In December 2018, AWHHE studied labels of 56 toys in 9 sales points in Arabkir, Nor Nork and Kentron communities in Yerevan and found out that 91% of the toys have been imported from China. In the case of 78.6% of toys, the names of the substances used in toys are not mentioned in the labels.
The project was implemented in the frame of IPEN’s Chemicals in Products (CiP) programme (https://ipen.org/site/toxics-products-overview ) with the objective understand whether consumers are informed about the composition of toys, with a particular focus on phthalates.
Similar IPEN-supported projects are taking place in Belarus, Serbia, Nepal and the Philippines. The picture is disappointing – consumers are deprived of the right to choose, because even the most basic information about what the toy is made of, what chemicals it contains is missing. Nevertheless, laboratory tests confirm the high content of toxic substances in the toys – phthalates and heavy metals.
Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to soften and increase the flexibility of plastic and vinyl. Phthalates are used in many consumer products, including plastic and vinyl toys. Phthalates commonly enter the child’s body through chewing on soft vinyl toys or products made with phthalates; breathing dust in rooms with plastic wallpaper, or flooring that contain phthalates; touching or using products made with phthalates. Young children may have a greater risk of being exposed to phthalate particles in dust than adults because of their hand-to-mouth behaviors.
By penetrating the organism, phthalates lead to decreased resistance of the body’s immunity; disorders of various organs: liver, kidneys, pancreas, genital organs, heart, vessels, brain (neurotoxic); fatty acne and metabolic disorders; obesity, diabetes; in women: breast, uterus and ovarian cancer (endocrine disrupting effects); in men: decrease of sperm development, infertility, cancer of the colon. In children exposure to phthalates can lead to obesity, growth and development disorders, irreversible changes in immune and nervous systems.
The project results were presented at a round table discussion on 22 February 2019.
The participants to the round table discussion came up with the following recommendations:
- Introduce changes in “Toy Safety” in the Customs Union Technical Regulation, expand the list of restrictions or prohibitions,
- Tighten the inspection control of toy manufacturing and importing companies
- Mark the chemical composition of the product on the label
- Periodically carry out an experimental control (including lab analysis) of producers and importers
- Inform the consumers about hazardous chemicals in products
Project Duration: 2017-2018
The Project is part of UNDP-GEF Full-size Project “Elimination of obsolete pesticide stockpiles and addressing POPs contaminated sites within a Sound Chemicals Management Framework in Armenia” which objective is to (1) protect health and the environment by eliminating obsolete pesticide stockpiles, (2) address contaminated sites through a sound chemical management framework, (3) enhance country’s capacity in the sound management of hazardous chemicals, particularly obsolete pesticides.
Project objective
The overall objective is provision of Consulting and project coordination in Armenia. Specifically give consultation regarding the personal safety at site, logistics support, interpretation, field trips and site visits.
Project overall outcomes:
(1) Removal of priority POPs pesticide waste from Nubarashen burial site, secure containment of residual contamination on-site, site stabilization and restoration, with the site secured under appropriate institutional arrangements providing effective access limitations, monitoring and future land use control, all endorsed by an informed public, (2) development of the national hazardous chemical waste management site equipped with secure storage and basic infrastructure, (3) development of institutional and regulatory capacity for sound chemicals management.
Project activities implemented within the framework of the project:
Activities-POPsThe “Armenian Women for Health and Healthy Environment” (AWHHE) NGO, in cooperation with the “Environmental Monitoring and Information Center” SNCO of the Ministry of Nature Protection of the Republic of Armenia, conducted seminars on raising public awareness of the effects of persistent organic pollutants, in particular pesticides and household waste from the settlements and the harmful substances (dioxins, furans and other solid substances) caused by mismanagement of these substances.
The seminars were conducted by the experts from AWHHE NGO Lilik Simonyan and Knarik Grigoryan in the cities of Hrazdan (Kotayk Province), Dilijan (Tavush Province), Stepanavan (Lori Province) and Gavar (Gegharkunik Province) of Armenia.
The coordinators of the Environmental Information Centers as well as regional journalists assisted in the organization of the seminars, placing materials on the workshops in local printed and electronic newspapers.
Below is the mass media coverage:
- “Awareness Training in Hrazdan on Pesticide Use and Household Waste Management”:
https://www.lragir.am/2018/07/28/367771/ - ”The Experts Raise Awareness: Seminar on Negative Effects of Persistent Organic Pollutants”:
http://www.dilijancity.am/Pages/Home/newsdetails.aspx?nID=1216#.W3sDObglHIV - ”Negative Effects of Persistent Organic Pollutants”:
http://www.stepanavan.am/Pages/Home/Default.aspx - ”Environmental Problems as a Subject for Discussion”
http://gsu.am/hy/2018/09/19/%D5%A2%D5%B6%D5%A1%D5%BA%D5%A1%D5%B0%D5%BA%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%A1%D5%AF%D5%A1%D5%B6-%D5%B0%D5%AB%D5%B4%D5%B6%D5%A1%D5%AD%D5%B6%D5%A4%D5%AB%D6%80%D5%B6%D5%A5%D6%80%D5%A8%D5%9D-%D6%84%D5%B6%D5%B6%D5%A1/
Project duration: 2018 (ongoing)
Target communities: Non-governmental organizations dealing with mining issues in Armenia, local initiatives and communities in areas affected or threatened by mining, journalists; representatives of state institutions, representatives of mining companies
Project objective: Increase involvement of local communities and non-governmental organizations in decision-making process on mining in Armenia.
The project is designed to enhance capacity of civil society to participate in decision-making processes in the topic of mining and improve local community instruments against mining impacts. Project is implemented jointly with “EcoLur” Informational NGO and Arnika NGO, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.
Project Outcomes: The capacity of target communities was strengthened through the workshop for Non-Governmental Organizations and Local Communities about International Instruments for regulation of toxic emissions from mining. Three meetings with representatives from responsible authorities for making dialogue between stakeholders were organized. A briefing event and a community trip to hotspots were conducted for local journalists. The workshop for introducing relevant information about mining and toxic pollution in selected areas was organized with the aim to raise public awareness. The results of analysis of water, soil, sediment, hair, and egg samples will be provided to interested stakeholders for discussing and publishing. Information materials will be published and disseminated.
Reports
Project activities implemented within the framework of the project:
activitiesFor additional information please visit Arnika website: https://english.arnika.org/photogallery/in-armenia-among-ancient-monasteries-and-dangerous-mining
“Ecolur” website: https://www.ecolur.org/en/news/mining/—/10278/
https://www.ecolur.org/en/news/mining/—/10301/
https://www.ecolur.org/en/news/mining/—/10313/
https://www.ecolur.org/en/news/mining/-/10323/
https://www.ecolur.org/en/news/mining/-2019-/10332/
Publications:
In the frame of this project, a conference entitled “Industrial Pollution in Lori Province” was held on 10 December, 2018 at “Ani Plaza” Hotel, Yerevan, with participation of experts of the Czech “Arnika” Association, representatives from the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Armenia, ministries of nature protection, health and emergency situations, NGOs and mass media.
During the event, Jitka Strakova, expert from “Arnika” NGO, and Marek Sir, expert from the University of Chemistry and Technology of Prague, presented the findings of the research carried out in Alaverdy, Shnogh and Akhtala communities in Lori region.
The copper smelter in Alaverdi, the mine and tailing pond in Teghut, and several tailing ponds around the town of Akhtala – those are the largest industrial sites of the Lori region and according to the latest research, also the cause of the presence of copper, zinc, molybdenum, lead, and arsenic in the neighboring environment.
The copper levels found in sediments extracted from the River Debed show a rapid increase in samples extracted just below the industrial sites exceeding the background levels as much as a hundred times.
Marek Sir presented the results of analyses of samples for the content of heavy metals taken from the surroundings of mining and metallurgical sites in Lori region. In particular, high concentrations were found in samples of sediments, soil, sand, slag and human hairs. Jitka Strakova presented the results of analyses of chicken egg samples and the impact of POPs on human health.
Elena Manvelyan, Head of AWHHE NGO, presented the influence of industrial pollutants on human health.
Representative from the RA NAS Institute of Geological Sciences Marine Nalbandyan presented air pollution impact on the quality of water of the Debed River in different parts of the watershed.
As a result of discussions, the conference participants adopted a resolution addressed to the Government of Armenia. Later the resolution was submitted to the Government asking them to consider the recommendations included in the resolution and undertake appropriate measures to improve the mining sector in Armenia.
Project objective: Increase local awareness and capacity for addressing chemicals management through community-based approaches that add value to local, national and global level strategies in order to reduce releases of harmful chemicals
The project is designed to contribute to the implementation of the ongoing GEF-UNDP project “Elimination of Obsolete Pesticide Stockpiles and Addressing POPs (Persistent Organic Pollutants) and Contaminated Sites within a Sound Chemicals Management Framework in Armenia”.
Project duration: 2017 – 2019
Project activities implemented within the framework of the project:
Capacity building training “Management of storages of hazardous/harmful chemicals and their monitoring”
Information materials produced within the framework of the project:
- Solution of the Problem of Obsolete Pesticides as a National Priority
- Safeguarding of Obsolete Pesticides
- Storage of Obsolete Pesticides
- Beware of pesticides!
- Safety Provisions for Hazardous Chemical Waste
- Requirements for Repackaging of Obsolete Pesticides
The project is supported by IPEN in the frame of the International Mercury Enabling Activities Program (IMEAP).
Project time-frame: November 2014 – April 2015 (6 months)
Project Objectives: (1) develop country situation regarding mercury (its use, relevant laws, environmental and health hazards, etc.), and share the findings with stakeholders and general public; (2) following stakeholder consultations develop recommendations on reducing the impact of mercury on human health and the environment.
Project Outcomes: AWHHE prepared the Country Situation Report, including the study of the consumer markets; the most common ways of mercury exposure; the situation with mercury waste; industrial sources of mercury in non-ferrous metal production; possible contaminated sites and populations at risk; existing legislation; and opportunities for ratification of the treaty. A Mercury Working Group was established by AWHHE as part of the ECO Coalition of Armenian NGOs. An appeal was sent to the Ministry of Nature Protection calling to accelerate the process of the ratification of the Minamata Convention and ratification of the Protocol on Heavy Metals. In the course of the project implementation, consultations with the Regional IPEN Hub (Eco-Accord) and other NGOs in the region were organized. The results were presented at a round table and disseminated in the mass media to raise the public awareness on mercury environmental and health effects.
For more info: http://www.ipen.org/documents/imeap-report-mercury-country-situation-report-armenian-civil-society-sector and http://ipen.org/project-reports/mercury-country-situation-report-armenian-civil-society-sector
The project is supported by the OSCE Office in Yerevan.
Project time-frame: March-June 2015 (3 months)
Target communities: five villages communities in the neighbourhood of storages of banned and obsolete pesticides (Khanjian, Jrarat, Norapat in Armavir marz; Sayat-Nova in Ararat marz and Kuchak in Aragatsotn marz)
Project objectives: With the goal to contribute to SAICM implementation in Armenia, the project had two objectives: (1) investigate agricultural plots (soil and grown products) in 5 rural communities on the matter of contamination by pesticides; (2) increase awareness of relevant stakeholders in the risk to the human health posed by pesticides as Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals.
Project Outcomes: Two sets of activities were implemented including a survey of community members on POPs and awareness raising. The laboratory analyses showed that in 11 out of 25 soil and product samples the residues of DDT and its metabolites exceeded the maximum acceptable concentrations and varied within the range of 0,17 mg/lg and 2,48 mg/kg. The project results were presented at a national round table discussion receiving good media coverage. Due to the complexity of the EDC issue and insufficient scientific data for Armenia it was very important to look at the issue of EDCs in well-defined context, such as pesticides.
For media reports please visit:
http://ecolur.org/hy/news/sos/concentration-of-ddt-in-agricultural-lands-is-high/7480/
http://ecolur.org/hy/news/sos/herbicides-are-used-in-armenia-they-demage-hormonal-system/7481/
Project Duration: June 2015 – June2017
Goal: Contribute to protecting women’s health from endocrine disrupting chemicals in EECCA region
Objective 1: Strengthen the national and regional outreach and communication regarding the EDCs as part of the SAICM process in coordination with IPEN EECCA Hub (Eco-Accord)
Objective 2: Promote civil society discussions on the impact of EDCs on women’s health in Armenia and EECCA region
Activities
On June 2 2016, AWHHE organized a seminar at the Yerevan Aarhus Center to discuss the problem of endocrine disrupting chemicals. The experts from the “Republican Center for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Laboratory Services” of the Ministry of Agriculture of Armenia made an introductory presentation on the laboratory tools to research chemicals in various substances. The experts also highlighted the methods used for analysis of breast milk samples (gas chromatography and other high purity analytical standards). The seminar was attended by 20 participants representing the state authorities, ministries, environmental NGOs and the media. This seminar was conducted in the frame of two projects, GGF Small Grants (http://old.awhhe.am/the-project-supported-by-ggf-related-edcs-issues-in-armenia/ ) and the present project.
In the frame of the project, AWHHE conducted sampling analysis of breast-milk. A total of 24 samples of breast-milk and 2 of cow milk were analyzed for residual concentrations of DDT and its metabolites, HCCH and its isomers, as well as for 2,4-D pesticide. Laboratory analysis showed that the samples contained residues of the above-mentioned chemicals. The results were compared with a similar research by AWHHE in 2004. The comparison showed a significant decrease (by 3 times) of the residues of DDT and HCCH and the metabolites from 0.09 mg/kg lipid to 1.01 mg/kg lipid. One of the main factors contributing to this decrease is AWHHE’s long-term public education efforts related to pesticides usage in agriculture. However, an alarming sign was that 2,4-D (dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) was detected (up to 0.02 mg/kg lipid) in breast-milk for the first time.
- On 22 March 2016, AWHHE sent an appeal to the Ministry of Agriculture on promoting action on a list of highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs) which are considered to be EDCs.
- On 10 July 2015, a round table discussion on EDCs was organized with 20 participants representing the Ministries of Agriculture and Health, OSCE office in Yerevan, as well as NGOs.
Publications:
Project coverage:
- http://hayeli.am/article/901398 ; http://www.a1plus.am/1463868.html ;
- http://a1.am/hy/2016/06/13/krtski-katowm-ddt-i-towylatreli-normayi-gerazantsowm-ekolowr
- http://armenia.shafaqna.com/AM/AM/211482
- http://www.aravot.am/2016/06/13/703347/
- http://ecolur.org/hy/news/sos/concentration-of-ddt-in-agricultural-lands-is-high/7480/ and http://ecolur.org/hy/news/sos/herbicides-are-used-in-armenia-they-demage-hormonal-system/7481/
The project supported by GGF in 2015-2016 was aimed at raising awareness on EDCs containing pesticides and its identification among the approved list of pesticides entering Armenian market.
With the objectives (a): to identify the pesticides with EDCs as active ingredients in the list of approved pesticides entering the Armenian market; and (b) raise awareness on the impact of EDCs in pesticides for decision-makers in agriculture and for importers of pesticides, the following activities were implemented:
Activities:
- The pesticides with EDCs as active ingredients were identified. For that purpose, the list of pesticides was reviewed through consultations and literature review. Among these chemicals there were pesticides including 2,4D herbicides: 11 trade names Mancozeb Fungicida: 30 trade names; Metribusin herbicides: 16 trade names.
- AWHHE developed a brochure on EDCs in agriculture using the information by WHO, IPEN, PAN and HEAL. The brochure is targeted at the decision-makers and importers of pesticides, farmers and other interested stakeholders. The brochure was presented at the seminar on EDCs in agriculture on 2 June 2016
- On the 2nd of June 2016, a national seminar was held at the Yerevan Aarhus Center to discuss the problem of endocrine disrupting chemicals. It was organized by the “Armenian Women for Health and Healthy Environment” (AWHHE) NGO within the framework of the “Protecting women’s health from the impact of endocrine disruptors” project supported by the Global Green Grants Fund. The seminar was attended by 20 participants representing the state authorities, ministries, environmental NGOs and the media.
- The information was disseminated during consultations with high-level decision-makers and among the participants of the seminar.
Outcomes :
The decision-makers had an opportunity to learn about EDCs in a systematized manner, as this issue was brought to the attention of the national decision-makers for the first time.
The identification of possible EDC containing pesticides in the list of pesticides entering the Armenian market.
Understanding was reached on the importance of the issue and the need to include it into the national SAICM platform.
The recommendations on EDCs were developed and presented to the national decision-makers and other interested stakeholders at the first seminar on the issue.
The coverage of the seminar and the brochures helped increase the general awareness of the vulnerable rural populations.
Information was made available to the Women’s Resource Centers in selected communities created by AWHHE in the frame of other projects. The active women of the Centers have the necessary information to share with their peers as needed
The national seminar received good coverage by the national electronic media (Yerevan Aarhus Center, Ecolur NGO, and Yerevan TV Channel).
http://hayeli.am/article/901398
http://www.a1plus.am/1463868.html
http://a1.am/hy/2016/06/13/krtski-katowm-ddt-i-towylatreli-normayi-gerazantsowm-ekolowr