The $1.5 trillion global chemicals industry produces tens of thousands of substances that are incorporated in products that touch the everyday lives of nearly every person on earth. Some of these materials pose serious dangers to human health and the environment.

Unfortunately, in most countries (including the United States) the regulatory systems are not capable of adequately protecting public health from the threats of chemicals. The pervasive presumption that chemicals are "innocent until proven guilty" leads to widespread human exposure to a vast assortment of chemicals. The resulting "body burden" of chemicals is most insidious in children and women of child-bearing age who unwittingly pass on a toxic legacy to their offspring.

Too little is known about the health and environmental effects of the larger portfolio of chemicals. Many governments lack the resources to identify the most dangerous chemicals from among the universe of materials and many lack the authority take effective action.

CIEL works in the United States and internationally to eliminate threats posed by dangerous chemicals. CIEL's Chemicals Program is actively engaged in preventing the rollback of environmental protections, in developing new legal frameworks, and in winning broader public participation in international negotiations over the future of chemicals management.


For more information, please view related Chemicals topics or contact Glenn Wiser.


This page last modifed on 23 February 2005