a global fund to sponsor and coordinate research into the impact of chemicals on human health and the environment was launched in London. The European Chemical Industry Association, the us Chemical Manufacturers Association and the Japanese Chemical Industry Association announced plans for a us $25 million annual fund for a long-term research initiative to encourage scientists to examine issues such as cancer and respiratory links to certain chemicals and the environmental impact on marine life.

The initiative will involve independent scientists as well as government agencies, universities and research institutes said Luciano Respini, President of Dow Europe. He said research findings would be made public. "We will act on the results,' he said.