Priorities for improving chemicals management in the WHO European Region—stakeholders’ views

Abstract

Background Prevention of the impact of chemicals on human health and the environment is an increasing focus of public health polices and policy makers. The World Health Organization European Centre for Environment and Health wanted to know what were stakeholders’ priorities for improving chemicals management and prevention. Methods Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 18 diverse stakeholders to answer this question. The interview questionnaire was developed using current WHO chemical meeting reports, the Evidence Implementation Model for Public Health Systems and categories of the theory of diffusion. Stakeholder views were attained on three main questions within the questionnaire. (i) What priority actions should be undertaken to minimize the negative impact of chemicals? (ii) Who needs to be more involved and what roles should they have? (iii) How can science and knowledge on chemicals and health be translated into policies more effectively and what are the greatest barriers to overcome? Results Cross cutting issues, such as legislation strengthening and enforcement, further collection of information, capacity building, education and awareness raising were considered priorities. The responders had the same vision on roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders. The greatest barrier to adoption, implementation and enforcement of evidence-based policies reported was leadership and political commitment to chemical safety. Conclusions Priorities raised differed depending on knowledge, professional background and type of stakeholder. Factors influencing priority identification at the national level include international and global context, availability of information, knowledge of the current situation and evidence-based good practice, and risks and priorities identified through national assessments.

A Scientometric Review of Chemical Management

“…Chemical management has evolved due to the increasing variety, use, and associated disasters. Consequently, the international community and governments emphasise the surfeit of preventing chemical health and environmental impacts (Vincenten et al, 2020) Prioritising practical actions and allocating resources are critical components of a chemical safety plan and are necessary for chemical management (Coleman et al, 2019).…”

“…International chemical safety policies provide a framework for countries to implement evidence-based policy actions (Vincenten et al, 2020). According to Vincenten et al (2020), the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) commit to (i) substantially reduce deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals by 2030 (SDG 3.9), (ii) improve water quality by reducing pollution by 2030 (SDG 6.3),and (iii) achieve environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycles to minimise the adversities (SDG 12.4).…”