Flame retardants are heavily used to inhibit the ignition of furniture, bedding, fabrics, building insulation, electronic goods and vehicles. However, there is a large and growing body of evidence that some pose a significant health threat to humans, animals and the environment, and they may even increase smoke and gas toxicity, the principal cause of death in fires. CPES is advocating better regulatory oversight to ensure the highest degree of safety and protection for people and animals from fires while avoiding the use of hazardous substances.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals interfere with hormone signalling in the body and can therefore affect health in many ways, potentially contributing to increased risk of cancer, fertility problems, diabetes, obesity and other disorders. They are present in pesticides and a wide range of consumer products, posing a number of complex challenges, which are only now beginning to be dealt with by regulators. CPES support regulations which will clearly identify EDCs before commercialisation and calls for measures which will reduce public exposure to them.