1. Chemicals Working Group
(after 16.00 – Chemicals in food, toys and body-care products)

June 23 Wednesday

14-18

C room, green

English

• Political framework - Greenpeace, www.chemicalreaction.org
• REACH –political developments (past and the future), how to beat industry arguments– Greenpeace
• Working environment and REACH – Trade unions
• Networking of NGOs for better REACH - www.chemicalreaction.org

WECF Workshop: Chemicals in our daily lives; how they affect our Children.

Children are particularly vulnerable to the health effects of many toxic chemicals (as are girls and young women). Children and young people are not able to protect themselves from the potential dangers that toxic chemicals present. Yet, risky chemicals can be found in many of the products that many of us use every day in our homes and many of the items that we buy to decorate them.

Adults and young people are the ones who can speak up and push for real change and demand improvement in the protection afforded to vulnerable groups from industry and policy-makers. Furthermore, the body burden of parents can affect the development of their children and future generations. By enacting legislation that protects vulnerable groups, we are protecting us all!

We will discuss the following questions:

• Which chemicals in our homes may be potentially harmful for children(cleaning products, pesticides &heavy metals in food, furniture, clothing, etc..)?
• What can I do to “clean up” my home?
• How much power do I, the individual consumer have to make change?
• Chemicals in cosmetics and personal care products (shaving cream, soap, shampoo, perfume, etc..)
• How can normal citizens (non-experts) discuss their concerns about chemicals and health with their policy makers and industry and make their voices heard to protect future generations?

Contact:

Sylvia ALTAMIRA  * WECF – Women in Europe for a Common Future * wecf@wecf.wecf.org * www.wecf.org 

Martin HOJSIK * martin.hojsik@greenpeace.sk * www.greenpeace.org * www.chemicalreaction.org