UK:ICI Production Irresponsible

[The.Greenbase@gb.greenpeace.org]

>> GREENPEACE CALLS ICI PLEDGE TO CONTINUE PRODUCTION OF TOXIC


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                    GREENPEACE PRESS RELEASE
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>> GREENPEACE CALLS ICI PLEDGE TO CONTINUE PRODUCTION OF TOXIC
SUBSTANCES "IRRESPONSIBLE"

LONDON, 24 May 1994 (GP) Greenpeace today called an ICI statement
that it will continue to produce chlorinated paraffins despite an
industry move away from the production of these toxic
chemicals "irresponsible."

ICI announced this week that chlorinated paraffins, known
carcinogens, will "remain an important element in its future
portfolio."   This announcement comes just after the German
company, Hoechst, following intense pressure from Greenpeace,
announced that it would put an end to its production of
chlorinated paraffins at both its German and Brazilian plants.
"This announcement by ICI is a typical move to thwart
environmental progress while Hoechst has made an important step
to begin the essential phaseout of chlorine chemicals throughout
the world," said Greenpeace campaigner Tim Birch.  "Companies
like Hoechst who are willing to adapt to environmental demands
will inevitably win out in the marketplace over regressive
companies like ICI."

Chlorinated paraffins are cancer-causing and can damage human
liver, kidneys and reproductive systems.  They are acutely
hazardous to fish and other marine life forms.  Like almost all
organochlorines, chlorinated paraffins are non-biodegradable and
accumulate in human and animal food chains.  ICI has 30 percent
of the world chlorinated paraffin market with plants in the UK,
France, Canada and Thailand.

"These chemicals are environmentally pervasive, produced in large
quantities and used in open ended applications.  In many ways
they resemble the PCBs which they have replaced and all
indications are that they are as problematic but much harder to
detect." said Paul Johnston, Greenpeace scientist.

A proposal to ban all organochlorines is on the agenda at the
North Sea Conference from 8 to 9 June 1995 in Denmark.  The UK
and French governments have bowed to pressure by the European
chlorine industry umbrella organisation, EUROCHLOR, and are
blocking a Dutch proposal to ban the discharge of all manmade
chemicals particularly organochlorines.

ENDS

Contact:

Bob Edwards, Greenpeace Communications: ++44171-833-0600.