Chemicals, cancer and pollution
500 scientists, medical professionals and NGOs participate Paris Appeal II congress on chemicals, cancer and environmental pollution
28.11.2006 |Sascha Gabizon
The conference was organised by HEAL together with the Association for Research and Treatments Against Cancer (ARTAC) and the US-based Collaborative on Health and the Environment (CHE).
The Paris Appeal II congress was very successful, with over 500 scientists, doctors and representatives of health and environment groups among the participants, and coverage in French newspapers and television. The press release can be found here.
Sascha Gabizon, International Director at Women in Europe for a Common Future- WECF -, presented Women's action for toxic free homes and schools during the second session on protecting pregnancy and children's health. She gave examples of daily-use products containing harmful chemicals, such as the carcenogenic and reprotoxic pthtalates (plastic weakeners); Soft Plastic Toys, PVC shoe soles, PVC shower curtains and raingear. By presenting sources of information such as practical websites and handbooks (downloadable from WECF ) she showed that some information is there, but not enough and it's too cumbersome to get. What is necessary is that Europe finally has a chemicals legislation that protects us from harmful substances. WECF calls on all women in Europe to join them in their visits to European Members of Parliament and Government Delegates to discuss this issue with them at WECF/REACH.
WECF in La Libre Belgique
Diana Ward from the Breast Cancer UK gave a presentation on Grass roots citizen demands and actions during the congress, and distributed copies of their reports on the primary prevention of breast cancer.
Best wishes,
HEAL Secretariat
