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United Nations Environment Programme
Noticias Chemicals & pollution action

Spotlight on chemicals and pollution action

UNEP

Preventing, controlling and managing pollution is central to improving health, human well-being and prosperity for all.

UNEP drives capacity and leadership in sound management of chemicals and waste, while working to improve ways to reduce waste through circularity, and pollutants released to the air, water, soil and the ocean.

Below are chemicals and pollution highlights from the United Nations System, from partners and from others helping to call attention to the fact that the future of humanity and our planet depends on action now. 

28 Sep 2023 16:17

Building the Future: Chemicals and innovation in construction and electronics

Modern building
Photo: UNEP

This session organized by UNEP and the International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre (ISC3) will highlight the need for accelerated action on construction supply chains to improve design, the availability of material alternatives, pollution-free production, sustainable procurement and circularity in the industry.

The construction industry is responsible for a third of the world’s waste, as much as 40 per cent of global GHG emissions and often relies on hazardous chemicals. Meanwhile, over 60 million tonnes of electronic waste are discarded every year, with only 28 per cent collected, treated and recycled properly. 

The absence of environmentally sound recycling infrastructure and e-waste legislation globally demands the world's attention.

Last updated at
28 Sep 2023 14:05

High-level segment at ICCM5



High-level segment of the fifth session of the International Conference on Chemicals Management to start soon. 

Last updated at
28 Sep 2023 12:24

Alternatives to highly hazardous pesticides

Highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs) are those that have a disproportionately high negative impact on human health and/or the environment that may only become apparent after years of use.

Most pesticides (about 80 per cent) are used by farmers in crop production, with an estimated 13 per cent used in industry and by government authorities and about 8 per cent used in domestic environments.

Agricultural policies in many countries are moving towards more sustainable approaches to protect people and the planet from the negative impact of agricultural activities.

To learn more about HHPs, Check out UNEP’s recent Guidelines on Alternatives to Highly Hazardous Pesticides.

Last updated at
28 Sep 2023 10:31

Side events happening today at ICCM5

German Pavillion
Photo: SAICM

Several important side events are on the schedule for Day 4 of ICCM5. For more details about the side events below, visit the SAICM Secretariat website.

  • Achieving circularity through efficient and safe chemicals and waste management
  • Building the Future: Chemicals and Innovation in Construction and Electronics
  • Health care sector advancing chemicals and waste management along value chains
Last updated at
27 Sep 2023 12:35

What would a new framework on chemicals and waste mean for us?

From strengthened policies to new laws and regulations, the new international chemicals framework expected to be adopted at ICCM5 will be a game changer across many industries.



The Director of UNEP’s Industry and Economy Division, Sheila Aggarwal-Khan, explains how a new framework on chemicals and waste could make our daily lives better.

 





 

Last updated at
27 Sep 2023 10:47

Mercury remains a threat to human and planetary health

Mercury in artisanal mining
Photo: UNEP/Duncan Moore

Despite great international efforts to curtail the toxic legacy of mercury such as the Minamata Convention on Mercury, the chemical element remains a threat human health.

Whether through the food we eat, the air we breathe or the cosmetics that we use, mercury is ubiquitous in our daily lives and large amounts of mercury can lead to serious health implications including tremors, insomnia, memory loss, headaches, muscle weakness, and—in extreme cases—death.



UNEP has been a leading voice in the efforts to limit the toxic trail left behind by mercury including its work on the Global Mercury Partnership, Eliminating Mercury Skin Lightening Products and the Global mercury monitoring.

Last updated at
26 Sep 2023 13:42

Despite controls in many countries, lead in paint still poses threat

Lead in paint
Photo: Unsplash/Maxime Bhm

Every year, an estimated 900,000 people die from lead exposure. Lead exposure can also result in an increased risk of antisocial behaviour, cardiovascular disease and reduced fertility.

Despite legally binding controls in 87 countries, lead is still commonly used in paint, and experts warn that it’s time to stop brushing aside the hazardous chemical’s human and environmental health impacts.

UNEP is taking the lead in addressing this critical issue by pushing for stricter legislation and providing technical support. Alongside the Global Environment Facility, UNEP recently published Lead Paint Reformulation Technical Guidelines to help manufacturers phase out lead.

Last updated at
26 Sep 2023 12:02

A few days away from a historic moment

As the second day of ICCM5 commences in Bonn, Germany, negotiators are busy discussing the final details of what is expected to be the adoption of a historic framework to address the production and management of chemicals around the world. Pierre Quiblier, Coordinator of the SAICM explains the importance of the framework being negotiated.

 

Last updated at
25 Sep 2023 16:40

Why talks on a new chemicals framework are crucial for people and planet

Factory spewing toxic smoke
Photo: UNEP

Many chemicals are allowed to flow freely into the environment, polluting land, sea and air, and, often, making people sick. Every year, 1 billion people are exposed to hazardous substances.

On the table at ICCM5 this week is an ambitious plan to address the environmental and human health risks emanating from the production and management of chemicals.

In this Q&A, UNEP’s Sheila Aggarwal-Khan talks about what is at stake at ICCM5 and the vital role that collaboration with the chemical industry plays in shaping a chemical-safe future.

Last updated at
25 Sep 2023 15:15

UN experts call for a ‘human rights-based approach’ to chemicals management

Toxic trash burning
Photo: UNEP

“For ICCM-5 to deliver the ambition and strength needed to overcome the global toxic emergency facing humanity, it needs to explicitly embrace a human rights-based approach.”



That’s the message from UN experts in a statement released ahead of ICCM5.



While calling the conference a “once in a generation opportunity to deliver a robust outcome to confront the global toxic tide,” the experts also urged those attending the conference to be guided by human rights principles in line with a post-2020 global policy framework on the sound management of chemicals and wastes.

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