Chemicals and gender - Gender Climate

2Chemicals and genderWHY is the sound management ofchemicals important TO economic andsocial development?Chemicals bring a number of benefits to modern societies.Chemicals are used in life-saving medicines, purification agentsfor treating drinking water supplies, and agricultural chemicals(e.g. pesticides and fertilisers) that boost on-farm productivity,among other uses. However, despite these important economic,social, and health benefits, chemicals can be extremely harmful ifthey are not properly managed. Effects on human health and theenvironment can be immediate and catastrophic, as in the case ofoil spills, large accidental releases of industrial chemicals, and acutepesticide poisonings. In the longer term, extended exposure totoxic chemicals in water, food, air, and soil, as well as to chemicalproducts, can cause or exacerbate many serious human healthissues, including damage to reproductive and neurological systems,as well as cancer.There is an established link between poverty and the increased riskof exposure to toxic and hazardous chemicals. Exposure of poorpeople to toxic chemicals is often strongly correlated to geography.In urban settings, low-income or minority populations typicallyreside in neighborhoods considered undesirable, such as areasadjacent to industrial zones. These places can be major sourcesof environmental exposure to toxic chemicals, originating fromfactories, landfill sites, incinerators, and/or hazardous waste dumps.In rural areas, where three-quarters of the world’s poor live, mostchemical exposure is linked to pollution brought by polluted watersources as well as the use of pesticides in agriculture. The improperuse, management, and storage of pesticides and chemical fertiliserscan result in contamination of air, food, soil, and drinking water(e.g., through pesticide and nitrate run-off), leading to increasedhuman exposure and associated health risks.A strong chemicals management regime in place will contributetowards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals(MDGs). The sound management of chemicals ties to the MDGsin a number of ways. While most linkages between the soundmanagement of chemicals and the MDGs have focused on MDG 7(Environmental Sustainability), SMC contributes to the achievementof all the MDGs, particularly to MDG 3 (Gender Equality) and MDG 5(Maternal Health).Gender Mainstreaming Guidance Series : Chemicals and gender

4Cadmium scenarioA small village was situated at the river side. The riverwas a blessing. Not only was the water used to irrigatethe rice fields, but it also served the village with drinkingwater and fish. Women washed clothes in the river andchildren played in the water. Most women worked in therice field while the men worked at the zinc mine thatwas situated up-streams of the village. The productionof zinc was high and there were employment opportunitiesfor all of the men who could work.After several years, the older women started to complainabout back and leg bone pain, and problems with theirkidneys. They visited a doctor, who found proteins intheir urine. Some of the women suffered from multiplebone fractures, and their skeleton became deformed.Eventually, it was determined that the river water wascontaminated with cadmium, which is a by-productin zinc production. Consequently, large amounts ofcadmium were released into the river, and the river watercontaminated the rice fields. Rice efficiently accumulatescadmium as it grows, and consequently, the populationwas exposed to cadmium through food intake over along period of time. The cause of the symptoms thatthe women suffered from is not yet fully understood,but the combination of long-term cadmium exposurewith general malnourishment and low body iron storesare some of the key factors of the disease.Cadmium has many uses including: the plating of iron andsteel to protect from corrosion, in pigments and paints,batteries, and many electronic applications. Increasinglevels of cadmium on agricultural land is often the resultof atmospheric deposition and the use of fertilizers andsewage sludge, which often contain cadmium. Leakingand burning of wastes can add to increasing cadmiumlevels in soil. Once in the soil, cadmium is taken up bythe growing crop. People are exposed mainly throughfood, especially rice, wheat and other crops, and smokersare exposed through tobacco smoking. The absorptionof cadmium in the gastrointestinal tract is quite low(less than 5 percent), however, at low body iron stores,the uptake is much higher, at about 20 percent. Sincelow body iron stores are common among women ofchildbearing age all over the world, women constitute arisk group for cadmium exposure.Cadmium has a very long half-life within the body(about 30 years), and therefore accumulates over time.Negative health effects are typically experienced afterlong-term low-level cadmium exposure. The kidneyand bone are the primary targets of cadmium toxicity.Gender Mainstreaming Guidance Series : Chemicals and gender

6Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are a group of chemicals which havebeen intentionally or inadvertently produced and introduced into theenvironment. Due to their stability and transport properties, they are nowwidely distributed around the world, and are even found in places wherethey have never been used or produced, such as the arctic region. ThePOPs include pesticides, industrial chemicals, and chemicals in articles aswell as substances formed as by-products. Given their long half-lives andfat solubility, POPs tend to bioaccumulate up the food chain, especially inthe fatty tissue of older animals. POPs appear at higher concentrations in fat-containing foods, including fish,meat, eggs and milk. POPs are also present in the human body and relatively high levels are found in humanbreast milk.As a group, POPs are of concern for both environmental and human health reasons, most notably, becauseof their potential effects on the endocrine system, but also because of how they affect the immune system,liver, cognitive ability, the reproductive system (including low birth weight), and their ability to cause cancer.Of particular concern for humans, is chronic low-level exposure to POPs during fetal development, infancy andchildhood. This exposure can impact critical and vulnerable windows of development with lifelong negativeconsequences. Infants and children are more vulnerable to POPs than adults, because while they are developingand growing, they have higher intake than adults (based on body weight) and the developing brain,immune system, endocrine system and reproductive organs are very sensitive during this period of life.Heavy metalsHeavy metals such as lead, cadmium, arsenic and mercury are highly toxic,affecting cognitive, neurological and reproductive functions, and are associatedwith negative effects in many organs and tissues, including kidneys,brain, bones, and the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. They are alsohighly bio-accumulative, and health effects may occur after long-termlow-level exposure.Mercury and lead have raised the highest concerns in the internationalcommunity as they are known to have adverse effects on pregnancy and the unborn child. While exposureto these metals is known to occur via atmospheric, agricultural soil and waterway pollution, paints, and productwaste, a less well-known but also important source of exposure for women is through the application ofcosmetics. To illustrate, many face creams purporting to have skin lightening properties have been found tocontain mercurial ingredients. Since levels of such ingredients may be below specified regulatory limits, theyare not declared on the labels of cosmetic products but they may have impacts on women, ranging from minorissues such as skin rashes, to more major implications, such as damage to the brain, nervous system, kidneysand the unborn child. Please see Table 1 for more information. Inter-governmental negotiations on restrictingthe use and release of mercury have been initiated with the aim of concluding a legally binding agreement by2013.Gender Mainstreaming Guidance Series : Chemicals and gender

7UNDP En v i r o n m e n t & En e r g y Gr o u pDepending on social circumstances in particularcommunities, men may be at greater risk of exposureto toxic chemicals used, for instance, in artisanal goldmining operations (such as toxic mercury vapors thatare released when gold is extracted from ore), tanneryoperations (chemicals such as bisphenol A are usedin hair removal products) and mechanical workshops(through exposure to toxic solvents being releasedfrom paint). In many societies, it is generally acceptedthat men can be asked to do more dangerous jobs thanwomen therefore increasing the likelihood of exposureto hazardous situations and chemicals, while alsoincreasing the segregation of women into the lowerrungs of the work force.Women may be at greater risk from hazardousingredients and chemicals contained in cleaningagents, professional cosmetic and personal careproducts or those used in textile processing. Inthe health care sector, women generally representthe majority of the workers (e.g., nurses, pharmacyworkers), which increases their chances of exposure tochemical agents used in medical procedures.Note that children may also be at risk of occupationalexposure to toxic substances, including agriculturalchemicals. For example, surveys have found thatin several countries, children are engaged in theapplication of pesticides to commercial corps, directlyexposing them to highly toxic residues.Differences in household exposures. Manychemical products or products that containconcentrations of toxic chemicals are used inhouseholds for cleaning (e.g., washing and cleaningagents), personal care (e.g., cosmetics and personalproducts such as soaps, creams, shampoos), and pestcontrol (e.g., rat poison, garden insecticides, etc.). Alsopesticides and house building materials are oftenstored in the home, even in the kitchen, and pesticidecontainers are at times recycled for other uses.Because women and girls usually assume responsibilityfor cleaning and household management, they arethe ones more likely to be exposed to toxic chemicalsfound in cleaners, insecticides, etc. Women and girlsalso tend to use more jewelry, cosmetics and personalcare products than men, and so are more likely tobe affected by exposure to potentially dangerousingredients or adulteration of such products.Small children also have higher exposure due tocertain habits, such as the hand-to-mouth behaviorthat can result in high exposure to chemicals andpollutants in soil or indoor dust. Their unique behavioralpatterns may also lead to increased risk of exposureto chemicals. Compounding the risk is children’s lackof ability and capacity to make choices regardingbehaviors or avoiding hazardous environments thatincrease the risks of exposure.Policy RecommendationsIn conclusion, men and women are exposed to differinglevels of toxic chemicals and they have different healthreactions when they are exposed to toxic chemicals.Thus, gender is a critical component to consider whenformulating policies and programmes in the area ofsound management of chemicals.However, current health and exposure models have notbeen targeted by gender. Going forward, it is importantto collect epidemiological health data on chemicalexposures that are gender-specific. Exposure scenarios,particularly concerning releases of POPs, heavy metals,and endocrine disrupting chemicals, must be examinedby gender. This information will enable policy-makersto formulate policies and take action that is targeted bygender. It is important to document the experiences ofboth women and men and to collect sex-disaggregateddata that take into account the realities of people’severyday lives to ensure that development policies arerelevant, effective and on target.How can UNDP Strengthenthe gender dimensionsof its work in the area ofchemicals management?The sound management of chemicals (SMC) is essentialto the achievement of sustainable development,including the eradication of poverty and disease, theimprovement of human health and the environmentand the elevation and maintenance of the standard ofliving in countries at all levels of development.UNDP plays a key role in supporting client countries inidentifying gaps and needs in chemicals managementpolicies and frameworks; determining visions, priorities,and targets; formulating policies; and, integratingchemicals management and related objectives into

8MDG-based national development strategies andpoverty reduction strategies.UNDP can support its partners in incorporatingand addressing the priority concerns of vulnerablegroups–including children, pregnant women, workers,the elderly, and the poor–as countries go through themulti-step process of assessing and strengtheningcapacity to manage chemicals safely. UNDP’s stepwiseapproach for ncorporating SMC within nationaldevelopment plans comprises several elements (seeFigure 1). 3Figure 1. Steps for Mainstreaming SMC in National Development StrategiesMONITORING & EVALUATIONGENDER MAINSTREAMINGstep 1 step 2 step 3 step 4 step 5step 6Da t a Co l l e c t i o nDa t a An a l y s i s& Di a g n o s t i c sIdentific ationOppor tunities &PrioritiesCo s t i n go f SMCprioritiesEn a b l i n gPo l i c y& Re g u l a t o r yFr a m e w o r kMa i n-streamingSMC f o r t h eMDGsAWARENESS RAISING & PROMOTING MULTI-STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENTEndocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs)Endocrine disruptors are substances that can cause adverse effects by interfering in some way with the body’shormones, causing harm to adults or their children. Under the control of the central nervous system, hormonesare secreted by endocrine glands, thyroid, ovaries, testes and adrenals, into the bloodstream and travel throughthe body to specific organs, where they exert control over cells by binding to specific cellular receptor proteins.Hormones can then cause their receptor to interact directly on the DNA. These hormone receptors control orregulate key bodily functions and processes including development, growth and reproduction.There are many examples of industrial, waste, pesticide and cosmetic chemicals that have been shown to interactwith these hormone receptors in the same way as hormones, with different potencies, or as inhibiting thehormonal functions. These are commonly referred to as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) or endocrineactive substances (EAS). Many of these chemicals are persistent and bioaccumulative, such as POPs; whileother examples include many currently manufactured chemicals, such as the industrial chemical Bisphenol A,which is used in plastics that humans are continuously exposed to. More examples are given in Table 1.EDCs differ from other toxic substances because they can interfere with normal blood hormone levels and haveeffects at very low doses. They can disrupt the hormonal regulation of normal cell differentiation, growth anddevelopment, metabolism and reproduction throughout life. Such effects can occur at levels far lower than thoseof traditional concern to toxicologists, and they also interact in an additive manner so that exposure to many EDCchemicals increases the risk of health effects.The health effects associated with EDCs include the following:»» Increased risk of breast, testicular and prostate cancers»» Decreases in sperm counts and quality»» Increased incidence of defects in the male reproductive tract»» Changes in sex ratio (declining proportion of boys)»» Neurological and behavioral disorders in children»» Impaired immune function3The UNDP Guide for Integrating the Sound Management of Chemicals into MDG-Based Development PlanningGender Mainstreaming Guidance Series : Chemicals and gender

9UNDP En v i r o n m e n t & En e r g y Gr o u pIn the following section, we discuss two overarchinginterventions–namely, awareness raising and ensuringmulti-stakeholder participation–that will contribute tothe success of all subsequent stages of the process ofstrengthening a national SMC regime. We then discusspriorities for UNDP support to assist partners withmainstreaming gender considerations at each step inthe process of developing their chemicals regimes.»»Raise awareness of the linkages betweenchemical exposures, the effects on human healthand the environment, and gender differences inrisks and impacts. In most communities peopleare unaware of their routine, even daily, exposureto toxic chemicals in the workplace, at home,and in the general environment. Thus, raisingawareness of the immediate health risks of toxicchemicals used in agriculture, mining, healthservices, manufacturing, and household andboth household and hazardous waste streamactivities in developing countries is a necessary,overarching intervention that informs work at allsubsequent stages of the policy process.Among the issues that countries can beencouraged to examine are the social factorsthat influence human exposure to chemicals(such as risks associated with the gender divisionof labour), as well as the role of physiologicaldifferences between women, men, and childrenin determining the health impacts of toxicexposures. Also, partners can be encouragedto pay attention to the differing implicationsof chemical pollution of the environment forwomen and men, such as impacts on women’sworkload due to gender-determined roles.For example, women’s workload may beincreased when family members fall ill due tooccupational or environmental exposure tochemical hazards, since women usually bearthe primary responsibility for caring for the sick.Similarly, chemical contamination of water andfood sources may add to the workload of womenand girls if they have to travel farther to find safewater and food.Maternal health and breast milk contaminationCertain types of chemicals can induce, cause, or accumulate in dangerouslevels in humans leading to adverse reproductive, developmental, immunological,hormonal and carcinogenic effects. Exposure to these chemicalscan also result in miscarriages, low birth weight babies and prematurebirths. Women can pass on these toxic chemicals to their children, bothprenatally and through breastfeeding. Thus, managing chemicals properlycan help safeguard maternal health, and the health of future generations.Extensive data has been compiled on how breast milk accumulates and harbors persistent organohalogens,including POPs. Breast milk can also be a source of exposure to heavy metals and volatile solvents. A numberof international studies demonstrate that a high level of toxic contaminants, including POPs, is found in humanbreast milk. Nevertheless, despite the overwhelming evidence of breast milk contamination above recommendedlevels by harmful chemical substances, the advantages of breast feeding (such as high nutrient value,possibility of contaminated water used for formula milk) still outweigh its potential risks.Although maternal health is an important priority of the development community, as the 2009 MDG Reportshows, maternal health is the goal towards where there has been the least progress so far. The World HealthOrganization (WHO) is currently collecting baseline data assessing the levels of POPs contamination of breastmilk. Given the health risks posed to future generations, improved breast milk monitoring and evaluationactivities need to be implemented, and more vulnerable populations, such as those living near contaminatedwater, land and waste sites, should be the focus of development interventions that take women’s needs andexperiences into account equally to those of men.

10Below is a checklist that can serve as a basis forawareness raising efforts, with modifications totailor it according to the country’s situation.Aw a r e n e s s Ra i s i n g: Sa m p l e Ch e c k l i s t f o r In t egr at ingGen d er As pe c t s✓✓ Are national/regional social factors that influencehuman exposure to chemicals identified/covered (such as risks associated with genderdivision of labour)?✓✓ Is importance given to the linkages betweenSMC and the MDGs (e.g., the positive effects ofSMC on attaining the MDGs, such as increasedmaternal health, lower child mortality, highercrop yields, clean water, etc.)?✓✓ Have the health effects of chemical exposurebeen linked to the physiological differencesbetween men, women, and children, as well asdifferences at various stages of development(i.e., conception, gestation, infancy, childhood,adolescence, and adulthood)?✓✓ Are different social and economic implicationsof chemical pollution for women and menrecognised?✓✓ Are there different medical health reportingsystems for women and men, and gendervariability in quality of care also at different lifestages ?✓✓ In development of training/awarenesscampaigns, have biases in educational systemsbeen taken into account (e.g., participatingwomen might be less equipped to understand,cope with, and anticipate the implicationsof chemicals exposure and environmentalchange or resource conditions)?✓✓ Do awareness-raising activities target all stakeholders,their requirements, and their challenges?Is the timing of activities conducive toparticipation by all stakeholders?»»Promote a multi-stakeholder approach to ensurethe participation of women and vulnerablepopulations in policy development and decisionmakingprocesses. SMC is a cross-sectoral issuethat is best considered in a multi-disciplinary,multi-stakeholder context. Like awareness raising(discussed above), working with partners toencourage a multi-stakeholder, gender-sensitiveapproach is an overarching intervention thatwill help ensure the success and sustainabilityof all subsequent interventions in the multi-stepprocess of assessing and strengthening a nation’schemicals management regime.Among the key stakeholders that shouldbe involved throughout the process are therelevant national ministries involved in aspectsof chemicals management (e.g, ministries ofenvironment, industry, labour, health, women,agriculture, education, trade, etc.), industryassociations, labour organisations, laboratories,universities, NGOs, civil society organisations, etc.Since women and other vulnerable populations(e.g., farmers and farm labourers, industrialworkers, indigenous communities, etc.) tend tobe under-represented in the chemicals sector andrelated policy and decision-making processes,affirmative steps are needed to ensure adequateparticipation of all stakeholders. This can beachieved by, for example, reaching out to labourorganisations, NGOs, and other groups withsignificant representation of women and othervulnerable groups. Outreach to NGOs and othersworking on gender, health, and environmentalissues at the grassroots level is another key step.Women also need to be equaly involvedas stakeholders not only because of theirvulnerability but also because they have specificknowledge and skills as active agents of changeto offer in the process of formulating policies;and, integrating chemicals management andrelated objectives into MDG-based nationaldevelopment strategies and poverty reductionstrategies. Women’s equal access to informationand resources increases the effectiveness ofprograms and projects.Gender Mainstreaming Guidance Series : Chemicals and gender

Maternal health scenario11In a village, a pregnant woman has been consuming a lotof fish from a nearby lake during her life. Unfortunately,the lake is close to a power company and has beenpolluted by leaking transformers. As a result, the womanhas accumulated high levels of PCBs and dioxins. Sinceshe is thin, the concentrations are high because thesepollutants are stored in fat. She has also lived her entirelife in a rural area on a farm, where the DDT and endosulphanpesticides have been stored in the kitchen ofher small house. This has led to her exposure to thesepotentially endocrine disrupting pesticides althoughshe has not sprayed the crops herself. Now that she ispregnant, these chemicals will cross the placenta andreach the fetus. She does not know that these chemicalscan harm her baby. The baby may be born small, withlow birth weight and would really need the nutritiousfood that the mother’s milk can provide. However, evenhigher levels of these chemicals are in the breast milkthat flows into the baby’s small stomach, where theintestines absorb as many nutrients from the mother aspossible. But unfortunately, pollutants and chemicalsare also being absorbed efficiently. The intake of dioxinsand PCBs can be up to 100 times higher in the infantthan in the mother (in relation to body weight). Thismeans that the infant accumulates dioxins and PCBsas well as persistent pesticides during a very criticalwindow of development. Consequently, as the babygrows, he/she may have a poorer defense to infectionsthan if he/she had not been exposed to these chemicals.Moreover, when starting school, the child may havedifficulties with important functions, such as motoractivity, memory and attention. This will certainly lead topoorer performance in school and could influence thechild’s future. Upon reaching adulthood, in utero andinfant exposure to such endocrine disrupting chemicalsmay create long term reproductive health and fertilityproblems, by affecting the development of the sexualorgans and functions. Thus, if the child manages tosurvive childhood infections, it is possible that he/shemay experience problems with learning and fertility inthe future.UNDP En v i r o n me n t & En e r g y Gr o u p

12Male worker scenarioA man is hurrying home from work. It is late and he istired after spending another long day in the toy factory.He has been working at the factory in the productionof plastic toys since he was a young teenager, similar tohis parents. He is now married to a wonderful womanand he has never in his life been so happy. After his hardwork, he can relax with her and she always prepares nicemeals for him when he comes home hungry. The onlyconcern for him is that they have tried to get pregnantfor several years without success. He and his wife bothlong for children and they are eager to start their ownfamily. Now his fellow co-workers at the factory havestarted to question whether the chemicals they use inthe production of the plastic toys could be damagingtheir ability to have children. He is not the only oneworking at the factory without children. Someonesaid that the phthalates used as plasticizers are toxic totheir sperm. Could this be the reason behind his wife’sinability to get pregnant? If he could, he would quitand look for another job. But this factory is the onlyemployer in the area where an uneducated man likehim could be employed. He promises himself that ifthey ever succeed in having children, he will work hardso that his children can go to school to become morequalified and obtain jobs less harmful than his job atthe toy factory.Five years later, the man and his wife at last have atlast succeeded in having children. It took them 15years of trying to create their own family. What theydid not know was that the exposure of his mother tophthalates, when she was pregnant with him, mayhave contributed to his reduced fertility. Moreover, hisown exposure to the same phthalates may not haveimproved his chances to become a father. Phthalatescan inhibit the normal male hormone androgen andthey are especially toxic to the male fetus.Gender Mainstreaming Guidance Series : Chemicals and gender

Nickel scenario13When I was a little girl, I wanted to be as pretty as myolder sister and convinced my mother to pierce my ears.It was a relatively painless process and nearly everyoneadmired my new earrings. A few years later, it becamefashionable to have jewelry made of silver-like metaland I was so proud when I managed to buy my ownwatch with a metal bracelet. I have always enjoyed feelingbeautiful, and began experimenting with applyingdifferent types of makeup at an early age. Dark mascaramade my eyes really sparkle on Graduation Day. Oneof the gifts that I received after completing my finalexam was a new mobile phone with a shiny silver cover.My first job was as a cashier at the supermarket whereamong other things, I was responsible for counting thedaily cash and sorting all the coins. When at work, I metthe world’s most wonderful man, and he gave me a ringmade of white gold, with our names engraved inside!But after a few weeks, I started getting a red rash onthe ring finger. It itched and eventually, I had to removethe ring. Soon I noticed that the eczema had spread toother parts of my hands, especially, after the days I hadbeen responsible for coin sorting. Even my ears startedto become swollen, red and scaly, so I couldn’t wear myearrings anymore. At work, I now had to wear gloves.One night, when I was dressing up for a party, I had aswollen reaction in my eyes from the mascara. Instead ofsparkling eyes, it looked like I had cried for hours. When Itold my female colleagues about these problems, manyof them recounted similar experiences and gave megood advice on how to avoid the sensitivity inconveniencesof nickel, the metal I had become so allergic to.Statistics show that contact dermatitis and hand eczemaare more common in women than in men. Handeczema is the most common occupational skin diseaseand creates high costs for society, negatively affectingthe working capacity and quality of life, and long-termprognosis is unfavorable with continued exposure.Nickel allergy, which is the most frequent contact allergy,can be seen as redness, swelling, blistering, crackingand itching from objects that release nickel ions on skincontact. Several of the most common causes of nickelallergy are consumer products, to which women aremore likely to be exposed to than men, such as, earrings,jewelry and buttons. Nickel may also be released fromeveryday objects such as coins, keys, scissors, other toolsand utensils, resulting in hand eczemaUNDP En v i r o n me n t & En e r g y Gr o u p

14Engaging with relevant industries andenterprises can also be a powerful focal pointfor change. Corporate environmental and socialresponsibility are on the rise and involvingindustrial companies and small and mediumenterprises in stakeholder consultationsthroughout the process may contribute to thedevelopment of codes of conduct and othersteps to reduce chemical hazards for workers andother vulnerable populations.Below is a checklist that can serve as a basis for amultistakeholder approach, with modifications totailor it according to the country’s situation.Mu lt i-Stak eh o ld er Appr oac h: Sa m p l e Ch e c k l i s t f o rIn t egr at ing Gen d er As pe c t s✓✓ Are mechanisms in place to promote genderbalance among participants?✓✓ Do professional women participate (through,for example, labour organisations representinglarge numbers of women, as well asthrough universities and/or NGOs)?✓✓ Are representative ministries for vulnerablepopulations participating (e.g., health,women’s affairs, labour, environment, agriculture,industry, etc.)?✓✓ Are NGOs and CSOs working on gender, healthand environmental issues participating? Arenetworks and relationships with these organisationsbeing strengthened?✓✓ Are industries and enterprises that impact thehealth of workers and vulnerable populationsparticipating in stakeholder consultations?Gender Mainstreaming Guidance Series : Chemicals and gender

In the following section, wediscuss priorities for UNDPsupport to assist partnerswith mainstreaming genderconsiderations at each stepof a national process todevelop or strengthen a soundmanagement of chemicals(SMC) regime.

16St ep 1: En s u r e collec t i on o f se x-d i sa g g r e g at e dd ata a n d i n f o r mat i o n r e l e va n t to SMC. Thedevelopment of a national situation report isan important first step in assessing a country’scurrent SMC capacity. In this step, a countrydetermines what capacity current exists,based on data and information gathered fromsurveys, research, and programmes, such asdata collected during GEF-POPs enablingactivities and the development of countryprogrammes, as well as data from PRSPs andan existing National Chemical Profile.Supporting partners in the collection andreview of data and information relevant to thegender dimensions of chemical safety is a keypriority for UNDP efforts. Below is a checklistthat can serve as a basis for such efforts, withmodifications to tailor it according to thecountry’s situation.St ep 1 – Collec t i on o f Se x-Di sa g g r e g at e dData Re l e va n t to SMC: Sa m p l e Ch e c k l i s t f o rIn t egr at ing Gen d er As pe c t s✓✓ Are available data on chemicals disaggregatedon the basis of sex, ethnicity,geography, type of labour, religion, andlanguage?✓✓ Do existing mechanisms for consultationand coordination on SMC include provisionsfor ensuring gender equality inopportunities for participation?✓✓ Do current development plans and prioritiesfor chemicals management addresssocial, health, and environmental implicationsfor the most vulnerable populations?✓✓ With regard to assessment of hazardsand risks associated with chemicals (inoccupational safety and health policies, forexample), are the different health implicationsfor men, women, and children takeninto consideration?St ep 2: In t egr at e se x-d i sa g g r e g at e d d ata in d ata a n a ly s i sa n d d ia g n o s t ic s . In this step, a country looks at thequality and applicability of the data gathered in Step1 and considers what these data reveal about nationalcapacity for SMC. To integrate gender dimensions intothis step, countries can examine the results of dataanalysis and diagnostics in terms of gender-relatedissues, such as differences in risks and vulnerabilityin various groups in society (workers, indigenouscommunities, etc.). The following checklist includesexamples of gender-related aspects of data analysisand diagnostics related to national SMC capacity.St ep 2 – Data An a ly s i s a n d Dia g n o s t ic s f o r Nat i o na lSMC Ca pa c i t y: Sa m p l e Ch e c k l i s t f o r In t egr at ing Gen d erAs pe c t s✓✓ Are data on SMC sufficiently comprehensiveto support drawing of conclusions concerninghealth implications (e.g., for women of childbearingage, children, workers, and the poor)? Ifso, does a gender-sensitive analysis, includinggender relevant chemical exposure measurementin biological matrices, show discrepancies in thevulnerability of certain populations to chemicalexposures?✓✓ Are there gender-related gaps in capacity for SMCimplementation, management, and service delivery(institutions, industry, health care, education)?✓✓ Who are the beneficiaries of the current SMCregime? From a health, environmental, social, oreconomic perspective, do women, children, andthe poor benefit from existing national capacity(policies, legislative frameworks, regulations, etc.)?✓✓ How broad is the knowledge of SMC and howwell is knowledge of chemicals and their use andapplication disseminated among women andvulnerable populations (e.g., is there a need formore effective educational programs)?✓✓ Are stakeholders (such as industry, CSOs, NGOs,women, indigenous communities, the poor andother vulnerable groups, etc.) included in relevantSMC planning and implementation processes?Gender Mainstreaming Guidance Series : Chemicals and gender

17St ep 3: In t egr at e g en d er a s p e c t s in iden t ifi c at i on o f n at i o na l oppor t uni t ie s a n d pr i o r i t i e s f o r SMC. The third step inthe process is identifying opportunities and priorities for strengthening national capacity for SMC, based ondata analysis and diagnostics carried out in the previous step. This step encompasses two phases, the first ofwhich is to list and describe opportunities without ranking them in terms of priority.It is crucial that gender aspects be adequately addressed during the identification of opportunities so these canbe then considered during the priority-setting phase. The checklist below highlights examples of questions toask to ensure mainstreaming of gender considerations in the context of identification of opportunities.Once the opportunities have been identified, priority setting can be undertaken. Because each countrysituation is unique, the criteria used for determining priorities will vary. Whatever the nature of these criteria,they should incorporate gender-related dimensions. The following checklist provides examples that can bekept in mind to ensure mainstreaming of gender considerations in setting priorities.UNDP En v i r o n me n t & En e r g y Gr o u pSt ep 3, Ph a s e 1 – Iden t ifi c at i on o fOppor t uni t ie s: Sa m p l e Ch e c k l i s t f o rIn t egr at ing Gen d er As pe c t s✓✓ Is a gender expert or a representativefrom a women’s health organisationpresent to assist in the identification ofopportunities linked to gender issues?✓✓ Have opportunities been identifiedlinked to the MDGs? For example,promotion of women’s participationin science education and laboratorycapacities and their participation inpolicy and legislative decision-making(MDG 3 - Promote gender equality andempower women) and promotion ofsafe handling of household chemicals(MDG 4 – Reduce child mortality andMDG 5 – Improve Maternal health)✓✓ Have opportunities been identifiedrelated to meeting obligations underchemicals-related multilateral agreements(e.g., Stockholm Convention,Montreal Protocol, Basel andRotterdam Conventions) that addresshazards and risks with particularlyharmful impacts on women andchildren?St ep 3, Ph a s e 2 – Cr i t er ia f o r Se t t i n g Pr i o r i t i e sf o r SMC: Sa m p l e Ch e c k l i s t f o r In t egr at ingGen d er As pe c t s✓✓ Are the severity, scale, and duration ofnegative, chemicals-related impacts onvulnerable populations taken into consideration?For example:✓✓ Health impacts on women and men andthe indirect impacts on future generations(e.g., economic implications of additionalhealth care provision and lost work daysdue to illnesses related to chemicalsexposure)✓✓ Social impacts related to chemicals exposure(e.g., implications for women’s workloadin caring for sick family members,searching for non-polluted sources ofwater and food for household use, etc.)✓✓ Do the benefits associated with use ofpotentially hazardous chemicals (suchas the use of DDT to combat malaria)outweigh the long-term health, social, andeconomic costs to vulnerable populations(e.g., would it be worthwhile to switchto less harmful methods for combatingmalaria)?

18St ep 4: Co s t i n g mainstreaming o f g en d er d i me n s i o n s inSMC. Obtaining the necessary financial resourcesfor integrating gender dimensions while improvinga national chemicals regime will not occur withoutsecuring the buy-in of central finance andeconomic development agencies of government.Therefore, effective communication with decisionmakers–whorely primarily, though not exclusively,on economic information–is crucial.Economic assessment is therefore a vital tool fordetermining priorities. For this reason, environmentand health effects associated with a priority SMCproblem often require valuation in economicterms in order to receive adequate considerationin national budgets and development plans.An integrated economic analysis of effects cancapture the hidden costs and benefits of policyoptions as well as the synergies and institutionaleconomies of scale that may be achievedthrough complementary policies that supportsustainable development. Many approacheshave been developed to analyse the economiccosts and benefits of policy options; the fourmost commonly used are described in the UNDPGuide for Integrating the Sound Managementof Chemicals into MDG-Based DevelopmentPlanning (UNDP 2010).St ep 4 – Co s t i n g Mainstreaming o f Gen d erDi me n s i o n s in SMC✓✓ The costing exercise has to be performed ona country-by-country basis as it depends onthe SMC priorities and gender dimensions acountry selects in Step 3Gender Mainstreaming Guidance Series : Chemicals and gender

19St ep 5: In t egr at e g en d er c o n s id e r at i o n s in e n a b l i n g l e g i s lati o n r el at ed to SMC. Establishing an enabling legislativeframework can be an important aspect of strengtheningnational capacity for SMC. The existence of well-craftedenabling legislation paves the way for addressing newissues related to SMC as they arise, including issuesassociated with the introduction of novel chemicalsubstances over time as well as with the discovery ofnew concerns related to existing chemicals.The following checklist includes elements that couldbe addressed by SMC legislation and regulations topromote gender equality and the protection of vulnerablepopulations.St ep 6: Ad d r e s s g en d er a s p e c t s o f m a i n s t re a m -i n g SMC i n t o n at i o na l s t r at egie s a n d p l a n s .Countries incorporate SMC priorities, basedon the results of the previous steps, intonational development plans and sectorstrategies. UNDP can provide assistance topartners in ensuring that this mainstreamingof SMC priorities reflects gender-relatedconsiderations. An essential element of thisstage is to make sure that there is a clearunderstanding of how and when to seekopportunities for representation of thesepriorities.UNDP En v i r o n me n t & En e r g y Gr o u pSt ep 5 – SMC En a b l i n g Le g i s lat i o n: Sa m p l e Ch e c k l i s t f o rIn t egr at ing Gen d er As pe c t s✓✓ Education/awareness raising and outreach on chemicalssafety, risks, and management, targeted towardthe general public and vulnerable populations✓✓ Right-to-know (vulnerable populations should haveeasy access to information on risks, contaminatedsites and/or living/working areas, prohibited orrestricted substances, chemical data safety sheets,etc.)✓✓ Workplace safety (vulnerable populations, becauseof their low status, exert less control over their workenvironment, therefore occupational health andsafety and enforcement provisions should be put inplace to protect them at work from chemical exposure,accidents, disasters, etc.)✓✓ Access to health screening, poison centres, andcompensation from employers (women’s occupationalhealth problems are under-diagnosed andtheir claims for compensation disproportionatelyrefused, authorities should require regular healthscreenings and assessments as well hold employersaccountable for damage done)✓✓ Proper labelling and classification of chemicals(will help vulnerable groups to better understandrequirements for safe handling and storage ofchemicals at home/work)St ep 6 – Mainstreaming SMC in Nat i o na lSt r at egie s a n d Pl a n s: Sa m p l e Ch e c k l i s t f o rIn t egr at ing Gen d er As pe c t s✓✓ How do the most important nationaldevelopment planning processes(UNDAF, CCA, PRSP, etc.) occur (timing/cycle) relative to SMC and gender relatedconsiderations and what/when areimportant decision points?✓✓ Who are the main actors or decisionmakers (government and/or nongovernment)and who must be influenced/engaged (and how many times)to ensure taking up of SMC/genderpriorities?✓✓ Who are important stakeholders thatcan support advocacy for SMC andgender priorities?✓✓ What communication strategies andmaterials will be most effective to influencethe stakeholders that are relevantto the campaign?

20TABLE 1: Ex a m p l e s o f Potentially Ha z a r d o u s Ch e m ic a l s , t h e i r Use a n d Po t e n t ia l Adverse He a l t h Ef fe c t sSu b s ta n c e a n dCl a s s o fCo n t a m i na n tUse a n d s o u r c e o fe xp osu r eGend eru s e /c o u n t r yAs s o c iat e d a d v e r s e h e a lt heffec t s4-aminobiphenyl(4-ABP)Cosmetics use:Black, red and blonde hairdyes.GlobalHuman urinary bladder carcinogen.Bisphenol A(BPA) [EDC]Household and industrial use:Extensively used in variousproducts, polycarbonateplastics and epoxy resins.ReceiptsCosmetics use:Nail polish, skin creams,bath lotions, cosmeticdentistry and fillingsGlobalDisturbs fetal development ofreproductive and central nervoussystems. Possibly associated with severalcommon diseases. The developing child ismore susceptible than adults. Endocrineactive, estrogenic.Food use:Can liningsPlasticsDDT[POP, EDC]Organochlorine pesticide:malarial useAfrica, AsiaReproductive disorders and hormonerelatedcancer. Endocrine active,estrogenic and anti- androgenic.Environmental and foodcontaminantGlobalCadmium [Heavymetal,EDC]Household and industrial use:Batteries, color pigmentsand stabilizers for plastics,electroplating, galvanizing,semiconductor in electronicdevices, phosphatefertilizersGlobalKidney and bone damage, cancer, humancarcinogen, possibly estrogenic.Environmental use: cadmiumcontaining fertilizers onagricultural landExposure:Food and drinking water,tobacco smokingGender Mainstreaming Guidance Series : Chemicals and gender

21Su b s ta n c e a n dCl a s s o fCo n t a m i na n tLead [Heavy metal]Mercury [Heavymetal]Use a n d s o u r c e o fe xp osu r eHousehold use:Lead-based paint, batteries,solders, lead-solderedfood cans, lead-glazedpottery, ammunition, plasticstabilizers, cosmetics (surmaand kohl)Environmental use: leadedpetrol, traffic emissions,cable covering, water pipesExposure:Food and drinking water,contaminated soil and dust,hand-to-mouth activity inchildrenCosmetics use:Skin lightening creams andsoaps, eye make-up and eyemake-up remover (phenylmercuric salts)Gend eru s e /c o u n t r yGlobalWomenMiddleEast, Asiaand AfricaAs s o c iat e d a d v e r s e h e a lt heffec t sAdverse effects on nervous systemand cognitive development (childrenare more susceptible than adults),kidney damage, reduced hemoglobinproduction, anaemia, reproductiveeffects.Skin rashes, damage to the nervoussystem and kidneys. The developing childis more susceptible than adults.Methyl mercury and mercury vapor isneurotoxic, possibly carcinogenic.UNDP En v i r o n me n t & En e r g y Gr o u pIndustrial, medical andhousehold use:Artisanal gold mining;chlorine and caustic sodaproduction, batteries,vapor lamps, switches,thermometers, dentalamalgam fillingsGlobalMetallic mercury and inorganic mercurycompounds are nephrotoxic.Exposure:Methyl mercury in fish(especially predatory fish),inhalation of mercury vapor,dermal uptakeParabens [EDC]Cosmetics use:Preservative used inskin creams, shampoos,sunscreensGlobalSome are endocrine active, interfereswith estrogen and androgen. Someparabens are weak skin sensitizers.Phthalates [EDC]Cosmetics use:Personal care products,skin moisturizers, perfumes,lipstickWomenGlobalSome show effects on reproductionand development. Endocrine active,interfering with estrogen and androgenhormones.Household use:Plastics

22Su b s ta n c e a n dCl a s s o fCo n t a m i na n tUse a n d s o u r c e o fe xp osu r eGend eru s e /c o u n t r yAs s o c iat e d a d v e r s e h e a lt heffec t sPolybrominateddiphenyl ethers(PBDEs) [POP, EDC]Industrial and household use:Flame retardants (inupholstery, electrical goods,etc.)Environmental and FoodcontaminantGlobalEffects on reproduction anddevelopment. The developing child ismore susceptible than adults.Endocrine active, interfering with thyroidhormones.Polychlorinatedbiphenyls (PCBs)[POP, EDC]Industrial use:Electrical transformers,now banned, but exposurecontinues from dumping.Environmental and Foodcontaminant:Meat, fish, egg and dairyproducts.GlobalVaried mechanisms, depending on thetype of PCB. Dioxin like PCBs - Impairedfetal development of reproductive,nervous and immune systems. Thedeveloping child is more susceptible thanadults. Possible carcinogen. Chloracneat high exposures. Endocrine active,interfering with estrogen.Polyfluoroalkylchemicals (PFCs), suchas PFOS and PFOA[POP, EDC]Industrial use:SurfactantsHousehold use:Waterproofing, flameretardants, TeflonGlobalImpairs reproduction. Endocrine active,interfering with thyroid hormones andlipid metabolism.Environmental and FoodcontaminantDioxins (polychloro–p-dioxins and furans,(PCDD/Fs) [POP, EDC]Industrial use:Byproduct producedvia incineration andcombustion. Contaminantin organochlorine products.Environmental and Foodcontaminant:Meat, fish, egg and dairyproducts.GlobalImpaired fetal development ofreproductive, nervous and immunesystems. Human carcinogen. Chloracneat high exposures. Associated with higherrisk of diabetes, cardiovascular diseaseetc. Endocrine active, interfering withestrogen.Paraphenylenediamine (PPD)Cosmetics use:Frequently used as hairdye substance in hair dyeproducts. Used in blackhenna-tattoos.Womenin SudanAsia, AfricaExtremely potent skin sensitizer, asthma,renal failure.Vinclozolin [EDC]Pesticide, Environmental andFood contaminantGlobalMale reproduc tive toxicant. Thedeveloping child is more susceptible thanadults. Endocrine active, interacting withandrogen.Gender Mainstreaming Guidance Series : Chemicals and gender

Vulnerable groups in developing countries such as children,women, indigenous people, the poor and workers sufferdisproportionate impacts from chemical exposure due to,among others, high exposure levels from water, food, locationof dwelling, occupational circumstances as well as lack ofunderstanding on the needs to protect themselves and othersfrom the chemical risks.Report of the UN Secretary-General for CSD-19 on Chemicals, 2010

Text and production coordination: Klaus Tyrkko and Monica GabaContributors: Dr. Suely Carvalho, Hilda van der Veen, Institute of Environmental Medicine Karolinska Institutet, andMiriam JacobsDesigner: Sandra RojasPhotography credits:Cover photo: Rural woman and children - UNDP/UNCDF Bangladesh © UNDP Photo library/Salman Saeepage 2: Industrial area © Istockphotopage 4: Woman collects rice in Timor-Leste © UN Photo/Martine Perretpage 6: Exterminator © Istockphotopage 6: Beauty face © Istockphotopage 9: Woman and her child – Peru -Titicaca © UNDP Photo librarypage11: Woman and fish © UNDP Photo librarypage 12: Plastic toys © Morguefile.compage 13: Two women in Sorlamba, Liberia © UN Photo/Eric Kanalsteinpage 14: Philippines-family in a window © UNDP Photo library/Adam Rogerspage 23: Eritrea, Soho families © UNDP Photo library/Tala DowlatshahiFor further information, please contact:Dr. Suely CarvalhoChief, Montreal Protocol and Chemicals UnitEnvironment and Energy GroupBureau for Development PolicyUnited Nations Development ProgrammeTel: +1 212 906 6687/5112E-mail: suely.carvalho@undp.orgwww.undp.org/chemicalswww.undp.org© Copyright United Nations Development Programme, February 2011. All rights reserved.

For further information, please contact:Dr. Suely CarvalhoChief, Montreal Protocol and Chemicals UnitEnvironment and Energy GroupBureau for Development PolicyUnited Nations Development ProgrammeTel: +1 212 906 6687/5112E-mail: suely.carvalho@undp.orgwww.undp.org/chemicalswww.undp.org© Copyright United Nations Development Programme, February 2011. All rights reserved.