The International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS) was established in 1980 by the WHO, the UNEP and the ILO (International Labour Organisation) "for the early warning and prevention of harmful effects of chemicals to which humans were being increasingly exposed, and for the assessment of the potential risks to human health."

It has collaborated to and published many highly recognized scientific publications.

Most publications are availaible from the INCHEM website www.inchem.org, "a means of rapid access to internationally peer reviewed information on chemicals commonly used throughout the world, which may also occur as contaminants in the environment and food." Publications include:

• About 250 "Environment Health Criteria" monographs (EHCs), available at www.inchem.org/pages/ehc.html .
• About 50 "Concise International Chemical Assessment Document" (CICADs), available at www.inchem.org/pages/cicads.html