Identification of priorities for chemical hazard control

The paper presents the components of the problem of chemical safety as well as the criteria for setting priorities for chemical hazard control. Chemical safety comprises risk identification, estimation, evaluation, and management. The first three issues constitute an integral part known as risk assessment. Their implementation allows to determine the nature, magnitude and distribution of diseases resulting from exposure to chemicals as well as to compare the risk assessed with other socially accepted risks. Risk management can be considered in terms of risk control and decision-making. Risk control refers to the surveillance of the compliance with rules regarding environmental protection, occupational hygiene, nutritional hygiene, and other regulations confining man's exposure to toxic compounds in production, use, waste disposal, and contingency planning. Within the decision-making process, costs and benefits are calculated, as related to the production, possible changes in technology, and protective measures. At that stage, evaluation of existing regulatory controls is essential, as is the decision-making in relation to new or supplementary legal acts. Priority setting is essential for chemical safety. This activity is aimed at rational allocation of financial means for national policy designed to meet social requirements within health care. What is of vital importance is the determination of priority setting criteria. The primary criteria include: biological effects of the chemical concerned, environmental impact, production volume, distribution, and the population exposed. Of value are also some sociological factors such as identification and social acceptance of risk. The paper presents the principles of priority setting.