The general risk of the use of chemical substances is very complicated and more difficult to evaluate than ever. It is associated with the fact that some 85 000 substances are used in international trade and that only for 7% of three thousand substances produced in amounts greater than a thousand tons we possess com- prehensive evaluations of their toxic effects. The basis of international progra- mmes (OECD, EU, UNEP, ILO, WHO and IPCS) for risk reduction are national programmes. They are based in particular on the following principles:preventive activities to prevent risk is the main responsibility of industry, legislation incl. its enforcement, generic approaches for risk evaluation of chemical substances in products are more important than ever, necessary integration of control of chemical substances and prevention of contamination and support for production of wholesome products. Beside risk reduction international programmes are implemented focused on gradual risk reduction.

        Key words: risk reduction - chemical safety - international programmes