Defaulting on the Rotterdam Convention is a global phenomenon. The figure shows the number of illegal exports (left) and imports (right) by year and region. Image: Empa
Defaulting on the Rotterdam Convention is a global phenomenon. The figure shows the number of illegal exports ( left ) and imports ( right ) by year and region. Image: Empa Researchers from Switzerland and China have studied the global trade in highly hazardous chemicals subject to a global treaty - the Rotterdam Convention. The results are sobering: Nearly half of the total trade volume of these chemicals crosses national borders illegally, calling for strong international and national action. 54 chemicals and groups of chemicals are covered by the Rotterdam Convention due to their high potential to cause severe harm on human health and the environment. These include mercury compounds, various pesticides and five of the six types of asbestos. The Convention, also known as the PIC Convention (Prior Informed Consent), does not ban these hazardous substances.
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