Canary Islands Chemists Warn of Public Health Threat from Illegal Chemical Production
The Official College of Chemists of the Canary Islands has warned of serious public health and environmental dangers from unregulated chemical products, following the shutdown of an unlicensed disinfectant lab.
The Official College of Chemists of the Canary Islands has warned about the serious dangers to public health and the environment when chemical products aren't properly made and sold. This concern comes after a hidden lab, which was making disinfectants and biocides without the necessary permits, was recently shut down.
The College believes this situation breaks several important laws. These include EU Regulation 528/2012, which covers how biocides are sold and used, and EU Regulation 1907/2006 (REACH), which is crucial for tracking, assessing, approving, and limiting chemical substances. REACH also sets rules for product labels and safety information. Furthermore, Spain's Law 21/1992 on Industry, which deals with industrial activities lacking proper technical and administrative safeguards, might also apply.
M.ª Candelaria Sánchez Galán, the dean of the Official College of Chemists of the Canary Islands, stressed how important it is to handle and sell chemicals meant for public use very carefully, because they directly affect people's health and the environment. She argued that this work must always follow strict technical standards, accountability, and control systems.
Sánchez Galán explained that requiring professionals in risky fields (like those affecting public health or industrial safety) to register isn't just a formality for the profession; it's a vital protection for everyone. This registration system checks if professionals are qualified, makes them follow a code of ethics, and sets up a way to hold them accountable if they act improperly. It provides professional oversight that keeps citizens safe. Without these checks, she warned, unqualified people can practice freely, leading to dangerous and unregulated activities that could cause serious, lasting harm.
The Official College of Chemists of the Canary Islands represents professionals like chemists, chemical engineers, biochemists, and experts in Food Science and Technology and Environmental Sciences across the islands. The College has again offered to work with government bodies. Their goal is to improve how chemical professionals are regulated and to push for better laws, all to make sure citizens are properly protected.