International trends and concerns relating to chemical safety

Abstract

The essential role of chemicals in modern society is recognised: chemicals help extend life expectancy, increase food production and improve our quality of life. But their dangers are just as clearly seen. How can we live with these substances? How can we handle, use and dispose of them safely? This is not just a question of numbers. In most cases the problem is of information: how to get it, how to spread it, and how to make sure it is used properly. Because of global trade and long-range transport, chemical safety and risk management of chemicals form an international challenge. Worldwide there exists a great number of different national governmental and non-governmental organisations which are working in the field of chemical safety. All these national activities are also of international relevance, since the risks caused by chemicals, especially the environmental ones, do not respect national borders and are therefore to be considered a global problem. One key aspect is improving the level of knowledge about individual chemicals and expanding the exchange and dissemination of such information. An overview of the main bodies and organisations involved in the field of international chemical safety will be given. The activities within the United Nations framework and the results of the Inter-Governmental Forum on Chemical Safety will be enumerated. Special emphasis will be placed on some international and some national activities concerning chemical safety. With the Inventory of Critical Reviews on Chemicals, an easy access to toxicological information on a global basis will be demonstrated.