Under REACH, companies are obliged to provide consumers, upon request, information about hazardous chemicals in the consumer products they are marketing.
"I strongly encourage women to go and ask companies and retailers about carcinogens or reprotoxic chemicals in consumer products. Especially because such chemicals do not have to be replaced even if safer alternatives are available, it will be up to us as consumers to let companies and retailers know, we are concerned about this and we do not want such chemicals in consumer products", explains Rosche
REACH entered into force in June 2007, following years of tough negotiations between the EU institutions and other stakeholders. A list of hazardous chemicals is expected to be available from the website of the new European Chemicals Agency, who manages the implementation of REACH, as early as fall 2008.
The guide is offered to women in pocket size format, perfect for keeping it in a purse until it is needed.
Contact for more information or for a copy of the guide:
Daniela Rosche, Chemicals Policy Expert, 0031-6-2295 0027
Chantal van den Bossche, WECF Communications Officer, 0031-6-2812 9992