Chemical Safety and Health
Through the Chemical Safety and Health Unit, WHO works to establish the scientific basis for the sound management of chemicals, and to strengthen national capabilities and capacities for chemical safety.

Chemical assessments methods

The International Program on Chemical safety (IPCS) work in the field of methodology aims to promote the development, harmonization and use of generally acceptable, scientifically sound methodologies for the evaluation of risks to human health from exposure to chemicals. The results of such work enhance sharing of risk assessment products and avoid duplication of effort. The work includes the development of general principles of various areas of risk assessment, published as Environmental Health Criteria, and guidance documents published in the Harmonization Project series. Emerging issues may be addressed in ad hoc reports.

Key areas

Publications

Publications: Harmonization Project series

Journal articles


IPCS publications and projects on risk assessment methodology

Principles for evaluating the effects of chemicals on the aged population

A detailed review of research findings and methodological concepts that can guide efforts to characterize the susceptibility of the aged population to...

Principles and methods for assessing autoimmunity associated with exposure to chemicals

Autoimmunity is characterized by the reaction of cells (autoreactive T lymphocytes) or products (autoantibodies) of the immune system against...

Biomarkers and risk assessment : concepts and principles

Analysis of tissues and body fluids for chemicals, metabolites of chemicals, enzymes and other biochemical substances has been used to document the interaction...

Biomarkers in risk assessment : validity and validation

The aim of risk assessments is to provide society with estimates of the likelihood of illnesses and injury as a consequence of exposure to various hazards....

Principles for evaluating health risks in children associated with exposure to chemicals

Published under the joint sponsorship of the United Nations Environment Programme, the International Labour Organization and the World Health...

Principles and methods to assess the risk of immunotoxicity associated with exposure to nanomaterials

Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) are being applied in various nanotechnology products and are used in consumer products such as cosmetics and food;...

Integrated risk assessment : report prepared for the WHO/UNEP/ILO International Programme on Chemical Safety

Historically, human health and environmental risk assessment methodologies have generally developed independently. Regulatory agencies often use a chemical-by-chemical...

Journal articles and other related content

  • IPCS Guidelines for the monitoring of genotoxic effects of carcinogens in humans
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