Providing information on the health effects of chemicals

Hazardous chemicals can be found in the air, in consumers products, at the workplace, in water, or in the soil, and can cause a large variety of diseases.

The health effects of chemicals are determined by a process of assessment which aims to provide a consensus scientific description of the risks of chemical exposures. These descriptions are published in assessment reports and other related documents so that governments and international and national organizations can use them as the basis for taking preventive actions against adverse health and environmental impacts. Information is also provided for chemicals used in the workplace, and may also be provided in a concise format. The substances covered include chemicals or groups of chemicals of major public health concern.

The documents are often used as the basis for establishing guidelines and standards for the use of chemicals and for standards for drinking water. They can also be used to support the regulation of pesticides.

WHO works cooperatively with other international organizations, such as the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), under the auspices of the Inter-Organizational Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IOMC) avoiding duplication and thereby optimizing the use of assessment resources.