Coordinating research activities on the mechanisms of action of toxic chemicals

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. Agenda 21 recommends promoting mechanisms to increase collaboration among governments, industry, academia and relevant non-governmental organizations involved in the various aspects of risk assessment of chemicals and related processes, in particular promoting and coordinating research activities to improve understanding of the mechanisms by which toxic chemicals act.

IPCS plans to study the epidemiology of pesticide poisonings in various parts of the world, with a view to reducing them.