Risk assessment of chemicals--a central European perspective

During the last four decades in all the Central and East European countries it was intended that prevention of the adverse health effects of chemicals in occupational and environmental settings, including the drinking water and food basket of populations, be achieved by determination and compulsory observance of hygienic limit values (MAC, TLV, ADI). The authors have tried to demonstrate some specific features of risk assessment of exposure to chemicals in environmental and occupational settings. Although the approach to risk assessment and management was similar in many respects in the CMEA countries, implementation and hygienic practice was different in the individual countries in terms of many details and effectiveness. Due to long lasting experience with environmental pollution including health impact on humans, such as in the "Dirty Triangle of Europe" and other heavily contaminated areas a considerable knowledge has been gained. The authors recommend to analyse critically and evaluate the knowledge and experience and present it to the international scientific community and international institutions such as UNEP, ILO, IPCS, IRPTC and last but not least, OECD.