HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Health)

Context: Delegates at a recent United Nations (UN) Conference in the German city of Bonn have recently adopted a new global framework aimed at reducing environmental risks associated with chemicals and waste.

Key Points of Summit

• The framework is based on 28 targets, designed to improve responsible management of chemicals and waste. 
• Aim: To establish stronger connections with other important global agendas, including climate change, biodiversity, human rights, and health.
• National governments are committed to formulating policies and regulations in order to reduce chemical pollution by 2030 as well as promoting safer alternatives. 
• Industries also pledged to manage chemicals in order to reduce pollution and its adverse impacts.

Hazardous Chemicals

• About: A hazardous chemical is one that possesses properties capable of causing harm to human or animal health, damaging the environment, or affecting property.
• This term encompasses various substances, including chemical dust, vapors, smoke, fumes, mixtures, solvents, detergents, acids, alkalis, petroleum, and paints.

Categories of Hazardous chemicals

• Flammable or explosive chemicals: Petroleum, TNT, and plastic explosives.
• Chemicals that can irritate or corrode the skin, lungs, and eyes, like acids, alkalis, and paints, as well as their fumes.
• Toxic chemicals: Carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, and cyanide.