WHO manual for the public health management of chemical incidents
Overview
The purpose of the WHO Manual for the Public Health
Management of Chemical Incidents is to provide a
comprehensive overview of the principles and roles of
public health in the management of chemical incidents
and emergencies.
While this information is provided
for each phase of the emergency cycle, including
prevention, planning and preparedness, detection and
alert, response and recovery, it is recognized that the
management of chemical incidents and emergencies
require a multi-disciplinary and multi-sectoral approach
and that the health sector may play an influencing, Manual for the Public Health Management of Chemical Incidents
complementary or a leadership role at various stages of
the management process. The target audience includes
public health and environmental professionals, as well
as any other person involved in the management of
chemical incidents.
WHO and all those involved in the development of
the publication hope that the publication will have
wide application, especially in developing countries
and countries with economies in transition, and that in
the future the health sector will be better prepared to
acknowledge and fulfil its roles and responsibilities in the
management of chemical incidents and emergencies,
thereby contributing to the prevention and mitigation of
their health consequences.