Chemical incidents

Public health preparedness for chemical incidents in Europe.

In response to the attack of 11 September 2001 on the USA, World Health Organization (WHO), Regional Office for Europe took immediate steps in order to be able to assist countries in case of a terrorist attack. Among other things, WHO organised a series of different consultations with international organisations, government representatives and experts in order to assess the state of preparednes...

Assessing the health consequences of major chemical incidents--epidemiological approaches.

Global surveillance for chemical incidents of international public health concern.

OBJECTIVE In December 2001, an expert consultation convened by WHO identified strengthening national and global chemical incident preparedness and response as a priority. WHO is working towards this objective by developing a surveillance and response system for chemical incidents. This report describes the frequency, nature and geographical location of acute chemical incidents of potential inte...

Hospital preparedness for chemical and biological incidents in Hong Kong.

The risk of mass exposure to toxic substances has increased steadily during the twentieth century due to the expansion of industry and the deliberate development and use of agents of chemical warfare. Although Hong Kong is considered a relatively safe place, hoax anthrax attacks have occurred since 17 October 2001. People who have been seriously injured by hazardous materials have a greater cha...

Delphi based consensus study into planning for chemical incidents.

OBJECTIVE To achieve consensus in all phases of chemical incident planning and response. DESIGN A three round Delphi study was conducted using a panel of 39 experts from specialties involved in the management of chemical incidents. Areas that did not reach consensus in the Delphi study were presented as synopsis statements for discussion in four syndicate groups at a conference hosted by the ...