In preparation for the 12th meeting of the Stockholm Convention's POPs Review Committee (POPRC), which will take place 19 – 23 September in Rome, IPEN has developed a Quick Guide to IPEN Views on POPRC12 (English and français). This document highlights IPEN's views on issues that the Committee will tackle at the meeting, including formal recommendations for listing two chemicals in the treaty: DecaBDE (flame retardant widely present in e-waste) and short-chained chlorinated paraffins (used in metalworking, and as flame retardants in PVC consumer products).
Imogen Ingram, rear, with the assistance of Women United Together Marshall Islands staff member Miram Debrum, takes a hair sample during her visit to Majuro as part of a region-wide study of mercury levels in women. (Photo: Women United Together Marshall Islands)
IPEN has joined numerous other environmental and health organizations in sending a letter to European government representatives relating to a draft regulation that it will soon present to the REACH Committee about the restriction of PFOA, its salts and PFOA-related substances.
PFOA is classified as toxic for reproduction (category 1B), affects cholesterol levels and may cause cancer in humans. A recent published study from the C8 Health Project survey showed a dose-related increase in both kidney and testicular cancer with PFOA among 32,254 participants. It is so persistent, that there are no measurable environmental half-lives.
Press Release, Quezon City: Green groups lauded the decision by a government interagency committee to re-export illegal garbage shipments to Canada as a triumph for national dignity and a victory for environmental justice.
Last Monday, the committee, comprised of the Bureau of Customs and the Departments of Environment and Natural Resources, Foreign Affairs and Justice, agreed to enforce the ruling by Manila magistrate Tita Bughao-Alisuag ordering the re-export of 50 forty-footer containers of garbage back to Canada at the expense of Chronic Plastics, Inc., the importer.
IPEN Participating Organization Arnika, based in the Czech Republic, recently found concentrations of toxic substances in several samples of commonly available summer shoes and drinking glasses. Chemical analysis was commissioned of footwear and printed glasses, and DEHP and DiBP, which are phthalates especially hazardous for human hormonal and reproductive systems, were found in the shoes, as well as lead. Children's shoes specifically were tested, because children are particularly vulnerable to the hazards of phthalates and heavy metals.
Florence, Italy. Some toys that are designed to exercise the mind may contain toxic chemicals from recyled electronic waste, which can damage the central nervous system and reduce children’s intellectual capacity.
IPEN (a global civil society network promoting safe chemicals policies and practices) and Arnika (an environmental organization in the Czech Republic) aired this observation following the announcement of the results of a global survey on toxic chemicals in brain toys at a scientific conference on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in Florence, Italy.
Press Release: EcoWaste Coalition, a non-profit watch group tracking toxic chemicals in products and wastes, lauded fast food giant McDonald’s Philippines for voluntarily recalling promotional back packs, sling bags and bag tags that contain lead, a hazardous substance.
The voluntary recall will be conducted starting today August 26 until October 24, 2016 by suppliers MZM Souvenirs and F Colors with McDonald’s full support and cooperation as announced by Golden Arches Development Corp., the master franchise holder of McDonald’s restaurants in the Philippines.
The recall was the outcome of the EcoWaste Coalition’s chemical investigation showing lead in the accessible substrate material of the black back pack as it reported to McDonald’s Philippines and US last August 8.
