In recent decades the impact of synthetic chemicals on the environment and human health have been the cause of serious concern. The contribution of the chemicals industry to improvements in life expectancy, human health and living standards for most people in Western-style civilisations is widely acknowledged. Even so, this concern persists.The objective of this report is to offer a new approach to chemicals assessment and management. It argues for better information about chemicals on the market, more intelligent testing, better use of monitoring, a concerted push for early European legislation and a strong move towards substitution, underpinned by economic instruments and an improved liability regime. It must incorporate full articulation of public values. Furthermore, the chemicals industry must accept the duty of care that was sought through the national chemicals strategy and which many companies have already begun to implement, although it is far from having been realised in practice.