Huge new health benefits claimed for Reach

Implementing the EU's Reach chemical policy will yield much larger occupational health benefits than previously thought, scientists commissioned by Europe's trade union movement have claimed. Even in the first ten years these benefits alone could exceed the entire cost of implementation, the scientists say.

The research was unveiled in the European parliament on Monday at a meeting organised by EU trade union body Etuc and hosted by Guido Sacconi, the assembly's rapporteur for Reach. Mr Sacconi stressed the importance of safeguarding workers' health and said it was essential that Reach was not weakened.