Ominous exemptions

Stockholm Convention sees a worrying trend of nations forcing exemptions on usage of chemicals that face a ban

- ROHINI KRISHNAMURTHY

EVERY TWO years, close to 200 countries, including India, attend the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Stockholm Convention with the goal of eliminating or reducing harmful and persistent chemicals. However, during the latest negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland, held on April 28-May 9, the Parties decided to allow use of UV-328, an industrial chemical, in the aerospace and defence sector. In 2023, the Parties had decided to ban it, except in certain applications in five sectors—motor transport, instrumentation, industrial machines, medical and photography.

UV-328 is in production since the 1970s and is widely used in paints and plastics as an ultraviolet ray absorber to protect surfaces against discolouration and degradation under sunlight. It can be toxic to the liver and affects hormones. The decision to allow its use in another sector raises doubts about the credibility of the crucial treaty that came in force in 2004.