UK MPs criticise government inaction on harmful chemicals

An image showing a flame resistant label

Source: © Alamy Stock Photo

A report calls for urgent changes to the way flame retardants and packaging additives are regulated

A committee of MPs has heard that the UK’s approach to chemical regulation is one of ‘firefighting’, and has called on the government to set ambitious targets for reducing toxic chemicals in the environment, including elimination of endocrine disruptors in consumer products. In a wide-ranging report, the Environmental Audit Committee details government inaction and delay, and the loss of expertise and funding in toxicology and environmental chemistry.