Katsuhiko Naito

Deputy Director, Environmental Health and Safety Division, Environmental Health Department, Environment Agency
(1-2-2 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100 Japan)

Abstract

Chemical substances are essential in our society, however, many are known to be the source of environmental pollution. Recently carcinogenecity and toxicity (for reproduction and immunity) are showing up. Measures should be taken against the long-term effects of chemical compound residues in the environment. The Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR) system, which was advised to introduce by OECD is an effective measure for the control of hazardous chemical substances, although each country is currently showing a different response to it. This paper gives the outline of this system to governments who are discussing the introduction of the PRTR system, along with "A Tool for Environmental Policy and Sustainable Development-Guidance Manual for Governments" and its "Attachment" , both of which were edited by OECD.

Key words: PRTR, hazardous chemical substances, A Tool for Environmental Policy and Sustainable Development-Guidance Manual for Governments, Attachment