European researchers unite behind call for stronger chemical mixture regulation in REACH

250 researchers from across Europe have signed an open letter urging the European Commission and EU Member States to introduce a Mixture Assessment Factor (MAF) in the ongoing revision of the REACH Regulation.

The letter, originally published earlier this year by a group of leading scientists, calls for improved protection of human health and the environment from the real-world risks posed by combined chemical exposures.

The letter highlights that current EU chemicals regulation largely evaluates substances in isolation, despite decades of scientific evidence showing that mixtures of chemicals, even at individually safe levels, can have harmful cumulative effects. The proposed MAF would address this gap by introducing a precautionary, science-based factor into chemical risk assessments under REACH.

The strong response from the research community underscores the urgency and scientific consensus around this issue. Among the signatories are experts in environmental science, toxicology, chemistry, and public health, representing institutions from across Europe.

Professor Christina Rudèn. Photo: Stockholm University

“The large number of signatories shows that this is not a fringe issue, it’s a widely shared scientific concern,” says Christina Rudén, Professor at the Department of Environmental Science, and one of the initiators of the letter. “This sends a strong message to policymakers: the science is clear, and it’s time for regulation to catch up.”

The letter and signatures have now been formally submitted to key representatives of the European Commission and national governments, as part of an effort to ensure that the final REACH revision includes a robust and effective way of addressing effects from combined chemical exposures.

Letter to the European Commission signed by researchers (475 Kb)

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Last updated: June 25, 2025

Source: Department of Environmental Science

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