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Dangerous chemicals used in EU with 'sense of impunity', lawyers warn

Carcinogens, endocrine disruptors and other hazardous chemicals remain in widespread use across Europe due in part to lax enforcement of EU regulations by national authorities, according to a new report from the legal charity ClientEarth.

Health news

New parents in Paris could be offered anti-pollution baby 'gift bags'

The proposed effort, set to go to a vote on Tuesday, is similar to "baby box" programmes in other European countries and includes non-plastic items.

Europeans' Stories

Pesticides: a health hazard for Europeans?

In Charente-Maritime, France, rising child cancer cases are suspected to be linked to pesticide exposure. Local residents are pushing for stricter national and EU regulations on pesticide use.

Health news

'Forever chemicals' linked to gut and kidney damage in young adults

A new study found that “forever chemicals” could lead to kidney damage in young adults through dysregulations of their gut microbiome.

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Health news

Hazardous chemicals found in hundreds of European cosmetics

Hundreds of cosmetic products tested by the European Chemicals Agency contained banned substances.

Europe News

EU Ombudsman blasts Commission over chemicals safety

Many highly dangerous substances have remained on the market, sometimes for years, while the EU executive flouts legal deadlines on authorisation decisions, the Ombudsman has found, warning of a ‘threat to health and environment’.

Health news

Too-high levels of toxic chemicals found in 10% of women’s underwear

The analysis tested for bisphenols, which are endocrine-disrupting synthetic chemicals, in underwear samples from Hungary, Austria, and Slovenia.

Europeans' Stories

Meet the man fighting forever chemicals in France’s ‘Chemical Valley'

Since PFAS were found in the south of Lyon, Pierre-Bénite has become a European symbol in the fight against forever chemical pollution. But what are these substances exactly, and why are they causing concern across Europe?

Nature

Two-thirds of Europe’s water supplies are contaminated by chemicals

The experts suggest making water more expensive as a way to cut use.

Health news

Exposure to 'forever chemicals' during pregnancy tied to obesity risks

Women exposed to higher PFAS levels during pregnancy could face health complications later on, a new study says.

Earth News

Steam-treated seeds are bringing chemical-free farming to Sweden

Following success in Sweden and Norway, the creator of ThermoSeed now aims to take over Asia.

Tech News

Researchers develop 3D printed filter for ‘forever chemicals’ in water

Using 3D printing, researchers developed lattices which removed up to 75 per cent of PFOA, one of the most common forever chemicals.

Health news

5 common items containing 'forever chemicals' you should avoid

Euronews Health has compiled a list of five common items you should avoid using that contain toxic PFAS, or "forever chemicals".

Earth News

Worried about microplastics? Avoid these 5 household items

These everyday household items could be leaching microplastics into your diet.

Health news

Scientists confirm 'forever chemicals' are absorbed through the skin

PFAS, known as forever chemicals, can make their way into the bloodstream through skin contact, according to new research.

Ecotech

This Swiss start-up is breaking down forever chemicals with bubbles

PFAS are poisoning us, but destroying them is still difficult and expensive. One Swiss start-up may have the answer.

Health news

Prenatal exposure to chemicals may increase risk of childhood obesity

Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals during pregnancy may increase the risk of obesity and hypertension in children, new research suggests.

Earth News

Von der Leyen mollifies MEPs over PFAS ban concerns

An exchange of letters reveals German centre-right MEPs' concerns over a proposed blanket ban of PFAS 'forever chemicals', and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen's efforts to reassure them that industry will be shielded from negative impacts.

Earth News

Inside the activist group that stormed a French forever chemical plant

Euronews Green followed members of Extinction Rebellion as they prepared to break into French chemical giant Arkema.

Earth News

Commission seeks to clarify ‘essential use’ of dangerous chemicals

The European Commission has drawn up strict criteria on when the use the most dangerous substances is justified, but with an overhaul of the EU's core chemicals regulation still on ice, green NGOs have urged a redoubling of efforts to limit pollution and health risks.