Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2000-07-05-Speech-3-191"

Predicate	Value (sorted: default)
rdf:type	lpv_eu:Speech2
dcterms:Date	"2000-07-05"^^xsd:date2
dcterms:Is Part Of	lp_eu:Use of certain dangerous substances and preparations2
dcterms:Language	"nl"^^xsd:language2
lpv:document identification number	"en.20000705.6.3-191"2
lpv:hasSubsequent	lp_eu:2000-07-05-Speech-3-1922
lpv:speaker	lp:Ria Oomen-ruijten2
lpv:spokenAs	member; Delegation for relations with South Africa (1999-10-06--2002-01-14)3 member; EPP-ED (1999-07-20--2004-07-19)3 vice-chair; Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Consumer Policy (1999-09-22--2002-01-14)3 substitute; EMPL (1999-07-21--2002-01-14)3 substitute; Committee on Women's Rights and Equal Opportunities (1999-07-20--2002-01-14)3 unknown; Christen Democratisch Appèl (1999-07-20--2004-07-19)3 substitute; Committee on Legal Affairs and the Internal Market (1999-11-04--2002-01-14)3
lpv:translated text	"Mr President, the discussion on the harmfulness of phthalates, or plastic softeners, has been dragging on for a long time. Today, we in Parliament need to speak out regarding the desirability of a total ban on these substances. Let it be clear that no one in our Group disputes the many useful applications that phthalates have, such as cable casings, and also uses in medical equipment. The snag is that phthalates are also used to soften children’s toys, many of which end up in their mouths, even if they are not intended for that purpose. When, in 1998, reports emerged about the possible harmful effects on children’s health, the European Commission proposed – or tried to propose at any rate – a ban on the application of certain phthalates. Intense consultation with industry to establish a ban from within and to introduce self-regulation in the processing of these substances, came to nothing. In my opinion, and I say this on behalf of the Group, that was very much a missed opportunity. It strikes me as rather odd, though, that the harmfulness of the substances has not been established beyond question. Accordingly, in response to the Commission’s action, we have met with a barrage of contradictory research studies. Consumer organisations pointed out the harmful potential, while industry tried to demonstrate that things were not all that bad. The chairman of the scientific committee too was dragged into the debate, which was certainly not an ideal situation. It is now up to us to assess the proposals. I have not seen a proposal as ridiculous and complex as this one for a long time. I do not know how harmful these phthalates are, but if I do not know, then I need to at least ban a number of these phthalates in line with the precautionary principle, because, in my view, this is also what the internal market wants. Consequently, I hope that the plenary opts in favour of safety, in line with the precautionary principle. Research, however, should not grind to a halt, but rather come up with alternatives to these softeners."@en1

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