Scientists appeal to the European Commission to protect human & environment from chemical cocktails

Twenty-two leading European scientists from across Europe, including Dr Olwenn Martin from UCL Arts and Sciences, have jointly sent an open letter to the European Commission urging stronger regulatory measures against chemical mixtures in the upcoming revision of REACH—the EU’s main regulation for chemicals.

In the letter, the researchers stress that “chemical mixtures pose a risk to ecosystems, biodiversity and human health,” and that these risks are currently underestimated due to outdated assessment practices.  “Still, chemical risk assessment is typically carried out on a compound-by-compound basis,” the letter notes. “This practice is based on the (unrealistic) assumption that every single chemical is released into its own, pristine environment.”  The scientists point to mounting evidence showing that “even if each compound is present at levels deemed safe on its own, the combined effects of a large number of chemicals will pose a risk.”  They cite studies indicating that mixtures of chemicals—though individually present at levels below regulatory thresholds—can contribute to decreasing trends in male sperm quality, and delayed language development in children.  To address this, the researchers support the introduction of a “Mixture Assessment Factor” (MAF) in the REACH regulation, calling it “pragmatic, feasible and would not unduly increase the regulatory burden on industry and regulatory authorities.”  They urge the Commission to follow through with its initial aim: “The planned revision of REACH provides a unique opportunity to implement an appropriate regulatory tool to protect human and environmental health in the form of the Mixture Assessment Factor.”  The letter is signed by over 20 senior scientists from institutions in Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, and other European countries.

The letter can be read here.