E-Waste

The term E-waste covers items of all types of electrical and electronic equipment and its parts that have been discarded by the owner as waste without the intention of reuse. This diverse and fast growing E-waste stream is often categorized as hazardous waste due to the presence of toxic metals,…

E-Waste: Light bulbs and lamps

Lighting is defined as all the equipment whose primary function is to provide electric light.The global lighting market was valued at around USD 73 billion in 2011 and it is expected to exceed USD 100 billion by 2020. However, most lights contain valuable and toxic metals that may leach into…

Communication Material

E-Waste: Batteries disposal

The global battery market is estimated at USD 120 billion per year. 800,000 tonnes of automotive batteries, 190,000 tonnes of industrial batteries, and 160,000 tonnes of consumer batteries enter the European Union yearly. Proper disposal of batteries is essential because they contain heavy metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium, and…

Communication Material

Asbestos and Humanitarian Response: A Life-Threatening Humanitarian Challenge

This note from the Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Week at the International Conference Center, Geneva on 7 February 2020 provides a summary of discussions and further actions to consider arising from a session on Asbestos and Humanitarian Response - a Life-Threatening Humanitarian Challenge includes key concepts of reducing the risk…

Guideline

Guidelines for Environmental Assessment Following Chemical Emergencies

Guidance document by the Joint UNEP/OCHA Environment Unit to assist the disseminating of information amongst the international community and identifying the exact type of international assistance required.

Training Material

UN Environment/OCHA, Introduction to Industrial Accidents: prevention, preparedness and response

The course published by UN Environment and UNOCHA is available in English, French, Mandarin, Spanish and Russian, and raises awareness about industrial accidents in order to strengthen the capacity of government, industry and civil society representatives.

Training Material

Disaster Waste Management: best practices and tools

The course, available in English, French, Spanish and Russian, seeks to provide humanitarian response staff as well as local, national, and regional government authorities with increased awareness and enhanced knowledge on disaster waste and management strategies to mitigate their environmental impact.

Guideline

OECD Report: Guidance on Change of Ownership in Hazardous Facilities

A concise document providing a framework to assist stakeholders to identify, understand and minimise the risks before, during and after a change of ownership at a hazardous facility.

Case Study

PAX for Peace – Living Under a Black Sky

Living under a black sky۪ reveals how the conflict in Iraq has left a toxic trail of destruction which could have severe health consequences for communities and reconstruction efforts.

Mission Report

Armenia, Chemical Fire – FEAT used to assess damages of chemical fire in Armenia

Chemical risks assessment highlighting risks and prevention measures following a chemical fire in Armenia.

Guideline

UNISDR – Words into Action Guide for Man-Made and Technological Hazards

The Words into Action (WiA) Implementation Guide for Man-Made and Technological Hazards made by UNISDR, OCHA and UN Environment.

Guideline

IAEA – Joint Radiation Emergency Management Plan of International Organizations

The Joint Emergency Management Plan of International Organizations (Joint Plan) describes the inter-agency framework of preparedness for and response to an actual, potential or perceived nuclear or radiological emergency.