Environment
Besides the priorities given in chapter 4, the future strategy from the Ministry of Environment and Energy is stated in 2 discussion papers: "Status and Perspectives in the Chemicals Field", December 1996 and "A Strengthened Product-oriented Environmental Policy", December 1996.

In the discussion paper on the Danish EPA's work on chemical substances it is proposed that Denmark works actively for a high level of protection in decisions taken by international forums. Nationally promotion and reduction of the use of environmentally hazardous substances are proposed and as a mean to realize this strategy the discussion paper includes a list of about 100 undesirable chemical substances or group of substances, the emission of which over a period are to be reduced.

Also speeding up the classification of chemicals and risk assessments is proposed. The strategy is proposed carried out by involving relevant parties, e.g. environment aware consumers and purchasers. An extension of the obligations for manufacturers and importers to declare the contents of their products is also proposed.

The future management of chemicals includes the priority setting of 20 - 40 chemicals from the list of undesirable chemicals. These chemicals will be investigated further in order to set up restrictions in use or banned use.

New statutory orders are being prepared for the use of nonyl phenol compounds in detergents, lead, arsenic (impregnated wood) and an action plan for the use of phthalates is under preparation.

The object of the product oriented policy is to initiate further development of assessments of the products in all parts of the product life cycle. The product-oriented environmental policy is described as a process, including the elements: setting of objectives and targets, analyses of frames and terms, recommendation for achievement, implementation of achievement and evaluation of achievement.

The instruments to achieve the environmental targets are advising and information for developers, producers and dealers to change their attitudes towards a cleaner production and less use of chemical substances and products harmful to the environment and health. Three areas are selected for pilot projects. The three product areas are textiles, electronic products and transport of goods.

The instrument also includes the above mentioned list of undesirable chemicals and the request to substitution where these substances are included in the products.

In the area of pesticides the future strategy is to eliminate the most harmful substances of the active ingredients and minimise the consumption of pesticides. By 1. January 1997, 19 harmful substances have already been prohibited.

For the marine environment a new set of strategies is being prepared.

Labour
The Minister of Labour, represented by the Danish Working Environment Service in 1996 has prepared an action programme for the working environment stating "A Clean Environment in 2005". The following issues regarding chemicals will be of priority concern:

Other aspects which are of great concern are general exposure to chemicals and chemicals toxic to reproduction.

In connection with the priority concerned chemicals, focus are set on some business lines covering the different issues of the priority concerns. The lines related to carcinogenic chemicals are:

For the other priority issues, other business lines will be in focus.

Food
In the present action programme (1996-97) the National Food Agency has increased the efforts regarding pesticide residues, veterinary drug residues and food additives, especially chemically defined flavouring substances. These actions do include surveillance, control and risk assessments regarding individual compounds as well as potential combination effects..