Substitution av särskilt farliga kemikalier i Region Kalmar län

Sammanfattning: Chemicals are becoming more and more important and almost essential for human life. Therefore, the human exposure of hazardous chemicals has increased substantially. Alternative assessment (AA) is a method used for substitution of hazardous chemicals and requirements for substitution are included in European health and safety legislation. As part of Region Kalmar läns environmental and sustainability work, substitution of hazardous chemicals is included. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate what opportunities there is to develop their work with chemical related questions and substitution. Interviews with four different regions in Sweden, where one of them is Region Kalmar län, was conducted to study how they work with chemical related questions and substitution. Alongside of this, a study of substitution and the method AA was carried out. The main findings of this study were that the recommended method for substitution of hazardous chemicals is AA. Region Kalmar län and one of the other regions work with chemical related questions and substitution is based on their chemical strategy and the other two on guidelines and governing documents. The basis for this work lies in legislation, but the regions greatest motivation comes from the desire to protect the health of employees and patients. The challenges that the regions experience revolve around legislation, substitution and procurement. Development suggestions that cover clarifying targets, including stakeholders, a system to follow up requirements in procurement and information and instructions for substitution were formulated based on the results. Implementing the suggestions can be a support in reaching the goal set for Region Kalmar läns chemical strategy. The work that the regions do with chemical related questions and substitution contributes to safer handling and use, reduced risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals for employees and patients, and to achieving the national environmental goal Giftfri miljö.