Background Harmful industrial chemicals can remain in the environment for very long periods of time, enabling them to accumulate via food chains and, if toxic, exert harmful effects on living organisms. These so-called persistent bio-accumulative toxic (PBT) substances can also be transported long distances from their original emission source, causing significant damage to ecosystems. PBT contamination is a recognised problem in the Baltic Sea region, however there is a lack of reliable information about the occurrence of these harmful substances and their sources. Earlier actions, including the activities of HELCOM, Baltic Sea Action programmes and work at EU level with bans, restrictions and other measures, have led to noticeable improvements and are helping to repair the damage to the marine environment. However, there are still issues to be resolved concerning the environment and individual products; the impacts are complex and therefore require complex solutions for mitigation. Objectives The goal of the BaltInfoHaz project was to strengthen consumer demand in three Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania) for products free of hazardous substances, so as to reduce their impact on health and the environment. It also aimed to communicate its environmental message to policymakers, nationally and internationally. Specific project objectives were to inform people about why substances are hazardous and the products they occur in; to publish easy-to-understand information aimed at specific stakeholder groups; to develop communication tools; to explain practical steps for reducing exposure to hazardous substances; and to inform and influence educators about hazardous substances. Results The BaltInfoHaz project generated a societal demand in three Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania) for products free of hazardous substances. The project’s four awareness-raising campaigns targeted the general public; hairdressers and car repair shops; the consumers of paints, varnishes and adhesives; and young teachers and their pupils. Other core actions included lobbying for the integration of hazardous substance reduction measures into policy, and testing blood, air and products for hazardous substances. The project helped implement EU chemicals policy, particularly the requirements of the REACH regulation, the Water Framework Directive, the Baltic Sea Strategy, and HELCOM activities aiming for an environment free of hazardous substances. The awareness-raising campaign targeted at the general public reached around 1 000 000 people in three Baltic States. Thanks to the project, almost 500 articles were published concerning hazardous substances. In Estonia and Latvia, 94 shop assistants in 16 K-Rauta shops were trained on hazardous substances issues. Around 320 students and acting teachers received training and 4 000 pupils were taught about the topic in Estonia and Latvia. The project’s website had around 80 500 unique visitors. Other project deliverables included 6 guidebooks, on household chemicals, cosmetics, baby care, toys, renovation, and endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs); a handbook for hairdressers and car repair shops, as well as leaflets for their clients; 2 leaflets for clients of K-Rauta stores; a teachers' handbook; 20 animations and 3 longer videos, and other brochures and gadgets. As a result, the BEF offices in the Baltic States are now regarded as information centres on hazardous substances in consumer goods. The project team took and analysed blood, dust, air and product samples for hazardous substances. The blood tests showed that all samples contained a cocktail of different hazardous substances. The publication of the blood test results, in particular, attracted considerable media interest and helped raise awareness about the wider issue of hazardous substances in products. The testing results have been valuable as background information, and to provide evidence of the presence and concentrations of hazardous substances to help decision-making in relevant authorities. To evaluate the environmental impacts of the project, two sets of measurements were applied: ‘soft’ (e.g. increase of awareness among selected stakeholder groups, changes in consumption patterns) and ‘hard’ (quantitative reduction of hazardous substances put in the market due to changes in sales of particular product groups). According to Eurobarometer surveys (‘Attitudes of European citizens towards the environment’) done in 2011 and 2014, awareness on chemicals in everyday products increased in all three countries: in Lithuania by 12% (51% to 63%), in Estonia by 13% (35% to 48%), and in Latvia by 9% (44% to 53%); although this effect cannot be attributed entirely to the BaltInfoHaz project. As a result of increased sales of tagged (project’s "safer choice" tag) paints, varnishes and adhesives, with less hazardous substances, in comparison to non-tagged products, reductions were recorded for four hazardous substances: methyl ethyl ketoxime (25-26 kg/year), cobalt bis(2-ethylhexanoate) (25-26 kg/year), methylchloroisothiazolinone (0.12-0.14 kg/year) and Benzisothiazolinone (0.25-0.26 kg/year) in Estonia and Latvia. The project had difficulties obtaining information from car repair shops, as this target group showed limited interest in providing input for guidelines and leaflets for clients. The project also approached municipal car parks and car washes. The organisation of information days for students studying to be car mechanics was considered a success and has the potential for a multiplier effect for passing on knowledge. Socio-economic benefits from the project arise through improved human health, both among people employed in the targeted fields and the general public. This could result in reduced medical costs and less working time lost due to occupational illness. The project team also believes that the demand for safer products creates opportunities for small-scale local businesses. Products containing fewer hazardous substances will lead to less pressure on the environment, and less resources needed to handle these substances. Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Communication Plan (see "Read more" section).