The national authorities of Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Denmark agreed to prepare a REACH restriction proposal with the aim to restrict the manufacture, the placing on the market and the use of all per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the EU. Companies, scientists and NGOs are invited to fill in the questionnaire, before 31 July 2020, to generate further information. read more
Member States launch call for evidence on broad PFAS restriction
Many bisphenol A alternatives may be endocrine disruptive
A research project by the German Environment Agency (UBA) tested 44 potential substitutes for bisphenol A (BPA) for a number of different applications and products. The result: 43 of these substances are not recommended for use, either because they have a hormone-mimicking effect or a lack of data has not conclusively disproved evidence of such an effect. read more
Pesticide approval procedure greatly endangers protection of biodiversity
Higher administrative court review of rulings on pesticides needed urgently. read more
Exposure to chemicals in the human body can now be compared for all of Europe
HBM4EU initiative presents assessment values for phthalates, cadmium and bisphenol A – more to follow read more
Less use of pesticides in municipalities is possible
Landscape planning and pest control are among the many tasks which municipalities are charged with in their mandate to protect citizens and maintain infrastructure. It often requires the use of plant protection agents and biocides. A specialist conference hosted by the UBA showed that alternative methods are already making it possible to do without chemicals that are harmful to the environment. read more
Launch of online portal for climate-friendly refrigeration
Guidance for planners and operators of refrigeration equipment read more
Rodent control involves risks for man and the environment
The use of poisonous bait to control rats and mice can lead to an unintentional poisoning of pets and wild animals. In addition, most of the chemical substances used are very persistent in the environment and accumulate in organisms. A large number of risk mitigation measures must be taken to prevent these occurrences, for example the use of bait stations. read more
EU member states need to step up the fight against antibiotics in the environment
German Environment Agency presents seven priority areas for action read more