Our dependency, directly or indirectly, on chemicals is so high that it is almost impossible to find a product that does not have added synthetic chemicals as an important constituent of the product material. As part of the product design, synthetic chemicals are either added intentionally to enhance the product’s quality, appearance, performance; or they are used in the processing of the product. The presence of chemicals in various products pose serious environmental and health hazards.
This also makes the management of these products an area of grave concern, both upstream and downstream.
International Policies on Chemical Management:
The UN-Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) was adopted in 2006 at ICCM1 (International Conference on Chemicals Management). On September 30, 2023, the successor to SAICM, the Global Framework on Chemicals – for a Planet Free of Harm from Chemicals and Waste was adopted, in Bonn, Germany.
SAICM’s original goal was to ensure the responsible management of all chemicals by 2020 could not be fully achieved leading to the negotiation of the new framework.
The new Global Framework also termed as the Bonn Declaration comprises of 11 accompanying targets. It emphasises the importance of supporting the implementation of national legal frameworks and highlights an integrated financing approach through a dedicated Global Framework for Chemicals Fund.
The Bonn Declaration aims to ‘strengthen action to tackle the crisis of pollution from chemicals and waste’.
Toxics Link Interventions towards safer chemical products: Our organisation has been working extensively in the area of chemicals in products and their impact on human health and environment.
We are constantly engaged in research, information creation, dissemination and policy intervention on issues such as mercury in CFLs, lead in paints, heavy metals in toys and jewellery, nonylphenols in textiles, EDCs in children’s products; and have brought significant policy changes at the regional, national and international level.
We have also been a part of various international negotiations on chemical management and safety; and have been regularly contributing to dialogues and deliberations on various issues of chemicals at national and international levels. Our priority is to achieve a sound chemical management system and to contribute to healthy living in the country.
Read our publications and learn more about our interventions
