The International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM2) will address four emerging issues in chemical management at its second meeting, 11 to 15 May 2009 in Geneva.
A technical briefing held on the eve of the opening of ICCM2 introduced four new issues - "Nanotechology and manufactured nanomaterials", "Chemicals in products", "Electronic waste" and "Lead in paint" - which are proposed for inclusion in the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) Global Plan of Action.
At the briefing, experts also discussed the potential role of pollutant release and transfer registers (PRTRs) in the development of the proposed information system for chemicals in products. The Nordic Council has proposed creation of an information system on chemicals in products.
The Aarhus Convention secretariat asked whether linkages to national PRTRs and regional systems, such as the European PRTR covering 31 EU and European Free Trade Association countries' releases and transfers of priority pollutants, was under consideration. It was noted that PRTRs are mentioned in the information paper circulated by the SAICM secretariat to the Conference.
On its opening day, ICCM2 debated establishing a contact or intersessional group to examine the emerging issues. The Czech Republic on behalf of the European Union supported creation of the contact group. It suggested that nanotechnology and chemicals in products were issues with long-term prospects, while electronic waste and lead in paint also deserved attention.
An ICCM side event, "Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers as a tool to support the implementation of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management: Experience, challenges and opportunities" was held on 11 May. The event was organized by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) with the support of UNECE on behalf of the International PRTR Coordinating Group.
More than 100 countries attended the formal opening of the ICCM2. The International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN), consisting of more than 700 public interest nongovernmental organizations, was the largest NGO delegation present. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) acted as convener of ICCM2.
