The Federal Environment Agency, in consultation with the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), has banned the trade and sale of the detergent Por Çöz. The product contains at least 20% nitric acid and thus poses a serious risk to health. The ban is temporary and will be in effect until a final decision is taken by the European Commission. The descaler and rust remover is available mainly in... read more
Less pollution from fireplaces and tiled stoves
Winter evenings in front of the fireplace are becoming more and more popular, yet fireplaces can also emit air pollutants that damage health. Users who follow some key rules and use only tested units can minimise health risks and do their bit for the environment, too. New laws aimed at reducing pollutant emissions from fireplaces and tiled stoves have been in force since March 2010. read more
Germany’s ecolabel goes on the offensive
Berlin, 06.10.2010 -Blue Angel Day will stage its premiere in Berlin today. The Federal Ministry for Environment, the Federal Environment Agency, and the Environmental Label Jury are providing information and talking about the Blue Angel of the future with more than 100 delegates from industry and commerce as well as environmental and consumer associations. UBA President Jochen Flasbarth and Jury... read more
Going all out to protect the climate
Every German citizen produces an average eleven tonnes of greenhouse gases (GHG) a year, a figure that is far too high. Germany must reduce its GHG emissions by 2020 by at least 80-95 percent over 1990 levels. This is only possible if climate-conscious consumers respond to rigorous climate policy standards with action. read more
Federal Environment Minister Röttgen and Environment Agency President Flasbarth: Data on human exposure to pollutants urgently needed
Human biomonitoring (HBM) activities of the Federal Environment Ministry provide important data on chemical exposure of the public. At a conference of experts which took place in Berlin from 26 to 28 September, Federal Environment Minister Norbert Röttgen noted: "Human biomonitoring is an excellent early warning system to detect pollutants harmful to the public at an early stage. It gives us the o... read more
Efficient sewage technology reduces CO2 emissions and saves energy
A study by the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) has shown that large volumes of carbon dioxide can be saved in the waste water treatment industry. Energy efficiency measures and improved self-generated power can reduce carbon dioxide emissions from sewage treatment in Germany by up to 40 percent. “Modern environmental technology can help waste water treatment plants do their bit to protect the cli... read more
Environmental chemists discuss alternatives to animal testing and eco-toxic chemicals
Does a pharmaceutical drug or cleaning product break down completely in sewage treatment? What are the environmental risks and side effects of the use of biocides and plant protection products? How can chemicals be developed, produced and applied in the most eco-friendly way possible? Although we all use chemical substances for the most diverse purposes daily, such questions rarely occur to most p... read more
Climate change: Average temperatures on the rise, more hot days
Germany's National Meteorological Service, the Deutscher Wetterdienst, and the Federal Environment Agency believe the trend in weather records confirm the forecasts made by climate researchers. Extreme weather events with heavy precipitation or heat waves have increased tangibly in the past few decades, and it is likely that their occurrence and intensity will continue to rise. “The current floodi... read more