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New EU chemical law alive, but not kicking

Part of a unique collection of non-toxic clothes designed exclusively by some of Spain's top fashion designers for the 'Moda sin Toxicos' catwalk show. The show is a well-dressed wake-up call to the grey-suited politicians in Brussels, who later this year will decide on legislation on hazardous chemicals. Enlarge Image

Model environmentalists

High fashion isn't normally known for being held in high regard among environmentalists. But some big names and big brands in fashion have gotten together with us to put on a toxics-free fashion show.

Mother and baby protest at chemical company BASF, which has been lobbying against stronger laws on hazardous chemicals. Enlarge Image

Sex, lies and hazardous chemicals

What business does a chemical company have between your bedroom sheets? Should chemical companies be meddling with the protection of your health? Of course they should have no business in your sex life or personal health, but unfortunately the chemical industry is fighting hard to protect their privilege to make hazardous chemicals with the potential to seriously affect both.

Monica Gibbs lives next to a chemical plant in south Louisiana and needs to wear a breathing mask. She has suffered from respiratory problems since birth. Her town is part of the infamous 'cancer alley', so called because of the huge number of chemical refineries in the area and illnesses related to the pollution from the plants. Enlarge Image

Half protected from toxic chemicals

European politicians have voted on a landmark law to better regulate toxic chemicals. There was good news that the law will force the replacement of toxic chemicals with safer alternatives but pressure from polluting industry ensured many thousands of chemicals will not be tested.

Some politicians in Europe are bending over backwards to put dirty industry profits before public interest. Enlarge Image

The toxic twins are moving!

A removal team has arrived at the European Commission to move two senior commissioners into new jobs with their best friends in dirty industry. Given the determined efforts of EU Commission President José Manuel Barroso and Industry Commissioner Günter Verheugen to put polluting industry before public interests we think they would be better employed elsewhere.

The European Eel. Stocks in Europe have crashed due to a combination of overfishing, habitat loss and toxic pollution. Enlarge Image

Swimming in chemicals

The European eel - not an everyday topic of conversation. But our investigations have revealed that the humble eel is contaminated with toxic chemicals. Adding insult to injury, the eel is already vanishing from lakes and rivers across Europe, and some of these toxic chemicals look as if they might last longer than the species itself.

Our children inherit the toxic burden of our planet. Enlarge Image

Poisoning the unborn

The umbilical cord is more than a prenatal lifeline: it's also the unborn child's link to the toxic burden of our planet. According to new research by Greenpeace and WWF UK, the toxic chemicals in our cell phones, our computers, our perfumes, our shaving cream, and our clothes are also present in our children.

Sampling activists blood outside a Bayer chemical plant. Previous test showed that chemicals produced by companies like Bayer are in his blood. To highlight this issue we attempted to return the contaminated blood to Bayer because it includes types of chemicals that Bayer produces at the plant. It refused to accept the blood sample. Enlarge Image

Testing Bayer

Bisphenol-A. Doesn't sound very interesting does it? In fact it's a widely used chemical in mobile phones, baby bottles and CD's. Unfortunately it's also a widespread toxic pollutant, even being found in people's blood. We are trying to get the producers and users of such toxic chemicals to change to safer alternatives.

Love is.......ensuring you're not contaminated! Take action for strong European chemical laws. Enlarge Image

The scent of chemicals

When you buy a gift for a loved one you don't expect that it might come with a dose of harmful chemicals. But if you are buying certain perfumes this Valentine's day that's exactly what you'll get.

Rainwater in Europe contains toxic chemicals. Enlarge Image

Raining chemicals?

To most people, it is the pure sweet refreshing act of nature that sometimes soaks you when you least expect it but always washes away the dirt and refreshes the landscape. But along with the rain comes some nasty chemicals where you would least expect to find them.

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