This paper examines the practice of peer review and the related effect of peer pressure in the context of international organisations, particularly the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

Cyclic acid anhydrides are widely used in the chemical industry in the manufacture of polyester and alkyd resins and plasticizers and as epoxy resin hardeners. Acid anhydrides are irritants and are especially potent sensitizing agents. This document deals with the following anhydrides of concern: phthalic anhydride, trimellitic anhydride, maleic anhydride, hexahydrophthalic anhydride, methyl hexahydrophthalic anhydride, methyl tetrahydrophthalic anhydride, tetrahydrophthalic anhydride, tetrachlorophthalic anhydride, pyromellitic dianhydride, himic anhydride, succinic anhydride, dodecenylsuccinic anhydride, chlorendic anhydride, and tetrabromophthalic anydride. Chemical safety cards for several cyclic acid anhydrides, produced by the International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS) are reproduced in this document.

Organotins are a group of compounds which have a variety of properties and uses. The focus of this Concise International Chemical Assessment Document (CICAD) is on those mono-and disubstituted organotins mainly used as stabilizers in PVC, as catalysts for the production of electrodeposited coatings, in silicone rubbers, and in powder and glass coatings. The CICAD evaluates the health and environmental effects of these organotins and presents a summary of the uncertainties inherent in the risk characterization of this group of compounds.

Published under the joint sponsorship of the United Nations Environment Programme, the International Labour Organization and the World Health Organization, and produced within the framework of the Inter-organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IOMC). On cover: IPCS International Programme on Chemical Safety

On cover: IPCS International Programme on Chemical Safety. Published under the joint sponsorship of the United Nations Environment Programme, the International Labour Organization and the World Health Organization, and produced within the framework of the Inter-organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IOMC)