The Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) has raised concerns about the presence of hazardous Endocrine Disruptive Chemicals (EDCs) concealed within everyday consumer products.
Following its research findings on water-repellant textiles and personal care products, the CEJ reveals exposures to chemicals like PFDA (perfluorooctanoic acid, A persistent Organic Pollutant), parabens, and triclosan in commonly used items, posing a considerable threat to public health.
A CEJ statement says it detected PFDA (perfluorodecanoic acid) in water-repellent garments purchased locally, highlighting the urgent need for regulatory action. In the said study an apron and a jacket purchased from Sri Lanka had PFDA (perfluorodecanoic acid), 2.6 and 2.7 ppb respectively. The samples were tested at Charles University in the Czech Republic.
The personal care hygiene products were also tested in Wonjin Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health, for 9 types of Parabens and triclosan which are identified as EDCs. Out of 30 samples tested 6 were detected to have three types of parabens; methylparaben (0.07 – 2823.2 μg/g), Propylparaben (0.03 – 14.20 μg/g), and Butylparaben (75.07 μg/g).
“We urge the Sri Lankan authorities to follow the lead of progressive brands such as Deuter, Jack Wolfskin, Mammut, ORTOVOX, Polartec and Vaude that have announced a ban on Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) use in their products. Also having restrictions on selected Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances is pointless rather, measures should prioritize consumer safety and ban all the PFAS as a group”, Chalani Rubesinghe, Project planning and mgt. officer, Centre for Environmental Justice.
Moreover, the CEJ’s research reveals a concerning lack of transparency in product labelling, with one among 6 samples falsely declaring themselves “paraben-free”.
“Consumers have a right to accurate information. There should be stringent penalties for deceptive labelling practices, enabling consumers to make informed choices about their purchases”, emphasizes, Chalani Rubesinghe, Project planning and mgt. officer, Centre for Environmental Justice.
The CEJ’s recommendations extend beyond mere regulation, advocating for the autonomy of Sri Lanka in setting stringent standards independent of EU directives.
“Our nation must prioritize the health of its citizens over economic consideration, by eliminating EDCs from production standards, we safeguard the well-being of current and future generations, As a committed defender of environmental justice, CEJ remains committed to its mission of ensuring chemical safety in consumer products. We urge policymakers to heed our findings and take decisive action to protect public health and the environment from the harmful effects of EDCs to build a future where health and sustainability prevail”, Dilena Pathragoda, Executive Director, Centre for Environmental Justice.
The Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) is a leading national-level environmental organization working for the promotion of Environmental Good Governance and Environmental Justice. CEJ engages in scientific research, policy advocacy, environmental litigation and promoting citizen science. CEJ continues its active engagement to ensure chemical safety in consumer products for the sake of present as well as future generations. (NewsWire)