OSPAR is the mechanism by which 15 European Governments, together with the European Community, cooperate to protect the marine environment of the North-East Atlantic. The List of Substances of Possible Concern comprises hazardous substances which are persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) or of equivalent concern. A selection is included in the List of Chemicals for Priority Action.
OSPAR is the mechanism by which fifteen Governments together with the European Community, cooperate to protect the marine environment of the North-East Atlantic.
The OSPAR Hazardous Substances Strategy sets the objective of preventing pollution of the maritime area by continuously reducing discharges, emissions and losses of hazardous substances. For OSPAR purposes, hazardous substances are defined as substances which are persistent, liable to bioaccumulate and toxic - PBT substances. The OSPAR Commission is implementing this strategy progressively by making every endeavor to move towards the target of the cessation of discharges, emissions and losses of hazardous substances by the year 2020. The hazardous substances related work is implemented by OSPAR’s Hazardous Substances Committee (HSC).
The OSPAR List of Substances of Possible Concern was adopted in 2002. It is a dynamic working list and is regularly revised as new information becomes available. Some of the substances on the List have been included on the List of Chemicals for Priority Action.
Please also check the original source for more recent updates: