AFP | , Posted by Akanksha Agnihotri
October 21, 2024 07:32 PM IST
The European Commission’s delays in approving dangerous chemicals are threatening public health and the environment, the EU rights watchdog has warned.
The European Commission’s long delays in deciding whether the use of some hazardous chemicals could pose a threat to human health and the environment are being criticized by the European Commission’s rights watchdog on Monday. Under EU rules, companies wishing to use particularly hazardous substances considered to be of “very high concern” for causing cancer, affecting fertility or other serious unwanted effects must submit applications to the Commission for authorisation. Requires application.
The EU Executive has three months to prepare a draft decision – which is voted on by member states – but according to the EU Ombudsman this takes an average of 14.5 months, and in some cases several years. “These delays pose a threat to human health and the environment because companies are able to continue using chemical substances during the authorization process,” the ombudsman said. (Also read: Controversial weight loss drug linked to Karan Johar: Is Ozempic safe or a health hazard? ,
EU delay on dangerous chemicals threatens health and environment
Presenting preliminary findings of the investigation, which was launched in 2023, the watchdog accused the Commission of “mismanagement” and urged it to review its internal procedures. It said delays are often caused by companies filing applications in the absence of sufficient information, calling on the Commission to prioritize rejection of incomplete requests.
Tatiana Santos, head of chemicals policy at the European Environment Bureau, a group of NGOs, said, “Every day the Commission delays more dangerous chemicals flowing into products and poisoning the public. Europe needs a sense of urgency.” Must prove great spirit.” The commission said it has taken note of the recommendations and will study them “very carefully” to give a detailed opinion within three months.
“We are keen to examine how our internal processes can be improved to make decision-making more efficient,” a Commission spokeswoman told a press conference. The Office of the Ombudsman has no power to enforce recommendations, only to flag areas of concern.
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