On May 26, 2025, a group of over 20 European leading scientists submitted an open letter to Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, concerning the forthcoming revision of the EU’s Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation (FPF reported).
Update: As of June 25, 2025, the letter had over 250 signatories.
In the letter, the researchers express concerns that the planned updates to REACH may insufficiently address the risks associated with chemical mixtures to the environment and human health, based on established scientific research and their expertise in chemical risk assessment and management.
The letter notes that substances such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and bisphenol A (BPA) are already present at levels exceeding those considered safe in the general European population. Besides these chemicals, European biomonitoring programs have shown that the general public is continuously exposed to a wide range of chemicals. The researchers criticize the current risk assessment methodology, which is carried out for individual chemicals and generally assumes that people and ecosystems are exposed to them separately, rather than in combination. This assumption, they argue, does not reflect real-world conditions and leads to a systematic underestimation of actual risks (FPF reported). Instead, chemical mixtures ought to be considered, the researchers say.
Scientific research indicates that even when individual chemicals are present at concentrations below safety thresholds, their combined effects can result in significant health and environmental risks. The authors emphasize that current chemical management practices under REACH do not adequately account for these mixture effects.
The scientists advocate for the inclusion of a Mixture Assessment Factor (MAF) in the revised REACH framework, aligning with the Commission’s initial objective (FPF reported). They emphasize that accounting for the cumulative impact of hazardous chemicals is necessary to ensure the safe use of chemicals within the European Union.
Academic researchers affiliated with an institution in Europe are invited to sign a petition to include an MAF in REACH.
References
Christina Rudén (May 26, 2025) “Chemical mixtures pose a risk to ecosystems, biodiversity and human health. Addressing mixture toxicity in the REACH revision is therefore central to ensure adequate protection.” Stockholm University. (pdf)
Christina Rudén (June 24, 2025) “Chemical mixtures pose a risk to ecosystems, biodiversity and human health. Addressing mixture toxicity in the REACH revision is therefore central to ensure adequate protection.” Stockholm University. (pdf)
Department of Environmental Science (May 28, 2025). “Researchers call on EU to strengthen protection against chemical mixtures in REACH revision.” Stockholm University
Department of Environmental Science (June 25, 2025). “European researchers unite behind call for stronger chemical mixture regulation in REACH.” Stockholm University
