Three weeks after the SIN List 2.0 was launched, a German follow-up event was organised by ChemSec, taking place in Berlin on 26 May 2011. The event gathered around 70 German representatives from industry, authorities, and environmental NGOs. The first part of the conference aimed at raising awareness about different aspects of the issue of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and presented the new SIN List 2.0. These informative introductions were followed by a lively debate about the next steps for regulation and corporate action.
Substitute endocrine disruptors in products for infants and children
Dr. Heribert Wefer from BUND (Friends of the Earth Germany) began the afternoon by introducing EDCs and how there are used in consumer products. EDCs do not cause diseases directly, but disrupt the hormone system and thereby vital body functions, Wefers explained. EDCs have to be treated differently than other substances of very high concern, since there is no safety level, and sometimes a low dose can have even more severe effects than higher doses. With Bisphenol A as an example, he listed the multiple uses of the chemical in consumer products. Wefers highlighted the need to start substituting endocrine disrupting chemicals immediately in the most sensitive areas, such as products for infants and children.
EDCs could result in irreversible effects for future generations
Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Chahoud from Charité then presented the health effects associated with endocrine disrupting chemicals. These can include irreparable damages that may not show immediately, but instead appear in later generations, explained Chahoud. He stressed that pregnant women and children in particular need to be protected, and that more awareness raising is needed on the issue.
Dr. Hans Steissling
15 years of research - now the time has come to act
Dr. Christoph Schulte from the German Environmental Protection Agency (UBA) presented the political processes on EDCs in Germany and Europe. Schulte highlighted the fact that Germany is about to propose octylphenol to the REACH candidate list, which will be the first substance to be proposed under REACH article 57 f - "substances of equivalent level of concern". This decision has been preceded by intense discussions with other EU member states in order to "get it right from the beginning", and open up the system for more "57 f" proposals to the Candidate List. After 15 years of research on EDCs, Schulte argued that it is now time to act on the substances within REACH. He also noted that Germany plans to hand in 40 REACH dossiers for Substances of Very High Concern by 2012.
Dr. Christoph Schulte, UBA
IKEA moving away from endocrine disrupting chemicals
"We are, together with suppliers and designers, trying to get it right at a very early stage in the designing process", said Mareke Wieben from IKEA. "By doing this, we can save money compared to if we would have to change the product at a later stage." Wieben also argued that from IKEA's perspective, "it is better to discuss and create better solution with current suppliers than to change the suppliers." Where no suitable alternative is available, IKEA is investigating different manufacturing solutions, such as dense fabric for sofas which makes brominated flame retardants unnecessary. Third party testing is also essential, stressed Wieben.
Parabens and other SIN listed substances not part of "natural" cosmetics
NATRUE promotes "natural and organic cosmetics", explained Dr. Hans Steisslinger. Steisslinger stressed that the NATRUE certification is carried out by independent accredited third party certifiers. This guarantees the integrity of the standard. Cosmetic products with the NATRUE Label do not contain any parabens or any other substances mentioned on the SIN list.
Use the SIN List - the new 2.0 version highlights the need to act on EDCs
Anne-Sofie Andersson from ChemSec presented the SIN List and explained that it was developed to support companies trying to stay ahead of REACH. The new 2.0 update was presented, adding 22 substances solely due to their endocrine disruptive properties. Andersson talked about the process of dialogue with companies that has been employed in Sweden, emphasising positive, responsible ways of managing chemicals. She also called for various stakeholders to use the SIN List 2.0 - policymakers in pushing forward the REACH process, companies in substituting chemicals, and chemical manufacturers in developing alternatives.
The importance of the precautionary principle
Women in Europe for a Common Future (WECF), the Institut für Marktökologie (IMO) and the Verbraucherzentrale Nordrhein-Westfalen then took part in a panel discussion together with the three companies which had earlier made individual presentations.
Alexandra Caterbow from WECF said that the precautionary principle needs to drive the process around chemicals, and that the process then has to be switched: only substances that are declared safe should be allowed on the market.
Dr. Rolf Buschmann from the Verbraucherzentrale Nordrhein-Westfalen, a consumer protection organisation, also emphasised the need for a precautionary approach regarding EDCs, since it is not possible to control the hazard.
Dr. Anett Matthäi representing IMO, one of the organisations behind the GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) eco-label, highlighted the problematic reality that often no declaration is needed for EDCs as the volumes in products are so low.
A coherent German approach needed
The last part of the afternoon took the format of an active debate between the various stakeholders present. Consumer organisations and NGOs highlighted that the conflicting views of the two German authorities, UBA (Federal Environment Agency) and BfR (Federal Institute for Risk Assessment), are counterproductive and that a consistent German position is needed.
Besides long term political processes, significant amounts of information is available, and companies can start employing a precautionary approach immediately.
However, Verband der Chemischen Industrie VCI (the Association of the Chemical Industry) stated that it is not desirable that "all chemicals are put under a general suspicion."
"The SIN List a gift from god"
IKEA identified the SIN List as a useful tool in their work, saying that this kind of information from NGOs is very needed and welcome. MEMO, a mail-order company for office products, went even further and called the SIN List "a gift from god".
Dr. Jürgen Schmid, Memo AG
The methodology of the SIN List was discussed, and consumer protection organisations called upon companies to start by resolving the 22 new endocrine disrupters on the SIN List 2.0.
Profits to make in substituting hazardous substances
NORA Carpets explained how they have changed their business philosophy after complaints from clients regarding health problems and bad smells with their products, and have today completely changed their materials to safer alternatives while also increasing their profits.
The dialogue for the afternoon was tied up with some final words from Sonja Haider from ChemSec, pointing to the fact that a German dialogue on how to act on endocrine disrupting chemicals has now been initiated, and needs to be continued.
Programme in German: Endokrin wirksame Stoffe - ein deutscher Dialog
