Chemical contamination

Chemicals are needed in society as they form part of most products we use in our daily life, and some chemicals are literally life-saving, for example pharmaceutical substances.

However, many are widely manufactured and used today despite limited knowledge about their potential side-effects.

During product manufacturing, massive amounts of chemicals are released in many countries, as the relevant regulations or their implementation may be weak. Furthermore, the release of chemicals is increasing as the use of products is growing globally. Many chemicals that end up in the environment have the ability to disturb the food chain, and various chemicals have the ability to reach the drinking water supply.

Chemicals are also widely used within agriculture, and may thereby be enriched in foods, as well as entering ecosystems. In addition, humans are often directly exposed to chemicals via products used in daily life, such as personal care products, waterproof clothing, flame retardant textiles, and many more.

SSNC is working with chemical contamination issues on a national and global level. SSNC’s goal is to achieve sustainable chemical use with respect to human health and the environment. Our focus is on reducing the manufacturing and consumption of hazardous chemical products, and on improving existing regulations and legislation regarding the use of chemicals.

SSNC also wants to increase sustainable consumerism, including product ecolabeling. SSNC is supporting partnership organisations in many Global South countries, with the aim of obtaining a toxics free world with good human health and sustainable human rights.