Chemicals

One of the 16 environmental quality objectives adopted by the Swedish Riksdag refers to A Non-Toxic Environment. This objective aims to free the environment, within one generation, from man-made or extracted compounds and metals that represent a threat to human health or biological diversity. The REACH regulation, which came into force in 2007 is applied by all Member States of the EU and regulates the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals.

A Non-Toxic Environment entails shared responsibility in society. Everyone concerned needs to take their share of the responsibility. Enterprises, operators, authorities and consumers can make important contributions.

This means:

- acquiring better information on chemical substances, their occurrence and the impact they have on human health and the environment
- making good choices and handling chemicals in a safe manner
- moving away from the use of particularly hazardous substances.

Building up and disseminating knowledge

Manufacturers and importers are responsible for providing sufficient knowledge about the chemicals they wish to sell or use. Labelling and risk and safety information must be supplied.

Making good choices

To the greatest possible extent, hazardous substances and products should be avoided when choosing chemicals. This also applies to substances in articles such as packaging material for food, clothes, furniture, electronics, cars, toys, etc.

The substitution principle places this responsibility on enterprises and others. For some particularly hazardous chemicals, the choice is also governed by prohibitions and restrictions.

Handling chemicals safely

Anyone manufacturing articles must make sure that they do not create problems when the products are used or when they become waste.

Links to tools for control and information about chemical substances can be found to the right.