Containers of hazardous chemicals. Photo: Aces

The course is an introduction to the assessment of chemicals and strategies to reduce the risk. It presents key terms and concepts and explains the general approach from a global perspective. Topics addressed include:

• What properties characterize a “hazardous” chemical?
• What is the difference between hazard and risk?
• What type of data is needed to assess the hazard and risk of a chemical?
• Where can information about the hazards and risks of a chemical be found?
• How are chemicals managed on a national, regional, and global level?

Course structure

This web-based course consists of six modules. The first module addresses if and why chemicals can be a threat to human health and the environment, and the following five describe the key elements of risk assessment and management of chemicals.

• Framing the issue – a global chemicals outlook
• Hazard identification
• Hazard characterization
• Exposure assessment
• Risk characterization
• Risk reduction.

Target audience

The course is intended for environmental scientists, decision-makers, policymakers, regulators, and medical professionals from all over the world who would like to know more about how the health and environmental impacts of chemicals are assessed and can be managed.

Previous experience in the assessment and management of chemicals is not needed. There are no eligibility criteria, but basic training in toxicology and environmental chemistry is an advantage.

Primary course literature

Hazard and risk assessment of chemicals – an introduction, can be found at the website of Swedish Chemical Agency (KEMI), 2020.

Guidance-Hazard-and-risk-assessment-an-introduction.pdf

Registration and course periods

The course will be offered again in April 2026.

Course report

If you would like to read the reports for 2022 and 2023, which describes the course, presents an overview of the participants, and a summary of the course evaluation, please contact Marlene Ågerstrand, Marlene.Agerstrand@aces.su.se.