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Addressing Toxics, Hazardous Materials, and Waste

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Improper management and disposal of toxic substances poses a threat to local and global environments. Once released into the environment, many of these substances can travel long distances and affect ecosystems and human populations far from the point of use or disposal. In addition, toxic chemicals can accumulate in the environment and pose long-term threats to human health. EPA works to reduce the use and release of toxics that can cause harm to humans and ecosystems, by providing technical assistance and capacity building to developing countries and by providing technical input into international negotiations for the sound management of toxic substances and wastes.

EPA works closely with multilateral organizations to address the threats posed by persistent bio-accumulative toxic substances (PBT's), like mercury, and to reduce the risks associated with the manufacturing, storage, and disposal of toxic chemicals. For instance, EPA is a key player in the UNEP Global Mercury Partnership, which seeks to reduce the use of mercury in key sectors worldwide.

In addition, EPA provides technical support and capacity building for the negotiation and implementation of other multilateral environmental agreements on chemicals and waste, including:

For example, Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are targeted under the Stockholm Convention, an international treaty that addresses the dangers of chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), pesticides like DDT and toxaphene, and dioxins and furans. Although most developed nations, including the United States, have taken strong action to control POPs, a great number of developing nations only recently have begun to restrict the production, use, and release of these substances. EPA helps foreign partners better manage these materials.  See:  Persistent Organic Pollutants: A Global Issue, A Global Response: exploring the health and environmental impacts of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and what actions the United States and other nations are taking to address these pollutants.

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Featured Program

Program

Technical Cooperation: The EPA has worked with Arctic Council countries on the environmentally safe management of Russian Soviet-era stocks of obsolete and prohibited pesticides.

Result

Since 2003, 100 metric tonnes of obsolete and prohibited pesticides (making up 10 percent of Russia's stockpile) have been repackaged, chemically analyzed, re-labeled and safely stored.

 

Learn More:

  • Persistent Organic Pollutants: A Global Issue, A Global Response: exploring the health and environmental impacts of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and what actions the United States and other nations are taking to address these pollutants.
  • Pesticides. EPA's international pesticide activities range from protecting the U.S. food supply to assisting developing countries to develop appropriate pesticide regulatory programs.
  • Pollution prevention and toxics. EPA works to promote community right-to-know objectives; as well as the safe manufacture, use, management and disposal of chemicals and heavy metals.
  • Expore a technology demonstration for Reducing Mercury Emissions from Small-Scale Gold Refining Facilities Exit EPA disclaimer
  • Long-Range Transport: View The 2000 Aljoya Consensus Statement on Long-Range Transport in the North Pacific

    • Additional Resources:

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