Chemical Incident Surveillance

Chemical incidents need to be detected early so that effective action can be taken to protect public health. Response and surveillance systems are therefore an essential component of the Agency's role, along with research to evaluate the immediate and longer-term health effects of exposure. During 2003/04, the Agency, together with the Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health, identified 844 chemical incidents that had an impact on public health. Chemical spills and leaks were the most common, with 301 incidents; followed by fires and explosions where chemicals were released, of which there were 166.

Numerous methods exist to monitor chemical incidents in the UK, developed by a range of agencies. For acute incidents a number of basic data collection systems have been developed to record the numbers of incidents. In some cases systems are also being developed to assist with the management of chronic exposures. The long term goal is to develop Environmental Public Health Tracking (EPHT) systems, which integrate the best aspects from all these systems.

The division has begun working on integrating data from all the available systems and part of this work has been the establishment of a 24 hour emergency on-call system to ensure that NHS staff and other first line responders have resilient, 24-hour access to specialists during chemical incidents. Further work is being carried out to establish a comprehensive, resilient system with the following aims:

Aims of a public health system for monitoring chemical incidents

To describe the frequency and characteristics of chemical incidents in the UK, including identifying the chemicals most commonly involved.

To describe the effects on the population's health resulting from chemical incidents in the UK.

To compare rates of incidents and identify trends in the different regions to better prepare and respond, or to evaluate changes in policy.

To create networks for collaboration and sharing of expertise.

To provide the mechanism for disseminating lessons learnt in enhancing preparedness, timeliness and appropriateness of response.

Reports - Public Health Surveillance of Chemical Incidents

Quarterly reports of chemical incident surveillance carried out by CHaPD from 2005 are now available to download.

Graphic illustrating the principles of public health surveillance

Last reviewed: 2 July 2009