Facilitators from the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) have cautioned the entire citizenry about the usage of chemicals in the country. At a one-day capacity building workshop held during the weekend for Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in downtown Monrovia, a consultant of SAICM on health, Dr. Oscar Vanyanbah told the participants that if chemicals are not used properly, it will affect the central nervous system which will also damage the human liver.

Dr. Vanyanbah cited chlorine as one of the chemicals that should be carefully managed before putting in water for drinking. Although chemicals are important to human kind, Dr. Vanyanbah warned that chemical usage and disposal should be handled with care in the environment to avoid unfortunate situation.

Dr. Vanyanbah indicated that if nothing is done to manage chemicals, it would risk the human life. He urged the participants at the workshop to go out and spread the message and develop a framework on how useful chemicals are to the human race.

For his part, SAICM's Project Coordinator Mr. Henry D. Williams, said the objective of the workshop is to create the attention of NGOs in the country on the usage of chemicals.

Mr. Williams reminded the participants that if the citizenry knows how to use chemicals, it would help the government to be more cognizant to deal with the issue.

He wants participants mainstream the usage of chemicals and increase participation with civil society groupings and the public.