EU vs US: Why Chemical Regulations Are So Different
March 9, 2025at12:00 AM
Ever wonder why some chemicals are banned in Europe but still used in the U.S.? The European Union (EU) and the United States take very different approaches to chemical safety, and these differences impact everything from your skincare products to the food you eat. Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense—and uncover some surprising facts along the way.
The Precautionary Principle vs. Risk-Based Regulation
One of the biggest differences comes down to how each region approaches safety:
The EU follows the Precautionary Principle– If a chemical is suspected to be harmful, it is restricted or banned until proven safe. The burden of proof is on the manufacturer to show that it won’t cause harm before it hits the market.
The U.S. follows Risk-Based Regulation – Chemicals are assumed to be safe unless they are proven harmful, often after years (or decades) of exposure, research, and legal battles.
This explains why the EU has banned or restricted over 1,300 chemicals in cosmetics alone, while the U.S. has banned just 11. Yes, you read that right—only 11.
REACH vs. TSCA: A Tale of Two Chemical Policies
The EU’s Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) program, launched in 2007, requires companies to prove a chemical is safe before it can be used. This applies to over 21,000 chemicals and covers industrial use, consumer products, and even environmental exposure.
Meanwhile, the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) in the U.S. (originally passed in 1976 and only updated in 2016) has far weaker protections. When first enacted, TSCA grandfathered in over 62,000 chemicals without requiring any safety testing. Even after its update, the burden remains on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to prove that a chemical poses an “unreasonable risk” before taking action—a process that often faces heavy industry pushback.
How This Affects Everyday Products
The difference in regulation affects many of the products we use daily. Here are a few key examples:
Food Additives – The EU bans additives like potassium bromate (linked to cancer in animal studies) and BHA/BHT (potential endocrine disruptors), but they’re still widely used in the U.S.
Plastics – The EU has significantly restricted BPA (bisphenol-A) due to concerns over hormone disruption, while the U.S. only bans it in baby bottles and sippy cups.
Pesticides – The EU prohibits dozens of pesticides that are still commonly used in U.S. agriculture, including chlorpyrifos, which has been linked to developmental issues in children.
The Hidden Influence of Industry
Why does the U.S. lag behind? One big reason: corporate influence. In the U.S., powerful lobbying groups play a major role in shaping regulations. One example is the GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) loophole, which allows food and chemical companies to self-certify their products as safe—without independent scientific review. Essentially, companies can decide for themselves if their chemicals should be allowed in food.
In contrast, the EU’s regulatory agencies have more independence, making it harder for corporations to influence safety standards.
Did You Know? The U.S. and EU Had Opposite Approaches to Asbestos
Here’s a shocking example of how different the regulatory mindset can be: asbestos.
The EU banned asbestos completely in 2005 due to its clear link to lung disease and cancer.
The U.S. still hasn’t banned asbestos entirely—in fact, some products still legally contain it today. The EPA only recently proposed stricter rules, decades after its dangers were well known.
What Can You Do?
While we can’t change the laws overnight, we can make informed choices to limit our exposure to harmful chemicals:
Choose EU-compliant products when possible, especially for cosmetics and food.
Avoid processed foods with artificial dyes and preservatives that are banned in Europe.
Use glass or stainless steel instead of plastic to avoid chemicals like BPA and phthalates.
Buy organic to reduce exposure to harmful pesticides.
Support policy changes that prioritize consumer safety over industry convenience.
Final Thoughts
The EU puts public health first, while the U.S. often gives industry the benefit of the doubt. But the good news is that awareness is growing, and consumers have more power than ever to demand safer products and better policies.
At Radiant Health and Wellness, we focus on helping you reduce toxin exposure and optimize your health through Functional Medicine. Want to take control of your well-being? Let’s work together to create a safer, healthier future.
