Oxo-degradable or oxo-biodegradable plastics are conventional plastics, such as High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), commonly used in carrier bags, which also include additives which are designed to promote the oxidation of the material to the point where it embrittles and fragments. This may then...

The implementation of Directive 2010/75/EU on industrial emissions (IED) from 7 January 2013 onward will result in tighter regulation of pollutant emissions to air and water from industrial installations operating in EU Member States. Under the IED, new conclusions will be adopted for Best...

This report presents the results of the Special Eurobarometer public opinion survey on the environment in the 28 European Union countries. This follows three previous Eurobarometer surveys on the environment: Special Eurobarometer 295 (November-December 2007), Special Eurobarometer 365...

Mercury (chemical symbol Hg) is a heavy metal occurring on earth in various forms. It can be converted from one form to another by natural processes, and, once released, actively cycles in the environment for hundreds to thousands of years before being buried in sediment. It is well known for...

The majority of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) identified until now are banned or restricted around the world owing to concerns about their harm to ecosystems and human health. However, this is not the end of the story; even long-banned POPs still linger in the environment; others are...

The majority of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) identified until now are banned or restricted around the world owing to concerns about their harm to ecosystems and human health. However, this is not the end of the story; even long-banned POPs still linger in the environment; others are...

This document provides a report on a "study on the cumulative health and environmental benefits of chemicals legislation" (ENV.A.3/ETU/2015/0026). This report takes into account comments from the steering group on the interim and draft final reports and comments from participants at a workshop...

Access to justice in environmental matters means people being able to go to court ... Citizens must be able to go to court if public authorities do not respect the rights and fulfil the requirements created by EU environmental laws. EU laws on nature protection also give rise to rights. Citizens...