Public health management of chemical incidents
Chemical releases arising from technological incidents, natural disasters, conflicts and terrorism are common and can have international implications. Between 2009 and 2018, there were nearly 2000 technological disasters with approximately 65 000 people killed, and more than 600 000 people affected.
Since 2005, chemical events of international public health concern are regulated under the new International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) and countries are requested to put in place core capacities for the public health management of chemical incidents.
WHO provides guidance for the strengthening the role of public health in chemical incident and emergency prevention, preparedness, detection, alert, response and recovery, particularly for developing countries and those with economies in transition.
WHO maintains functions to rapidly detect, verify/assess, alert and respond to chemical events of international public health concern as part of the revised International Health Regulations.
Publications
All →International code of conduct on pesticide management: guidance on options for reducing risk when phasing...
This guidance covers different options for banning or phasing out a pesticide and suggests related risk reduction measures to be taken during the phase-out...
International code of conduct on pesticide management: guidance note on online sales of pesticides
Pesticides are widely used in agricultural production, vector control and household pest control. In the era of rapid internet and trade globalization,...