Restricting hazardous chemicals protects millions of Europeans from serious diseases

EU-wide restrictions protect the health of citizens by reducing risks of serious illness such as cancers, sexual development disorders, asthma and skin allergies. They also prevent 100 000 tonnes of chemicals from polluting the environment every year.

Restricting the manufacture and use of chemicals that pose a risk in the EU results in health benefits worth around €2.1 billion each year over the next decades. This is what ECHA estimates in its new study on the Costs and benefits of REACH restrictions. The health benefits include, for example, reduced risk of cancers, sexual development disorders, occupational asthma and allergic skin or respiratory diseases. As the associated costs to society add up to €0.5 billion per year, the health benefits are four times greater than the costs.

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