WHO Holds Workshop on Identifying Emerging Risks from Chemicals

The World Health Organization (WHO) held a two-day workshop on February 20-21, 2019, in Bilthoven, Netherlands, bringing together experts to identify emerging human health risks from chemicals. The meeting included participants from both developing and industrialized countries with expertise in methodologies and systems for chemical risk assessment.

The workshop was hosted by RIVM, a Network Participant and WHO Collaborating Centre, and drew 48 participants from 32 countries. The majority were from the WHO Chemical Risk Assessment Network, with the remainder coming from other relevant institutions.

Discussions focused on a report detailing existing methodologies and systems, compiled by Public Health England based on a literature review and a survey of 30 institutions. Presentations highlighted examples of current systems and the work undertaken by each participating organization.

Key outcomes included the discussion of an operational definition for emerging chemical risks and exploration of the Network's role in identifying them. Potential follow-up activities, such as information sharing and training, were identified and will be advanced by a working group.