A group of leading scientists from across Europe has called on the European Commission to enhance regulatory measures against chemical mixtures in the upcoming revision of REACH, the EU’s main regulation for chemicals. In an open letter, the researchers emphasized that chemical mixtures pose significant risks to ecosystems, biodiversity, and human health, which are currently underestimated due to outdated assessment practices.
The scientists advocate for the introduction of a “Mixture Assessment Factor” (MAF) in the REACH regulation, arguing that it is a pragmatic and feasible solution that would not unduly increase the regulatory burden on industry and authorities. They highlight evidence showing that even chemicals deemed safe individually can have harmful combined effects, such as decreasing male sperm quality and delayed language development in children.
The letter, signed by over 20 senior scientists from various European institutions, including Professor Christina Rudén and Associate Professor Marlene Ågerstrand from the Department of Environmental Science, urges the Commission to seize the opportunity presented by the REACH revision to implement this crucial regulatory tool.
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