ICCM2 – May, 2009Resolution to implement a project on Chemicals in
ProductsBy Olga Speranskaya, IPEN CoChair
UNEP is leading the CiPThe Conference agreed: collect and review existing information on
information systems pertaining to chemicals in products including but not limited to regulations, standards and industry practices;
assess that information in relation to the needs of all relevant stakeholders and identify gaps;
develop specific recommendations for actions to promote implementation of the SAICM with regard to such information, incorporating identified priorities and access and delivery mechanisms
CiP goalto define what information stakeholders need
to enable them to contribute their part of the life-cycle management of chemicals in products and articles and thus to minimize risks.
recommendations should provide a path forward beyond ICCM3
suggest milestones for the cooperative actions.
CiP Steering GroupMs. Petra Ekblom, Swedish Chemicals Agency Mathias Kouassi (alternate for Astrid Télasco), CanadaProf. Babajide I. Alo, University of Lagos, Nigeria Magnus Bengtsson, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies; JapanMs. Irina Zastenskaya, Republican Scientific-Practical Centre of
Hygiene, Belarus;Ms. Carolyn Vickers, IOMC (Inter-Organization Program for the Sound
Management of Chemicals) representative; Ms. Veronica Monti, International Society of Doctors for the
Environment, Argentina;Michael Y. Gribble, Industry sector representative; Ms. Olga Speranskaya, Public interest sector representative; Agneta Sundén Byléhn and Kevin Munn, UNEP Chemicals Branch
Survey of SAICM Focal Points on the Need for Information on Chemicals in Products
CiP information systems in use or under development and the current state-of-the-art, including needs and gaps, in exchanging CiP information;
the CiP information needs of various stakeholders at different points in the lifecycle of a product;
priorities for CiP information on specific product groups or sectors.
73 individuals were - contributors, as well as 60 distinct government agencies, NGOs and international organizations.
Product/Sector Priorities
Children’s products including toysFood containers and food packagingComputers, cellular phones and other
electronic goodsCosmetics and Personal Care Products
Type of Information NeededManufacturer name and contact informationIdentification of chemicals in productsinformation for suppliers; Precautions, information on safe use and storage of
productsWhat to do in case of accident/exposure/injury; Information and on how to safely dispose of
products/type of waste; Safe waste handling information; Recycling, remanufacturing and reuse information.
Chemicals in products-case studies: building products; electronics; toys; textiles
ToysDEKRA Industrial GmbHhttp://www.dekra.comElectronicsChemsecwww.chemsec.orgBuilding productsUniversity of Tennessee – Knoxvillehttp://isse.utk.edu/ccp/TextilesUnited Nations Environment Programme Chemicals Branch,
INFORMATION NEEDS OF THE DIFFERENT STAKEHOLDERSProduct designProductionPackagingDistributionProduct useRecycling and Disposal
ISSUES PROPOSED FOR CONSIDERATION DURINGELABORATION OF THE CASE STUDIESTOYS Plastic, paint and wood • Recycled plastics containing pollutants • Producers (brand-owners) are lead-actors in the supply chains • Supply chain structure different cases o Brand owners who control their supply chains o Companies that buy toys in fairs etc • Producer-retailer interface likely to be crucial • Consumers have limited interest in having detailed info – labels,
issued by credible actor • Plastics grades: technical/analytical. Toys grade • Consider potential benefits to industry (partnerships), as well as
benefits to other involved stakeholders • Look to existing reporting systems (RAPEX) – consider as well the
impact such information availability has had on the development of the legislative basis
ISSUES PROPOSED FOR CONSIDERATION DURINGELABORATION OF THE CASE STUDIESCONSTRUCTION MATERIALS:Plastic and paints• Indoor exposure (buildings where we spend
most of our time)• Demolition exposure – info management for
long-lived products• Schools and kindergartens, vulnerable groups• New constructions• Testing routines for new “alternative “
Materials
ISSUES PROPOSED FOR CONSIDERATION DURINGELABORATION OF THE CASE STUDIESTextile:Toxics and allergens• Exposure in retail, use, washing
(environmental pollution of chemicals contained in the fibres), and burning of waste
• Information challenge similar to toys• Pesticide residues and additives• Testing for new material and additives
including nanomaterials
ISSUES PROPOSED FOR CONSIDERATION DURINGELABORATION OF THE CASE STUDIESElectronics (the life-cycles of personal
computers and mobile phones):End-of life treatment• Inclusion of recycled materials (plastics as
a raw material)• Look to existing efforts
Chemicals in products-time scheduleOctober - background research and the surveys or
questionnaires that will be used for the data-gathering from the stakeholders
November – face-to-face interviews15 November - advance drafts of four case studiesBy 1 December - Draft final reports of the case
studies are to be ready. 9-10 December - The results of the case studies
are to be considered at a Cross-sectoral Experts Meeting