There is a growing understanding that chemicals contained in products can cause adverse effects on human health and the environment. Taking into consideration the global trade of these products, the issue is one of global significance that requires global solutions. The Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM), that was adopted in 2006 at an International Conference on Chemicals Management and endorsed by UNEP and several UN agencies, has as its main objective to achieve the 2020 goal that chemicals are used and produced in ways that lead to the minimization of significant adverse effects on human health and the environment. Specific objectives of SAICM address a number of areas including knowledge and information.
History allows us to predict that many chemicals which today are not of specific concern will — through experience in their use and through scientific study — be determined to have harmful effects. The international trade in products containing these chemicals results in their global distribution and associated health and environmental impacts. From toys and furniture to electronic equipment and automobiles, addressing the problems and challenges posed by these chemicals in products (CiP) requires action on many levels, involving many partners.
To date, UNEP has undertaken broad stakeholder consultations (including inter alia business and industry, public interest groups and governments) to prioritize actions under the CiP project. The result of these discussions has been to identify priority sectors for a first round of study; textiles, electronics, toys and construction materials are the four top priority sectors. Current project activities include case studies to determine existing efforts in CiP information exchange, as well as stakeholder uses and needs and associated gaps for CiP information.
