Are we moving in the right direction?

The goal is to eliminate emissions and use of substances that pose a serious threat to health and the environment by 2020. For some hazardous substances it is not possible to stop emissions completely. This applies to substances that occur naturally or are formed unintentionally in different processes, such as PAHs and dioxins. The goal is then to eliminate emissions as much as possible.

A first step towards achieving the goal in 2020 is to reach significant reductions in emissions of substances on the priority list by 2010.

Emissions of priority substances significantly reduced

Emissions of most of the hazardous substances on the priority list have been substantially reduced since 1995. This is largely as a result of reductions in industrial emissions, regulation of hazardous substances in products and requirements for proper handling of waste.

For most of the substances on the priority list emission reductions are in accordance with what has been expected by 2010 (data for 2010 are not available yet). However, there are still challenges with some of the substances, including brominated flame retardants, whose use has been increasing.

For several of the the newer substances on the priority list, such as bisphenol A,  it is a challenge to obtain the data necessary to assess the appropriate action. These substances are often found in imported products, and consumption can be significant.

Ambitious goal for 2020

Halting the discharge of hazardous substances by 2020 is an ambitious goal. An important part of the work is to identify additional hazardous substances that are also covered by the goal and follow up on these, both nationally and internationally.