THE PROBLEM
More than 100,000 chemical compounds exist today, between 20,000 and 70,000 are assumed to be in daily use and several hundred new substances come into existence every year. We do not know all the health and environmental effects of these chemicals despite research contributing new knowledge all the time. The constant addition of new chemicals means that their risks to humans and the environment can never be fully clarified if the work to do so continues at its present pace. There is also a tendency to focus attention on well-known chemicals and problems instead of searching for new knowledge.
HOW CAN THE PROGRAMME CONTRIBUTE TO A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM?
A new strategy for risk evaluation and risk management of chemicals must include a better way of using incomplete information and a more effective allocation of priorities. The aim of the programme is to utilise scientific methods to develop new bases and new organisational forms for decision-making regarding risk management issues. The programme is based on the use of a specific type of effects (reproduction toxicology), a number of test substances (musk compounds and brominated flame retardants) and a region (the Baltic Sea) for toxicological and eco-toxicological studies. The programme should also be a meeting-place for decision-makers and researchers, where issues of importance for the development of international chemicals policy and form of decision-making are discussed.
WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM THE RESULTS?
Those who negotiate within the framework of existing intergovernmental agreements on chemicals management or negotiate new such agreements. The chemical industry and companies who trade in chemicals. Central, regional and local authorities responsible for issues relating to the use of chemicals. Environmental authorities.