Health campaign focuses on chemicals in Chinese textiles
Flanders' health ministry will participate in an awareness campaign about hormone disruptors and chemicals in Chinese-made clothing.
A recent study by textile research centre Centexbel showed that one in six Chinese garments contains chemicals that can disrupt hormones. Since 2022, the interfederal Belgian National Action Plan on Endocrine Disruptors has aimed to limit the exposure of endocrine disruptors as much as possible to protect public health.
The FPS Public Health works with the regional and community authorities. For Flanders, this is the Department of Care, which will participate in an initial campaign aimed at pregnant women or women who wish to have children at the beginning of next year. Practical tips for daily life will be drawn up for them, such as washing new clothes.
Flanders' Public Health minister, Hilde Crevits, also announced that the Department of Healthcare will develop a knowledge platform on hormone disruptors. “The purpose of this platform is to gather all available scientific information and relevant initiatives on hormone disruptors," she said. "There will be an information section to provide citizens, local authorities and civil society organisations with accessible information."
Federal state secretary for Consumer Affairs Alexia Bertrand announced last week that she wants to bring the textile sector and the inspection services together to achieve a better flow of information and more efficient controls. She also wants to place the issue on the agenda of the Belgian EU presidency in the first half of next year.
#FlandersNewsService | Flemish minister of Welfare Hilde Crevits © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK
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