Women’s Health and Chemical Exposures

Chemicals are common ingredients in most of the products we consume, they are used from the production stage, they last throughout the use of products, and once disposed, they can remain in the environment long after, if not forever.

In 2015, the United Nations Member States adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that can serve as the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. While there is no separate goal to achieve sound management of chemicals and wastes, this is essential for reaching most of the goals.

Gender Equality is a separate goal (Goal 5) but is also a prerequisite for reaching most of the other goals, so it is imperative to achieve this in order to achieve other SDGs. All people, regardless of gender identity, must have the same rights, responsibilities, and opportunities to participate in the work toward management of chemicals and wastes, which is vital to achieve the majority of the 2030 SDGs.

Download the Toxics Link/IPEN factsheet on Women’s Health and Chemical Exposures, below.