27 Oct
2006 - Boots has joined WWF to call on the EU
to ensure that its new chemicals legislation –
‘REACH’ - provides consumers with the best possible
protection from potentially harmful chemicals
and provides them with the chance to make informed
decisions about what they are buying.
As responsible members of society,
both organisations believe that a strong REACH
is necessary to protect the environment and human
health, now and for future generations. REACH
must work in practice, for small as well as large
businesses, ensuring that where information is
available it is readily shared to the benefit
of all. The joint WWF-Boots statement published
today calls for the following five key steps to
be implemented to protect people and the environment:
-
1. PLAY IT SAFE: Replace hazardous
chemicals with safer alternatives whenever they
exist.
2. ENABLE PRECAUTIONARY ACTION ON ENDOCRINE DISRUPTING
CHEMICALS in line with expert scientific advice.
3. INFORMATION improves trust: Provide sufficient
safety information to identify dangerous chemicals
and safer alternatives.
4. A LEGAL GUARANTEE: Ensure the chemical industry’s
responsibility for the safety of their products
(Duty of Care).
5. TRANSPARENCY for consumer products: Establish
a right to know for citizens.
Stephen Johnson, Sustainable
Development Manager for Boots said: “Boots is
utterly committed to providing the best possible
products for our customers. We believe that REACH
offers a once in a generation opportunity to ensure
that a responsible, scientific and consumer friendly
approach is taken on the use of chemicals in every-day
products. We are happy to join with WWF in asking
the most of this opportunity offered by REACH.”
Paul King, Director of Campaigns
for WWF-UK, said: “Boots joining with us to push
for a strong REACH underlines the fact that this
issue is a major concern for businesses as well
as for environmental and health campaigners, we
are delighted to be working with Boots on this.”
Rob McNeil
