[The International Chemical Safety Cards].

Information is given on a new form of safety data sheets for chemical substances: the "International Chemical Safety Cards", that were developed by the "International Programme on Chemical Safety" of the WHO, in cooperation with the Commission of the European Communities. The Cards are prepared by various scientific institutions and then peer-reviewed by a committee of internationally-recognized experts. At the moment, 349 Cards are available in English. The Commission has also translated 78 Cards into the other eight official languages of the European Community. Among the aims of this undertaking, the most significant are: (a) the possibility of comparing risks associated with different substances, through the use of "standard phrases", whose meaning is given in a specific Guide; (b) circulation of information on chemical risks on a global level, particularly in those countries that are not able to make their own evaluations.