Chemicals must be managed – United Nations

A United Nations Environment Program is meeting in Bangkok, Thailand to develop an approach to managing chemicals. The Kenyan-based U.N. program’s proposal was endorsed at the World Summit on sustainable Development in Johnannesburg, South Africa last summer.
“Chemicals are found in virtually every man-made product,” said the program’s executive director, Klaus Topefer. “While their contribution to modern society and economies has been vital, we have become increasingly aware of the risks posed by certain hazardous chemicals.”
The organization is going to aim to show that chemical safety is a sustainable development issue and will build on other international mechanisms.
Global chemical sales have increased ninefold since 1970 and production is shifting increasingly to developing countries.