Greenpeace Calls On E.U. To Tighten Regulations On Chemical Industry, Protect Reproductive Health

Main Category: Fertility
Also Included In: Nutrition / Diet;  Public Health
Article Date: 08 May 2006 - 12:00 PDT

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Greenpeace on Tuesday called on the European Union to pass legislation that would tighten regulations for the chemical industry, citing scientific research that some toxic chemicals found in consumer products cause fertility problems, low sperm counts and other reproductive disorders, the Associated Press reports. The recommendations follow a Greenpeace report titled, "Fragile: Our Reproductive Health and Chemical Exposure," that finds a link between the production of tens of thousands of new chemicals used in a broad range of consumer products -- including cosmetics, plastic goods and insulation in computers, television and cellular phones -- and reproductive health problems in Europe over the last 50 years, the Associated Press reports. According to the report, "On average, a typical Western man produces half the sperm his father or grandfather did." In addition, the report finds that infertility affects 15% to 20% of couples today, compared with 7% to 8% in the early 1960s. Exposure to toxic chemicals begins in utero and can be particularly harmful during the developmental years of infancy and childhood, according to the report. Because of fetal exposure, there is no control group, which is a problem with the research, the report says. Helen Perivier, who heads the Greenpeace campaign against toxic materials, said that only 150 chemicals have been reviewed for risk assessment. "Right now the burden is on the governments to do the research," Perivier said, adding that the legislation, known as Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals, would "help shift the burden to industry." According to the Associated Press, the legislation is expected to be passed by the end of 2006 (Max, Associated Press, 5/2).

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