Human risk assessment of single exposure in chemical incidents
Abstract
Chemical incidents occur frequently and have the potential to expose up to thousands of individuals simultaneously. Prevention or mitigation of human health effects is a major determinant underlying accident prevention policy and emergency response decisions. Acute Exposure Reference Values (AERVs) are pre-eminently suitable for this purpose and are perceived as important cornerstones. An internationally harmonized approach is important to assure a consistent and transparent assessment, management and communication of public health risks, especially in case of transboundary incidents. The presence and use of AERVs in a number of European countries was evaluated through a web-based survey among stakeholders and by comparing existing AERV-methodologies to identify knowledge gaps, needs and concerns. At present, no European guidance is available for risk assessment, management and communication purposes for chemical incident scenarios. An increasing number of European countries are developing their own methodologies and procedures. AERVs thus produced serve different purposes and are not interchangeable, but are often used as if they are. This leads to inconsistencies and inaccuracies in chemical incident risk assessments, especially in case of transboundary incidents. There is a clear need for consensus on a European methodology to derive AERVs. Specific guidance is needed to adequately protect professional first responders and to deal with single exposure to mixtures of chemicals. Training materials and courses on health risk assessment from single exposures should be developed, especially on the practical application of AERVs, and their role in the assessment and communication of health risk of acute chemical incidents.