With the EU’s chemical legislation (REACH) to go before Parliament before the end of the year, the results of a timely investigation into the damage caused by chemicals has been released by scientists from the Harvard School of Public Health.

The scientists believe they have identified 202 different chemicals that can cause brain damage while the effects of low-level exposure to them worryingly remains unknown. They have also called for limits of exposure to be recommended to pregnant women and small children.

As anyone who has been following the progression of the REACH Directive will know, many of these chemicals are from everyday household products from cans to make-up.

This recent Harvard study is one of countless examples of how imperative chemicals legislation in Europe (and the world) is and the considerable benefits better regulation and testing will have on our health.

Both the Telegraph and Independent have more on the Harvard study on their websites.