INTERPOL, working with the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm
Conventions, has released the first e-learning module aimed to help law
enforcement officers identify and prevent illegal trading in hazardous
chemicals and wastes.

About 22 million tons of hazardous chemicals and wastes are moved worldwide
each year, according to the agency, which said the online tool aims to increase
awareness and understanding of the three global treaties that contribute to the
safe management, production, movement, use, and disposal of hazardous chemicals
and wastes.

"The legal international trade in chemicals is an important part of the global
economy, but it is crucial that this trade be effectively monitored,"” said
David Higgins, head of INTERPOL's Environmental Security unit. "This e-learning
tool provides targeted capacity building to law enforcement officials to help
ensure safe and environmentally sound management of hazardous substances."

"Protecting human health and the environment from the dangers of hazardous
chemicals and wastes is a growing area of responsibility for enforcement
officers. This tool will help them to meet their responsibilities to protect
their countries, their peoples, and the global community," said Jim Willis,
executive secretary of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions.

The module explains how to visually identify hazardous chemicals and wastes
from the container appearance, labels, codes, and names, and the PPE required
for inspections, and it provides guidance on how to identify and deal with
possible cases of illegal trade/trafficking and the importance of developing
cooperation with different agencies at the national and international levels.

Further Information

AplusA-online.de - Source: Environmental Protection