A new EU regulation bans endocrine disruptors from new detergents.
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves himNew generation detergents free from endocrine disruptors. The so-called EoC (Endocrine disrupting chemicals) have in fact been banned by the European Commission. On 7 June, the EU issued Regulation 2017/2100, according to which new disinfectants and so-called biocidal products put on the market must be free of these substances.
Held responsible for altering the normal hormonal function of our endocrine system, leading to a reduction in fertility and also to diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease, it is now established that endocrine disruptors are to be considered toxic or carcinogenic.
If their function is essentially to "kill" toxins, parasites and bacteria, it is established that the EoC are nevertheless dangerous for humans and animals (they are also contained in pesticides). The first definition was given by the WHO in 2002, which was then incorporated more than ten years later in a scientific opinion by EFSA, the European Food Safety Authority.
There are hundreds of EoCs (they can be present in nature, such as phytoestrogens in soy, or artificial) and, just to mention a few, they include phthalates, bisphenol A, triclosan disinfectant and parabens used in creams and cosmetics and in nail polishes.
Now, however, the stop of Europe arrives. With the new provision, the EU dictates the criteria to be applied to decide whether or not the substances contained in the biocides interfere with the endocrine system. They fall within the biocides:
- disinfectants
- pesticides
- insecticides
- fungicides
- liquid detergents
- washing machine and hand laundry detergents
- softeners
- stain removers
- soaps for dishes, for dishwashers, for house cleaning
Products that from now on will have to be evaluated throughout Europe by ECHA, the European Chemicals Agency. Companies will thus be required to market only safe items, following the guidelines.
In the meantime, all that remains for us is to read the labels of detergents and even cosmetics and inform us about the components.
Read also:
- Cosmetics: the list of toxic substances to print and always carry with you
- The most toxic ingredients contained in cosmetics
- Inci: how to read the list of cosmetic ingredients
- Household Cleaning: Chemical cleaners are as bad as 20 cigarettes a day
Germana Carillo
