Art Exhibition: ‘Born Polluted: How can the EU protect children from hazardous chemicals?’

 
 
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We all want children to grow up safe, healthy and able to thrive. But every day, children are exposed to toxic substances in the foods they eat, the water they drink, the air they breathe and from products inside of their home.

Even at very low doses, research increasingly links childhood exposure to hazardous chemicals to a range of diseases and disorders – including impaired brain development, diabetes and cancer. This constant, silent exposure is an attack against children. It affects their right to health and bodily integrity, to survival and non-discrimination, and even their right to play.

Organised by the Child Rights International Network (CRIN) and hosted by MEP Cristina Guarda, this exhibition brings children’s rights into direct conversation with chemicals legislation in the European Union. It considers how existing laws impact children’s health and daily lives, and what remedies exist to protect them.

Using CRIN’s research, narrative poetry, and artwork from illustrator and CRIN Creative Director Miriam Surganyes, we hope to equip EU leaders and stakeholders with a clearer understanding of children’s rights and the dangers of hazardous chemicals. This exhibition should act as an open space for discussion, translating scientific data and legal issues into a human story.

‘Born Polluted’ is available to view in the EU Parliament from 2–6 March (with an opening event on Tuesday, 3 March). We invite our audience to question how we can all uphold children’s rights and well-being. What kind of world do today’s policy choices create? What legacy is the EU leaving for children?

This exhibition also features photographs by Stefano Schirato, who documents the effects of ‘forever chemicals’ on local communities in Italy.

How do I join the exhibition opening on Tuesday, 3 March? 

  • All participants must register prior to joining the opening event. Registration will close once the 200 person capacity has been reached. 

    • Registration for people without a badge is now closed, as the attendance limit of 50 people requiring a temporary badge has been exceeded. Thank you very much for your enthusiasm and for registering so swiftly! People with a permanent EP badge (accreditation) can still register.

  • The launch will take place in Brussels at the European Parliament’s József Antall Building, Floor 3, Q3 Area, on Tuesday, 3 March 2026 | 6.00 to 7.00pm (CET).

    • For attendees without an EU badge, please meet at 5.15pm in front of Station Europe. You will be able to collect your badge at the white automatic machines located inside Station Europe by presenting a valid ID or passport.

  • The inaugural event includes a cocktail reception, with keynote speeches from:

    • Jessika Roswall, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy

    • Cristina Guarda, Member of the European Parliament

    • Olivier De Schutter, UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights

    • Benjamin Van Bunderen Robberechts, climate and children’s rights activist, founder of Climate Justice for Rosa and former CRIN Climate Adviser

    • Suzanne Astic, Policy and advocacy officer at the Child Rights International Network (CRIN)

    • Stefano Schirato, photojournalist

    • Representative from Mamme No PFAS

    • Marzia Caccioppoli, Noi Genitori Di Tutti Terra Dei Fuochi

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An online version of our exhibition will also be available on our website after the in-person launch!

We look forward to seeing you in March!

For press and any queries please reach out to CRIN’s Policy and Advocacy Adviser on Children’s Rights and Chemicals, Suzanne Astic: suzanne@crin.org