Health-sector involvement in chemicals management at the national level: review of current practice

The chemical industry is one of the world’s largest economic sectors, which, if managed improperly, poses risks to human health and the environment. The Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) is designed to achieve the sound management of chemicals, and a strategy for strengthening the engagement of the health sector in its implementation was adopted in September 2012.

This publication presents practical examples of such health-sector involvement in chemicals management in selected countries around the world, including Albania, Armenia, Finland, Poland, the Russian Federation, Slovenia, Sweden, the United Kingdom and Uzbekistan, as well as the European Union. It reviews legislative arrangements, research projects, the collection and dissemination of information, awareness-raising practices, and approaches to the education and training of medical professionals.

Professionals in the health and other sectors will find this information invaluable when planning action to implement the SAICM strategy.