[Problems and their solutions in preparation of environmental health criteria documents of IPCS]

Problems and solutions in preparing Environmental Health Criteria (EHC) documents for IPCS (International Programme on Chemical Safety) are summarized. Selection of target chemicals, information search, appointment of appropriate drafters, selection and evaluation of data, use of proprietary data, scientific and English editing, organization of international expert meetings, coordination and secretarial works were the important factors in the preparation of EHCs. The elucidation of the process of risk assessment of chemicals in the EHC preparation will be helpful in preparing other criteria documents.