14/05/2004
UN-led treaty to ban dangerous chemicals
An international treaty banning the world's most dangerous pesticides, industrial chemicals and hazardous by-products of combustion enters into force on Monday, marking the start of a UN-backed effort for a global reduction of pollutants tied to cancer, birth defects and immune system damage.
Over the next several years national investments plus donor pledges of hundreds of millions will channel more than $500 million into the initiative.
The 2001 Stockholm Convention deals with Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). For decades these highly toxic chemicals have killed and sickened people and animals by causing cancer and damaging the nervous, reproductive and immune systems. They have also caused uncounted birth defects, the UN said.
“The Stockholm Convention will save lives and protect the natural environment – particularly in the poorest communities and countries – by banning the production and use of some of the most toxic chemicals known to humankind,” Klaus Toepfer, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
Every human in the world carries traces in his or her body the highly stable compounds that can last for years or decades before breaking down. They circulate globally through a process known as the “grasshopper effect”. POPs released in one part of the world can, through a repeated process of evaporation and deposit, be transported through the atmosphere to regions far away from the original source.
There are alternatives to most POPs but high costs, a lack of public awareness, and the absence of appropriate infrastructure and technology have often prevented their adoption. Solutions must be tailored to the specific properties and uses of each chemical, as well as to each country's climatic and socio-economic conditions, according to the UN.
(gmcg)
Over the next several years national investments plus donor pledges of hundreds of millions will channel more than $500 million into the initiative.
The 2001 Stockholm Convention deals with Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). For decades these highly toxic chemicals have killed and sickened people and animals by causing cancer and damaging the nervous, reproductive and immune systems. They have also caused uncounted birth defects, the UN said.
“The Stockholm Convention will save lives and protect the natural environment – particularly in the poorest communities and countries – by banning the production and use of some of the most toxic chemicals known to humankind,” Klaus Toepfer, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
Every human in the world carries traces in his or her body the highly stable compounds that can last for years or decades before breaking down. They circulate globally through a process known as the “grasshopper effect”. POPs released in one part of the world can, through a repeated process of evaporation and deposit, be transported through the atmosphere to regions far away from the original source.
There are alternatives to most POPs but high costs, a lack of public awareness, and the absence of appropriate infrastructure and technology have often prevented their adoption. Solutions must be tailored to the specific properties and uses of each chemical, as well as to each country's climatic and socio-economic conditions, according to the UN.
(gmcg)
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27 June 2003
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Environmental think-tank issues chemical safety warning
The Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution has today called for a fundamental reform of the system used by government and industry to protect people and wildlife from man-made chemicals.
31 July 2007
Former BNP Member Jailed Over Explosive Chemicals
A former member of the British National Party has been jailed for two-and-a-half years for storing a collection of explosive chemicals in his home. Robert Cottage, 49, from Colne in Lancashire, had admitted possessing the chemicals in February. He was cleared of additional charges of conspiracy to cause explosions, following two trials.
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A former member of the British National Party has been jailed for two-and-a-half years for storing a collection of explosive chemicals in his home. Robert Cottage, 49, from Colne in Lancashire, had admitted possessing the chemicals in February. He was cleared of additional charges of conspiracy to cause explosions, following two trials.
27 May 2005
Chemicals may harm baby boys
For the first time, researchers have identified an association between pregnant women’s exposure to a group of chemicals known as phthalates and adverse effects on genital development in their male children.
Chemicals may harm baby boys
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29 May 2003
Pool cleaning chemicals linked to asthma
Research has linked the chemicals used to keep swimming pools clean to a rise in childhood asthma. The study by Belgian researchers indicates that naturally produced body fluids, sweat and urine, may react with the chlorinated compounds used in the pool water to produce a chemical cocktail that adversely affects the lungs.
Pool cleaning chemicals linked to asthma
Research has linked the chemicals used to keep swimming pools clean to a rise in childhood asthma. The study by Belgian researchers indicates that naturally produced body fluids, sweat and urine, may react with the chlorinated compounds used in the pool water to produce a chemical cocktail that adversely affects the lungs.
15 December 2004
China pledges more aid to UN world food programme
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and China have marked 25 years of partnership with a landmark agreement that will see increased Chinese funding and expertise used to assist the UN deal with global hunger.
China pledges more aid to UN world food programme
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and China have marked 25 years of partnership with a landmark agreement that will see increased Chinese funding and expertise used to assist the UN deal with global hunger.
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