SummaryDespite phase-out policies, regulations, planning, and systematic thinking, diffuse emissions of hazardous substances from goods and materials accumulate in society. This is most pronounced in urban areas, since such emissions are related to high densities of people, services, and goods. In this study of Stockholm, Sweden, the aim is to discuss the utility of substance flow analyses (SFAs) for the urban management of hazardous substances. Several SFAs in Stockholm have been conducted during the period from 1995-2007. Eleven case studies were selected and were related to utility aspects to discover specific factors involved in the practical application of SFA. As far as ongoing environmental management is concerned, it can be stated that the SFAs' results have been implemented in several local environmental objectives. Citations and use of the SFAs show that the studies, which focus on diffuse emissions, have had a strong influence on local policy. The application of SFA in Stockholm reveals that methodology factors, type of information, local context, and method of communication may be important in the utilization of SFA in policy. In the implementation of the results of Stockholm studies, it has been a strength to have both the environmental monitoring, which indicates the existence of hazardous substances in different environmental compartments, and SFAs that map and monitor sources of emissions.
No abstract
In its Art. 57, the EU chemicals regulation REACH lists specific hazardous properties that are of particular concern for human health and/or the environment. Substances which have been demonstrated by Member State authorities or by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) to fulfil these criteria are identified as substances of very high concern (SVHCs). These substances are included on the list of candidates for authorisation under REACH, the ultimate aim of which is their eventual phase-out where technically and economically feasible. Although the awareness of chemical risks has increased in general and authorities have intensified their support to companies, the rate of substitution of hazardous substances is still criticised as too slow. In October 2018 an international seminar was jointly organised by three EU projects dealing with the reduction of risks from hazardous chemicals: “LIFE Fit for REACH” provides specific support on substitution to Baltic companies; the “NonHazCity” InterReg project identifies emission sources of hazardous substances, builds awareness and capacity in chemicals in cities and leads to emission reductions from small scale sources. The third project “LIFE AskREACH” aims at developing a smartphone app to improve communication of information on SVHCs in articles under REACH to consumers and improving related supply chain communication and awareness. At the seminar, opportunities to support substitution and overcome current barriers were discussed by experts from the EC, ECHA, Member States and different organisations, including academia, NGOs and the industry. This article describes the background of the discussions and the conclusions from the activities in the three projects, including the aforementioned joint seminar. It also contributes to the discussions on options to foster substitution in general.
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