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Over the past few years the use of natural resources and the production of chemicals have increased dramatically – and a further increase is forecast. Whereas earlier the main focus was on local effects on health and the environment, in the meantime it has become clear that current ways of dealing with natural resources, chemicals and products manufactured from chemicals are threatening the biosphere as a whole.In 2009 and 2015 scientists introduced the concept of planetary boundaries. As part of

This factsheet compiles the latest information on the effects of lead on human health. It is presented in the 6 UN languages.The factsheet lists the Key Facts, and describes the Sources and routes of exposure, the Health effects of lead poisoning on children, and the WHO response. The factsheet also points to relevant related websites.

The World Health Organization is publishing a series of national case studies on the implementation of the WHO Chemicals Road map, which was adopted in World Health Assembly Decision 70(23).The case studies were developed by different Member States, including members of the Global Chemicals and Health Network. They illustrate the role the health sector plays in the sound management of chemicals, recognizing the need for multi-sectoral cooperation at a national level.The case studies concentrate on different actions of the road

Pollution is the largest source of premature death in the developing world, causing approximately three times more deaths than HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria combined (2018 Report of the Lancet Commission on pollution and health). It disproportionately affects persons, groups and peoples in vulnerable situations reflecting both historical and ongoing discrimination, racism, and power imbalances that have given rise to powerful social movements for environmental justice. Those responsible for the harmful impacts of hazardous substances must be held legally accountable for

The ChallengeThe Strategic Approach To International Chemicals Management (SAICM) mandate expires in 2020, long before we will reach the target of minimizing the health and environmental impacts of chemicals throughout their lifecycle. Overall progress has been uneven and there is still a significant need for development and implementation of effective chemical and waste management policies and practices around the globe.What We DoSAICM provides a valuable multi-stakeholder forum to discuss and address the many challenges facing the adoption and implemen-tation of

Pollination is the transfer of pollen between the male and female parts of flowers to enable fertilization and reproduction. The majority of cultivated and wild plants depend on animal vectors, known as pollinators, to transfer pollen. However, other means of pollen transfer such as self-pollination or wind-pollination are also important. Pollinators comprise a diverse group of animals dominated by insects, especially bees. More than 75% of the leading types of global good crops are visited by animal pollinators, such as

«Knowledge and Information» is one of the five Strategic Objectives of SAICM.SAICM’s Overarching Policy Strategy recognizes that knowledge, information and public awareness are the foundations of sound decision-making, on the management of chemicals and products containing chemicals. However, the Policy Strategy also under-lines that there is a lack of clear, timely and appro-priate information easily accessible to local popula-tions about the health and safety effects of chemi-cals.It is for this reason, that knowledge and information sharing are critical components of

1. The Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management is a global policy framework to guide efforts to attain the goal set out in the Plan of Implementation of the World Summit on Sustainable Development that, by 2020, chemicals will be produced and used in ways that minimize significant adverse effects on human health and the environment. The involvement of all relevant sectors and stakeholders is central to achieving the objectives of the Overarching Policy Strategy of the Strategic Approach. 2

The present Overarching Policy Strategy flows from the commitments expressed in the Dubai Declaration on International Chemicals Management developed in the context of the Rio Declaration, Agenda 21 and the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation.

The future we want for the sound management of chemicals1.In paragraph 23 of the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation, adopted at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002, Governments identified the goal of “achiev[ing] by 2020, that chemicals are used and produced in ways that lead to the minimization of significant adverse effects on human health and the environment” (see appendixA).That goal was further adopted as part of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management by the International Conference on