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EU Decoded

Will EU fertiliser tariffs hit Russia's coffers?

To reduce its economic dependence on Russia, the EU has imposed higher tariffs on fertilisers and agricultural products. The aim is to reduce Russian revenue, but it could impact on food prices in the EU, which worries farmers.

Earth News

Why are EU ministers having blood tests for ‘forever chemicals’?

PFAS now contaminate the bodies of nearly all Europeans - including children, pregnant women, and adolescents.

Earth News

Consumer groups fear EU plans to ease rules for chemicals sector

The European Commission unveiled yet another simplification package on Tuesday, this time targeting chemicals, promising savings for industry - but raising concerns for consumer protection.

Europeans' Stories

Pesticides: a life ruined by glyphosate

Ludovic Maugé, a former landscaper, thought he would live happily for many years to come on the coast of Brittany in France, where our reporter Valérie Gauriat met him.

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Health news

‘Forever chemicals’ exposure before birth raises teenage health risks

Teenagers who had been exposed to higher levels of PFAS before they were born were more likely to have high blood pressure, a new study found.

Europe News

Forever chemicals: Brussels' mission to clean up Europe's water

The European Commission plans to support water treatment to eliminate forever chemicals (PFAS), according to the European Water Resilience Strategy, adopted in Brussels on Wednesday.

China

Search continues for missing people after China plant explosion

Search and rescue operations continue for six people still missing after Tuesday's deadly blast in the city of Weifang in Shandong province.

Europe News

Toxic cloud in Spain's Catalonia leaves six towns under lockdown

A dangerous toxic cloud caused by a fire on Spain’s Catalan coastline forced multiple towns into lockdown, but the restrictions have since been lifted.

Healthcare

What 'dangerous chemicals' found in EU products mean for your health

A banned fragrance, lead, and restricted "forever chemicals" were found in products in the EU last year, a new report has found.

Europe News

Chinese toys key culprit for EU's record-breaking alerts on dangerous

Cosmetics, toys and electrical appliances were the most common products flagged by the European rapid alert system, which recorded the highest ever level of notifications last year, with dangerous chemical content involved in roughly half of cases.

Europe News

EU seeks safer toxin-free children's toys with stricter rules

Harmful and toxic chemicals will be banned from toys to better protect children’s health, under new rules aimed at improving the safety of products sold in the European market.

Earth News

South African farm workers demand EU stops flow of toxic pesticides

Pesticides deemed too dangerous for Europe continue to be made here and exported. South Africa’s farm workers have had enough.

Earth News

Swedish hedgehogs found to contain pesticides, plastics and lead

Researchers have found hedgehog bodies are full of environmental pollutants, including some of the most hazardous to human health.

Europe News

Products containing dangerous chemicals could get EU green label

As the EU pursues its war on red tape, proposed changes to sustainability rules could see harmful chemicals permitted on the bloc’s green investment list, allowing producers to take advantage of policy support and growing demand for environmentally friendly products.

Earth News

Is it time for Europe to ditch toilet paper and embrace the bumgun?

Going to the toilet is universal but how often do we take the time to reflect on the environmental impact of our bathroom habits?

Europe News

EU bans Bisphenol A from contact with food

The European Union regulation banning the use of bisphenol A in materials that come into contact with food officially took effect on 20 January, in an attempt to minimise exposure to the harmful endocrine disruptor.

Nutrition

US regulator bans red dye No. 3 from food supply

The substance has been restricted in the European Union for decades.

Europe News

Chemicals industry accused of aggressive lobbying against PFAS ban

Investigations by European NGOs and newspapers point to a concerted industry campaign to limit incoming EU restrictions on PFAS, toxic substances dubbed ‘forever chemicals’ because they can persist for centuries in the environment. The European Commission denies it is being unduly influenced.

Health news

EU bans harmful chemical from materials in contact with food

The European Commission has banned the use of bisphenol A, a chemical harmful to human health, in materials that come into contact with food.

Europe News

Toxic flame retardants could face sweeping EU ban

A new report from the European Chemicals Agency suggests potentially carcinogenic aromatic brominated flame retardants, ABFRs, could be next in line for wide-ranging restrictions after the ‘forever chemicals’ known as PFAS also raised health concerns.