Lessons learned in building a global information network on chemicals (GINC)

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Information Science
• International Health

Background:

• The Global Information Network on Chemicals (GINC) project aimed to create a global network for chemical safety management.
• Initiated in 1994, GINC was a decade-long collaborative effort involving WHO, ILO, and UNEP, later endorsed by IFCS.
• Asia was selected for the feasibility study, with Japan's National Institute of Health Sciences (NIHS) leading the initiative.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a worldwide information network for the safe management of chemicals.
• To assess the feasibility of such a network, focusing on Asia.
• To share experiences in web-based instruction and training for chemical safety specialists.

Main Methods:

• Development of a web-based information system.
• Organization of tutorial sessions on chemical safety expertise and new information technologies.
• Conducting feasibility studies in East Asia and Pacific islands.

Main Results:

• Successful establishment of a project framework for global chemical safety information exchange.
• Demonstrated utility of web-based systems for disseminating chemical safety knowledge.
• Provided practical training for chemical safety specialists.

Conclusions:

• The GINC project's experience, particularly its web-based system and tutorials, offers valuable lessons for global chemical safety training.
• Web-based instruction and training are effective tools for chemical safety specialists in both developed and developing countries.
• The project highlights the importance of international collaboration in chemical safety management.