Environment Swiss Federal Audit Office calls for more monitoring of harmful substances

The federal government should improve monitoring of harmful substances in the environment. The Swiss Federal Audit Office criticizes the lack of an overview of what occurs where and in what concentration. This means that the federal government cannot take sufficient precautions.

Several authorities are responsible for protection against harmful substances in Switzerland. In its report on Monday evening, the Swiss Federal Audit Office (SFAO) recommends "a minimum level of monitoring structures". This should help to identify worrying concentrations.

Due to the spread of harmful chemicals in the soil, water and air, the economic risk is high, writes the SFAO. The substances could cause diseases such as cancer, damage the genome or endanger reproduction.

In their statement, the federal offices concerned would have wished to be embedded in international developments. The state of knowledge is dynamic, as are international standards. They want to examine the recommendations and prioritize them in view of the limited resources available.

SDA