The reduced use of hazardous chemicals is one of the key challenges in achieving sustainable development. The health and environmental risks connected to production are frequently the object of regulations and risk management measures, but further steps needs to be taken to achieve improved risk reduction.
Recently, there has been a growing interest and understanding of the spread of and potential exposure to chemicals contained in products, such as personal computers, textiles, and costume jewellery. Not the least has the recall of millions of children toys possibly containing lead attracted worldwide attention due to both the health risk to the end user and the economical risk for the producer.
Information exchange is one key factor to enabling actors to avoid hazardous chemicals and to manage risks to users and the environment. The need for better communication throughout the product chain has been identified and the overall aim of this initiative is to facilitate informed decision making in relation to this issue.
The aim of the workshop is closely linked to the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM), and in particular to Objective 15 of its Overarching Policy Strategy and to activities 108, 111 and 112 in the SAICM Global Plan of Action. The subject is also closely linked to the Marrakesh Process on sustainable consumption and production. It is intended to convey the outcome of the workshop to the 2nd session of the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM) for consideration in its discussions on emerging issues.
