Announcements
Announcements
SEI research on chemicals spans international chemicals policy, strategies to manage chemicals at the national level and local effects on ecosystem services, drawing on both natural and social science. This brief highlights some key insights from SEI’s work in recent years and outlines ideas for future research.
Global chemical production is growing rapidly. From 2000 to 2010 total chemical production is estimated to have increased by over 50%, driven by growing demand especially in developing countries and countries with economies in transition. Looking ahead, continued significant increases in production and use are predicted. The benefits to society from the wide variety of chemicals used in products of different kinds are indisputable, as are the risks to human health and ecosystems associated with exposure to hazardous substances, which also result in heavy economic costs to society.
SEI’s work on chemicals has led to a range of insights on how to improve chemicals management, and on how to balance the benefits and risks of chemicals use. In particular, big gains in safety can be achieved by targeting chemical use in the informal sector. The brief also reviews the successes and shortcomings of international regimes of chemical management, most important of which is the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM).
Directions for future research could include following up on the balancing acts associated with sound management of chemicals; adding chemicals to SEI’s consumption and production models; and developing a new renewable resource base for chemicals.
Download the brief (PDF, 254 KB)
Journal article / This paper provides a global overview of the status of GHS implementation using primary and secondary data, and explains differences between countries.
Feature / SEI was invited to share research insights with the International Development Association and Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Event on 22 April – 23 April / SEI's Diane Archer and Raja Asvanon will be speakers at this international seminar on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of CUSRI.
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