Press release - February 15, 2006
Brussels, Belgium — A new report published today on a European Commission website shows that the proposed EU chemicals
policy, REACH, could bring extra environmental benefits worth up to €95 billion over 25 years. This sum comes on top of the expected €50 billion in health cost savings over 30 years identified by the Commission in 2003, when it launched the REACH proposal.
The authors of the study, 'The impact of REACH on the environment and human health', looked at three alternative scenarios whose combined cost benefits total €95 billion: 1. Comparing known past health costs associated with four hazardous chemicals; 2. Assessing clean-up cost savings; and 3. Calculating the savings for clean drinking water.
Nadia Haiama of Greenpeace European Unit said: "We already knew that the promise of savings under REACH was significant and far outweighed the expected costs to the chemicals industry. Now this is further quantified, it is evident that much greater benefits would follow if the proposal were extended to include mandatory substitution of hazardous chemicals and if it obliged producers to supply full safety information on their substances."
She continued: "Today's study follows a Commission report last week that shows how EU environmental policy contributes to job creation and social inclusion. This evidence puts a lie to the tired old claims from chemicals producers and others who defend their interests in the corridors of power in Brussels. Chemical polluters are yesterday's men living on borrowed time; the future lies with those who recognise the economic, social and environmental benefits to be gained from a strict chemicals regime.”
Other contacts:
Nadia Haiama, EU Policy Director, Chemicals , Greenpeace European Unit, tel +32 2274 1913
Katharine Mill, Media Officer, Greenpeace European Unit, tel +32 2274 1903
Notes:
[1] New report: ‘The impact of REACH on the environment and human health’,
http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/environment/chemicals/reach.htm#study_ia
[2] First Commission health benefits assessment (€50 billion) and estimated costs to industry (around €2.3 billion over 11 years):
http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/enterprise/reach/docs/reach/eia-sec-2003_1171.pdf