ASSESSMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH RISKS IN THE EVENT OF CHEMICAL ACCIDENTS

Abstract

Chemical accidents can endanger public health. The consequences for health can be direct or indirect, short-term or long-term, or delayed. In Slovenia, the system for responding to and managing emergencies is well-organized, but accidents in a broader sense are less effectively controlled. Although the impacts of an accident on public health and the environment may not be immediately apparent, the consequences can be long-lasting. The role of public health organizations is primarily to strengthen the resilience of society, and to implement protective measures to mitigate the harmful effect of such impacts. In the event of a chemical accident, particularly when exposure to hazardous substances is possible, a public health expert prepares a health risk assessment based on the available information, and proposes measures to limit that risk. Throughout the entire process, including data gathering, preparation of measures, and communication, collaboration with other stakeholders is crucial. Only through such collaboration can risk management be successful.