fao

World Health Organization (WHO)

The World Health Organization's (WHO) work in Chemical Safety is undertaken largely through the International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS), a joint programme of WHO, ILO and UNEP. At WHO Headquarters, the Programme for the Promotion of Chemical Safety is the Central Unit for IPCS with responsibilities for technical work and coordination functions.

In headquarters, Regional Offices and country offices, activities are coordinated with other WHO programmes having chemical safety components, e.g. IARC, food safety, occupational health, control of tropical diseases, and with other specialist agencies such as the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

Areas of activity include:

  • Evaluation of risks to human health and the environment including CICADS, and ICSC.
  • Methodologies for risk assessment , including harmonisation and emerging issues.
  • Evaluation of the safety of food components, food additives and residues of pesticides and veterinary drugs.
  • Poisons information, prevention and management.
  • Capacity building for sound management of chemicals and risk reduction.

    • Contact information

    Lesley J Onyon
    Scientist
    Chemical Safety and Health Unit
    Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health
    World Health Organization
    Geneva, Switzerland
    Tel +41 795395013
    Email : onyonl@who.int

    WHO Chemical Safety website