Blowing the Whistle On Hazardous Exports

Abstract

The export of hazardous products and technologies, particularly to developing countries, is a profitable business for many transnational corporations. Consumers in developing countries often lack information about such exports. Consumer Interpol was established in 1981 by the International Organization of Consumers Unions to facilitate the exchange of information on hazardous exports and help public interest groups to combat corporate dumping. An early warning system of Consumer Alerts operates through a network of sixty-two Correspondents in forty-three countries. Information is also disseminated through a quarterly periodical and a newsletter. The United Nations has issued a list of 440 hazardous products which helps to alert countries to the dangers.