When it comes to managing chemicals, the primary concern is to minimise negative environmental and health impacts and conserve resources while maximising the benefits of using chemicals for sustainable development. To achieve this goal, a wide range of stakeholders must work together internationally and make concerted use of effective tools for global chemicals management. read more
Chemicals
International Chemicals Management
Health
Reference and HBM Values
The reference value allows the comparison of the exposure of individuals or population groups with the background exposure. Since environmental conditions are changing reference values are checked continuously and are updated if new information becomes available.The reference value for a chemical substance in human biological material (e.g. blood, urine) is derived according to a defined statistic... read more
Chemicals
The Rotterdam Convention
The Rotterdam Convention regulates international trade with certain hazardous chemicals and pesticides. According to it, such substances may only be imported into a country if that country has been informed of the hazards in advance and has given its consent ("Prior Informed Consent"). Over 160 countries have ratified the Rotterdam Convention to date. read more
Chemicals
PARC – Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals
The "European Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals" (PARC) was developed with the overall aim of improving knowledge about chemical substances in order to better protect human health and the environment. This goal is to be achieved within seven years together with 200 organizations from Europe. read more
Chemicals
Chemicals in articles: EU LIFE Project AskREACH
The AskREACH project aims at raising awareness on Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) in articles among the European population, retailers and industry. AskREACH developed the smartphone app Scan4Chem which can be used to readily receive information on SVHCs in consumer articles or send information requests to suppliers. The European Chemicals Regulation REACH provides the legal framework. read more
Chemicals
Information about chemicals in consumer products
Consumer products can be solid objects, liquids, pastes or powders and belong to different product categories. Where do you find information about chemicals in all these products? read more
News on Chemicals
Towards a sustainable chemical intensity
The Sustainable Development Goals of the Agenda 2030 are only achievable if chemicals are used in the right extent, says the German Environment Agency (UBA). The risks for health and the environment need to be globally minimized. At the same time, the opportunities for the societies by chemicals need to be maximized worldwide. Read more in our Thought Starter. read more
Water
Chemicals
The group of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exceeds the values of the environmental quality standards for chemicals regulated in the German Ordinance on Surface Waters. read more