Early warning systems to detect new and emerging risks in Europe

"The Dutch ministry of Social Affairs and Employment aims to reduce worker exposure to carcinogens. So, it is important to identify carcinogens and work processes that may cause cancer as early as possible. Also at the European level there is much interest in so-called early warning systems, bu...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Palmen, N.G.M.
Institution:ETUI-European Trade Union Institute
Format: TEXT
Language:English
Published: Bilthoven 2016
RIVM
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.labourline.org/KENTIKA-930912475819-early-warning-systems-to-detec.htm
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author Palmen, N.G.M.
author_facet Palmen, N.G.M.
collection Library items
description "The Dutch ministry of Social Affairs and Employment aims to reduce worker exposure to carcinogens. So, it is important to identify carcinogens and work processes that may cause cancer as early as possible. Also at the European level there is much interest in so-called early warning systems, but countries use different systems. RIVM made an inventory in 51 European countries for identifying new and emerging risks for workers. Seven countries developed a signaling tool, sometimes in cooperation with another country. Using such a tool, physicians can report health effects, e.g. cancer, when they suspect a hitherto unknown causal relationship between substances or work processes and the reported health effect. Next, a group of experts in occupational disease and exposure will evaluate the possible causal relationship. Ten other countries reported systems which are not specifically designed to identify new and emerging risks of chemicals, but which may be used as such. Besides signaling tools, databases are available with information on exposure to hazardous substances and processes, and health effects. These databases can be used to identify possible carcinogens. Again, expert groups play a fundamental role in the evaluation. National centres that investigate work-related health effects of workers play an essential role in the evaluation of a possible causal relationship between exposure and health effect, according to experts in the field. According to most of the countries in this study, cases should be collected and evaluated preferably at an international level. Many suggestions were given; e.g. using an already existing international network of professionals who evaluate and discuss new and emerging risks for workers (MODERNET) or other international advisory committees. Once a new and emerging health risk has been established, action has to be taken to control the risk. This study gives an overview of possible actions."
format TEXT
geographic EU countries
Netherlands
id 930912475819_cb53bf0c011f4b18b09c0ae5eb547771
institution ETUI-European Trade Union Institute
is_hierarchy_id 930912475819_cb53bf0c011f4b18b09c0ae5eb547771
is_hierarchy_title Early warning systems to detect new and emerging risks in Europe
language English
physical 58 p.
Digital
publishDate 2016
publisher Bilthoven
RIVM
spellingShingle Palmen, N.G.M.
cancer
carcinogens
chemicals
early diagnosis
exposure
hazard identification
health impact assessment
methodology
national level
survey
Early warning systems to detect new and emerging risks in Europe
title Early warning systems to detect new and emerging risks in Europe
topic cancer
carcinogens
chemicals
early diagnosis
exposure
hazard identification
health impact assessment
methodology
national level
survey
url https://www.labourline.org/KENTIKA-930912475819-early-warning-systems-to-detec.htm