strategy
Increasing research on safer alternatives to harmful toxic chemicals
Description:
Strengthening research on safe/safer alternatives to toxic chemicals that pose an unreasonable and otherwise unmanageable risk to the environment or human health and to those that are toxic, persistent and bio-accumulative and that cannot be adequately controlled. Implementation:
This strategy features in the framework of Agenda 21 as formulated at UNCED (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), now coordinated by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and implemented through national and local authorities. Claim:
Innocent until proven guilty, a concept only used in criminal law (not civil law) is inapplicable to chemicals or technologies. Indeed, we Unfortunately, waiting to prove with absolute certainty that some chemical has caused harm has resulted in irreversible harm to the environment and public health. We treat medical drugs exactly the opposite of chemicals like pesticides and PVCs: they are guilty until proven innocent. This fortuitous approach protected children from the affects of Thalidomide. Broader:
Demonstrating alternativesIncreasing international assessment of chemical risksMaking the world a safer place Facilitates:
Developing safer alternatives to dangerous materials Subjects:
Fundamental Sciences → ChemicalsSocietal Problems → Safety
Societal Problems → Hazards
Societal Problems → Poison
Research, Standards → Research
Innovative change → Alternatives
Type Classification:
E: Emanations of other strategies Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
