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- Heinälä, M, et al.
(författare)
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Survey on European methodologies in the risk assessment of chemical exposures in emergency response situations
- 2013
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Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Survey on European methodologies in the risk assessment of chemical exposures in emergency response situations. Prevention or mitigation of human health effects is often the major determinant underlying chemical incident prevention policy and emergency response decisions. The ability to perform a human health risk assessment is a prerequisite for effective chemical incident prevention, preparedness and response. To identify knowledge gaps, needs and concerns relating to health risks from chemical incidents, a web-based survey was sent to various groups of stakeholders. The release of acutely toxic substances and irritating/corrosive substances appeared to be the most important risk scenario. Almost 40% of the respondents also expected a future increase of chemical terrorism or sabotage. Developments in nanotechnology were perceived as potential future risk drivers although more information is needed on the health hazards of nanoparticles. A high number of respondents also expressed concern for the consequences of globalization, international trade and higher industry efficiency demands on health risks through chemical incidents. Acute Exposure Reference Values (AERVs) were considered important cornerstones but a need was expressed for recommendations on their use for the management of chemical emergencies. Based on this survey, it is advised to develop European consensus on an authoritative methodology to derive AERVs, to design a process for their implementation and to provide guidance and training on their practical application. Attention should be paid to the widely used acutely toxic and irritating/corrosive substances, to specific endpoints such as carcinogenicity and reproductive toxicity and new and emerging chemicals. Research should focus on developing plausible scenarios for emerging human health risks from chemical incidents to allow better prioritisation of future risk assessments.
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| 2. |
- Heinälä, Milla, et al.
(författare)
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Survey on methodologies in the risk assessment of chemical exposures in emergency response situations in Europe
- 2013
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Ingår i: Journal of Hazardous Materials. - : Elsevier. - 0304-3894 .- 1873-3336. ; 244, s. 545-554
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A scientifically sound assessment of the risk to human health resulting from acute chemical releases is the cornerstone for chemical incident prevention, preparedness and response. Although the general methodology to identify acute toxicity of chemicals has not substantially changed in the last decades, there is ongoing debate on the current approaches for human health risk assessment in scenarios involving acute chemical releases.A survey was conducted to identify 1) the most important present and potential future chemical incident scenarios and anticipated changes in chemical incidents or their management; 2) information, tools and guidance used in different countries to assess health risks from acute chemical releases; and 3) needs for new information, tools, guidance and expertise to enable the valid and rapid health risk assessment of acute chemical exposures.According to the results, there is an obvious variability in risk assessment practices within Europe. The multiplicity of acute exposure reference values appears to result in variable practices. There is a need for training especially on the practical application of acute exposure reference values. Although acutely toxic and irritating/corrosive chemicals will remain serious risks also in future the development of plausible scenarios for potential emerging risks is also needed. This includes risks from new mixtures and chemicals (e.g. nanoparticles).
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