2022-07-29-世界卫生组织-WHO_Chemical_Risk_Assessment_Network_Newsletter_2页_313kb

WHO Chemical Risk Assessment Network Newsletter Summary (No. 20, July 2022)

Core Content

The WHO Chemical Risk Assessment Network Newsletter No. 20, published in July 2022, provides an overview of recent activities and updates within the Network. It highlights the ongoing efforts to enhance chemical risk assessment practices globally through webinars, publications, and administrative processes.

Main Topics and Key Information

1. New Network Participant

• The Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health, Philippines has joined the Network as a new participant.
• This center focuses on regulating and researching cosmetic and household urban hazardous substances.

2. Network Webinar Series

• A series of webinars continued in the first half of 2022, aimed at promoting the use of the WHO Human Health Risk Assessment Toolkit: Chemical Hazards.
• February 2022 Webinar:
  • Introduced the second edition of the Toolkit.
  • Presented updates on new developments and methodologies.
  • Shared experiences from Network participants in developing countries using the Toolkit for training.
• June 2022 Webinar:
  • Launched the translations of the WHO publication "Manual for investigating suspected outbreaks of illnesses of possible chemical etiology" into French, Spanish, Russian, and Arabic.
  • Covered the investigation process for chemical-related illness outbreaks.
• Recordings and slides from these webinars are available to Network focal points.

3. Network Community of Trainers

• A series of three webinars was organized under the Network Community of Trainers to discuss the design of training programs in chemical risk assessment.
• The webinars were held in November, February, and March 2022.
• Topics covered:
  • Identifying target audience, learning outcomes, and resource needs.
  • Selecting teaching materials for different types of training.
  • Choosing training formats, assessment methods, and collecting participant feedback.
• These principles apply to both virtual and in-person training, as well as short and long-term events.

4. Latest Publications

a. WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality (4th edition)

• The latest update of the 4th edition of the WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality includes the 1st and 2nd addenda.
• It provides updated or new chemical risk assessments for the following substances:
  • Asbestos
  • Chromium
  • Cyanotoxins
  • Manganese
  • Tetrachloroethene
  • Trichloroethene
• Management advice is also included for these chemicals.
• Network participants were previously involved in peer reviewing the background documents for these contaminants.
• Publication Link

b. IARC Monographs

• IARC Monograph Volume 127:

  • Evaluated the carcinogenicity of aromatic amines and related compounds.
  • Classified several chemicals as "probably carcinogenic to humans" (Group 2A), including:
    • Ortho-anisidine and ortho-anisidine hydrochloride
    • Ortho-nitroanisole
    • Aniline and aniline hydrochloride
  • Cupferron was classified as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" (Group 2B).
  • Publication Link

• IARC Monograph Volume 128:

  • Assessed the carcinogenicity of acrolein, a High Production Volume chemical.
  • Acrolein was classified as "probably carcinogenic to humans" (Group 2A).
  • Arecoline and crotonaldehyde were classified as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" (Group 2B).
  • Publication Link

• IARC Monograph Volume 129:

  • Evaluated the carcinogenicity of three dyes and their precursors.
  • Gentian violet, leucomalachite green, and CI Direct Blue 218 were classified as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" (Group 2B).
  • Leucogentian violet and malachite green were "not classifiable as to their carcinogenicity to humans" (Group 3).
  • Publication Link

5. News from the Network Secretariat

• The Secretariat is based in the Chemical Safety and Health Unit at WHO Headquarters.
• Two long-standing colleagues have retired, and the remaining three staff are focusing on urgent and time-sensitive work.
• As a result, some Network activities have been delayed.
• The Secretariat is recruiting new staff, and expects to welcome new colleagues later in 2022.
• The renewal process for Network participation is ongoing.
• Focal points for institutions due for renewal should monitor their invitations to participate in the Network.

Summary of Key Points

• The Network continues to support chemical risk assessment through training and knowledge sharing.
• New participant and translations of key WHO documents are highlighted.
• IARC Monographs provide updated cancer risk assessments for various chemicals.
• The Secretariat is undergoing staff changes, which may temporarily affect Network operations.