Chemicals

Chemicals are among the most heavily regulated areas in environmental protection. There is nevertheless a continuing need for action: chronic harm to health caused by chemicals in indoor air, consumer goods or foodstuffs remain problematic issues. Plant protection products affect not only "harmful" organisms but also many beneficial ones as well. Biocides are detrimental to water bodies. Pharmaceutical residues in soils and water pose a risk to the organisms living there. The reproductive capacity of plants and animals is impacted by the hormonal effects of chemicals. Finally, individual chemicals do not affect the environment but rather as compounds, often with a cumulative effect. Although some progress has been made, there is still a long way to go on the road to sustainable chemistry.

Hazardous substances in construction products: ‘Package insert"

woman shopping in a building supplies store

Starting now, it is easier to find out whether, say, a PVC covering or a sealant contains so-called ‘substances of very high concern’ as defined by the EU REACH Regulation. read more

Environmentally harmful chemical to be banned from outdoor gear

man with red cagoule and rucksack hiking through a wood in the rain

As the UBA had proposed, nine chemicals have been added to list of Substances of Very High Concern in accordance with the European Chemicals Regulation (REACH) read more