Commission (EC) that ban that in single-use diapers for children use of certain chemicals potentially dangerous, that the French technical authorities also want to veto at Community level.
Chronic and prolonged exposure to these substances can cause a variety of health effects, such as skin sensitization, cancer, adverse reproductive effects, genotoxic and endocrine effects. Zero Waste Europe, European Environmental Bureau (BSE), Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) and Client Earth.
In the letter addressed to the European Health Commissioners, Stella Kiriakides; Industry, Thierry Breton; and Environment, Virginijus Sinkevicius, specifically refers to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins (dioxins or PCDDs), polychlorodibenzofurans (furans or PCDFs), polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) and/or formaldehyde.
“The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (ANSES) has provided evidence that diapers may contain substances with profiles of very serious danger”, indicate these organizations, which ask that these products be withdrawn from future community legislationIt affects single-use diapers for babies and children under three years of age.
The Commission, the last word
They demand this initiative from the Community Executive for consistency with their Sustainability Strategy for Chemical Products of the European Union (EU), which aims to rid consumer products of the most harmful chemicals.
In 2020, they recall, the French authorities proposed restrict that group of substances in baby diapers throughout the EU under the REACH Regulation.
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The proposal has passed two community technical committeeswho have positioned themselves against the restriction due to uncertainties related to the risk characterization, but the Commission has the last word.
In making its decision, we draw your attention to the Commission’s key responsibility to take into account the particular vulnerability of newborns and young children that this important restriction is intended to protect.