Products & Chemicals

At least half of all cosmetics on sale in North America contain extremely persistent PFAS, a group of chemicals that has also been linked to cancers and other serious health conditions, according to a scientific study

The government is proposing to implement a series of new criteria for assessing which firms should secure public money intended to offset the indirect energy costs caused by carbon pricing policies, with a focus on ensuring such firms can 'decarbonise in the UK', securing 'well-paid jobs in areas where salaries fall below the UK average'

So far this year, British local authorities have barely reported any products as dangerous to the public due to breaching chemical safety rules – compared to hundreds made across the EU

The government has told the Environment Agency to prepare a dossier setting out why medium-chain chlorinated paraffins should be banned under the Stockholm Convention, despite opposition from users and producers

DEFRA’s forthcoming Chemicals Strategy should overhaul the UK’s approach to toxic substances, with a new pan-UK Chemicals Agency, bolstered by a new Chemicals Act, according to environmental policy expert and former Environment Agency board member Nigel Haigh

Will the government’s revised action plan for the sustainable use of pesticides be enough to quell concerns over their impact?

Two recent Public Accounts Committee inquiries have questioned DEFRA’s ability to lead other departments, and even its own agencies, to achieve its aims for the environment. Catherine Early reports

The UK’s industrial past has left a toxic legacy, but getting information about what might be lurking near to people’s homes can prove painfully difficult, finds Danny Halpin

Countries across the world are scrambling to understand and curb the impacts of toxic chemicals which have made their way into drinking water supplies and have been linked to a range of diseases including at least two cancers. But there are no routine tests for it in the UK. Rachel Salvidge asks why

US attorney Robert Bilott has worked for two decades to get justice for those harmed by ‘forever chemical’ PFOA, with his efforts leading to multi-million dollar legal payouts, a Hollywood movie and the shocking revelation that every American has the substance in their blood. But the battle is far from over, and now it’s global