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UNEP leads eradication of chemical pollutants

Xinhua, February 18, 2016 Adjust font size:

Efforts to eliminate the use of methyl bromide in the horticulture sector have been continuing since the chemical was banned in 2000 for its ozone layer depleting properties.

In Kenya, Steiner said UNEP was funding efforts to have the chemical eliminated alongside other chemicals identified under the Montreal Protocol which deals with the ozone-layer depleting chemicals.

"These have a major impact in the generation of greenhouse gases," Steiner noted.

Kenya's Ministry of Health said the use of methyl bromide, a fumigant, was halted in April 2015 under the commitments made by the Kenyan government in the Montreal Protocol.

UNEP contributed to the elimination of lead, a chemical previously used in petroleum products because of its health hazards.

Steiner said UNEP was continuing with steps to eliminate chemicals under various protocols, including the Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions, which are continuing to monitor "persistent pollutants."

"We have successfully implemented the global initiative to remove lead in fossil fuels. We continue to monitor its use especially in paints because of its effects on women and children," Steiner warned.

In his address before the ambassadors accredited to the UNEP, which was also attended by ministers of environment, Steiner said the environment had a direct bearing on health. He called for policies to deal with premature death caused by chemical pollutants.

Earlier, the UNEP Executive Director called on governments to come up with policies to phase out the ozone-layer depleting substances which are responsible for 2 million cancer cases every year, adding that ending the use of lead saved nearly a million lives every year.

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