The HSC includes members representing countries from Africa, South and North America, Asia/Pacific, Europe, the Middle-East and international organizations (EFSA, European Commission, and OECD), and NGOs in official relations with WHO and working in support of the Project (ECETOC and ILSI).

The Committee meets approximately every 2 years and elects a Chair, and a Core Group which meets regularly by teleconference. The Committee establishes Working Groups or convenes Workshops to carry out the individual activities of the Project Workplan.

The Harmonization Secretariat, which is located at IPCS (WHO, Geneva, Switzerland) is responsible for the daily management of the Project and associated activities.

Health and Safety Guides (HSG)

Provide concise information in non-technical language, for decision-makers on risks from exposure to chemicals, with practical advice on medical and administrative issues.

The Health and Safety Guide series are published by the World Health Organization and hard copies can be obtained from the Office of Distribution and Sales, World Health Organization, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland.

International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) - Summaries and Evaluations

In 1969, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) initiated a programme on the evaluation of the carcinogenic risk of chemicals to humans involving the production of critically evaluated monographs on individual chemicals. In 1980 and 1986, the programme was expanded to include evaluations of carcinogenic risks associated with exposures to complex mixtures and other agents.

The objective of the programme is to elaborate and publish in the form of monographs critical reviews of data on carcinogenicity for agents to which humans are known to be exposed and on specific exposure situations; to evaluate these data in terms of human risk with the help of international working groups of experts in chemical carcinogenesis and related fields;and to indicate where additional research efforts are needed.

International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSC)

Summarize essential information on chemical substances; developed cooperatively by the IPCS and the Commission of the European Union (EC).

The International Chemical Safety Cards summarize essential health and safety information on chemical substances in a clear way, and are not only intended to be used at the "shop floor" level by workers, but also by other interested parties in factories, agriculture, construction and other places of work.

Draft versions of the card containing a summary of health and safety information are prepared by cooperating scientific institutions. These institutions have the task of collecting and validating the relevant information. The cards are then peer-reviewed by a committee consisting of internationally- recognized experts who take into account advice given by manufacturers, workers' representatives and poisons centres.

The International Chemical Safety Cards are published by the Commission of the European Union, and hard copies can be obtained from the Office for Official Publications of the European Union, 2 rue Mercier, L-2985 Luxembourg.

IPCS/EC Evaluation of Antidotes Series

Provides definitive and authoritative guidance on the use of antidotes to treat poisoning. The International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS) and the Commission of the European Union (EC) are jointly undertaking a major project to evaluate antidotes used clinically in the treatment of poisoning. The aim of this project is to identify and evaluate for the first time in a scientific and rigorous way the efficacy and use of a wide range of antidotes. This series summarises and assesses, on an antidote-by-antidote basis, their clinical use, mode of action and efficacy. The aim is to provide an authoritative consensus statement which will greatly assist in the selection and administration of an appropriate antidote. This scientific assessment is complemented by detailed clinical information on routes of administration, contra-indications and precautions. The series collates a wealth of useful information which will be of immense practical use to clinical toxicologists and all those involved in the treatment and management of poisoning.

The IPCS/EC Antidotes Series are published by Cambridge University Press and hard copies can be obtained from Cambridge University Press, Cambridge CB2 2RU, England.

JECFA (Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives) - Monographs and evaluations

Toxicological evaluations of food additives and contaminants and of residues of veterinary drugs in food, produced by the Joint WHO/FAO Expert Committee on Food Additives JECFA, are used by the Codex Alimentarius Commission and national governments to set international food standards and safe levels for protection of the consumer.

The monographs provide the toxicological information upon which the JECFA makes its evaluations. These monographs are prepared by scientific experts and peer reviewed at the JECFA meetings.

JMPR (Joint Meeting on Pesticide Residues) - monographs and evaluations.

Toxicological evaluations of pesticides, produced by the WHO/FAO Joint Meeting on Pesticide Residues JMPR, are used by the Codex Alimentarius Commission and national governments to set international food standards and safe levels for protection of the consumer.

The monographs provide the toxicological information upon which the JMPR makes its evaluations. These monographs are prepared by scientific experts and peer reviewed at the JMPR meetings.

Pesticide Data Sheets (PDSs)

Contain basic information for safe use of pesticides. The Pesticide Data Sheets are prepared by WHO in collaboration with FAO and give basic toxicological information on individual pesticides. Priority for issue of PDSs is given to substances having a wide use in public health programmes and/or in agriculture, or having a high or an unusual toxicity record. The data sheets are prepared by scientific experts and peer reviewed. The comments of industry are provided through the industrial association, GIFAP. The data sheets are revised from time to time as required.

Poisons Information Monographs (PIMs)

A global database with evaluated information on substances (chemicals, pharmaceuticals, poisonous plants, and poisonous and venomous animals) commonly involved in cases of poisoning. A PIM is a concise, practical document designed to facilitate the work of poisons information specialists, clinicians, and analysts.

The PIM is more than a simple monograph and part of a database. It is a dynamic document which represents an international consensus on the diagnosis, management and prevention of poisonings. It may also constitute the basis for training, a source of scientific reference and a stimulus for international cooperation amongst poisons centres and clinical toxicology units around the world.

The PIMs are prepared by collaborating poisons information centres and other experts throughout the world and are subjected to individual and peer review. PIMs summarize the physico-chemical and toxicological properties of the substance, the medical features of the effects produced by various routes of exposure to the substance, the patient management and the supporting laboratory investigations.

OECD Screening Information Data Sets (SIDS)

Processed by IRPTC summarize the literature on high production chemicals and provide an initial assessment for decision-makers.