Chemical safety in a vulnerable world

The title of this article is the motto of the fourth meeting of the Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety (Forum IV), which is to be held in Bangkok in November 2003. The IFCS has been in existence for 10 years. During this period politicians, scientists, and the general public have become increasingly aware of the risks associated with chemicals. International conventions providing for prohibitions and restrictions of dangerous chemicals, and for better control of trade have been set up. These conventions will soon be binding under international law. In developing countries many people who handle or use hazardous chemicals are illiterate or poorly educated; they may not fully understand what they are handling. The industrialized countries therefore have a special duty to incorporate chemical safety in development cooperation measures. Through their presence at this year's forum, prominent chemists such as Carl Djerassi will seek to underline the fact that a long term preventive approach to healthcare and the environment is only possible through international cooperation. This overview describes current developments in the field of chemical safety policy and presents a selection of the legislation currently in force for chemicals in the European Union. It also provides an insight into the interwoven structure of international cooperation that takes place at both the political and the technical level.