Table 1

 International agreements relating to health and harmful substances

Issues addressedInternational instrumentsPublic health implications
Adapted from Public health and international trade, volume II: tariffs and privatization. Washington DC: Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, 2002.
WeaponsOttawa Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production, and Transfer of Anti Personnel Mines and on Their DestructionReductions in injuries, death, and disabilities due to land mines, especially in post-conflict situations
Drugs and medical devicesUS Food, Drug, and Cosmetic ActRestricts export of drugs and devices not approved for use in the USA
Narcotic and psychotropic drugsSingle Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961) UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (1988)Limits trade in psychotropic drugs to prevent illegal sales and use
Persistent organic pollutantsStockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (2001)Governs production, use, and trade in substances that accumulate in the environment and pose a substantial threat to human, animal, and plant life
Hazardous wasteBasel Convention on Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal (1989)Governs production, transportation, storage, management, and disposal of hazardous waste. Prohibits import or export of hazardous wastes to non-parties
Endangered speciesConvention in International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (1972)Strict controls on trade in covered species, completely banned in threatened species