Ten chemicals of major public health concern

Chemicals are part of our daily life. All living and inanimate matter is made up of chemicals and virtually every manufactured product involves the use of chemicals. Many chemicals can, when properly used, significantly contribute to the improvement of our quality of life, health and well-being. But other chemicals are highly hazardous and can negatively affect our health and environment when improperly managed.

Further information on the 10 chemicals or groups of chemicals of major public health concern can be found from the following links:

- Air pollution

- Arsenic

- Asbestos

- Benzene

- Cadmium

- Dioxin and dioxin-like substances

- Inadequate or excess fluoride

- Lead

- Mercury

- Highly hazardous pesticides

Additionally, the leaflet listed below summarizes scientific evidence and provides risk management recommendations for the 10 chemicals or groups of chemicals of major public health concern.

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http://www.who.int/ipcs/assessment/public_health/chemicals_phc/en/index.html