GREEN Party MEP Jean Lambert has welcomed a decision by the European Parliament to ban potentially carcinogenic Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cad) batteries from household appliances and power tools.
Mrs Lambert, who represents London, said: "Ni-Cad batteries are hazardous and have been linked to cancers. "I am delighted that the European Parliament has resisted pressure from industry lobbying - and the Commission - and upheld the policy established by the Council of Ministers in 1988 to phase out Cadmium wherever possible."
The final decision will now be taken
by the Council of Ministers comprised of environment ministers from every EU member
state. Mrs Lambert added: "I am glad that a majority of MEPs avoided falling
victim to a staggering campaign of misinformation from the industrial lobby, which
had suggested
that alarm clocks, electrical toothbrushes and cordless phones,
for example, would not work anymore if the Parliament restricted the use of lead
and cadmium, a claim which is simply untrue.
"Nobody wants to ban batteries - but we do want to replace those containing hazardous substances when alternatives are available. The phase-outs that the Parliament adopted are perfectly reasonable and fully in line with other Community legislation on waste and water protection."
MEPs allowed exceptions to the ban on Ni-Cad batteries where no alternatives are available, and adopted restrictions on the use of lead in non-lead batteries. The proposals also include a mandatory deposit scheme on hazardous batteries to encourage return for safe disposal - and minimum standards for manufacturers on collecting used batteries.
ENDS
For more information please contact Ben or Katy on 020 7407 6280, 07973 823358 or at press@greenmeps.org.uk