[Chemical accidents and catastrophes as a source of the greatest hazard to the environment and human health in Poland].

The author presents sources of the greatest chemical hazards to the environment in Poland, among which industry and transport occupy the first two places. The availability of data and information on chemical hazards to the environment and the human health are discussed. Legislation, organisation and competences of institutions designed to prevent and mitigate the outcomes of chemical disasters are outlined. It was found that in Poland a possible danger of chemical disasters with serious consequences for the people and environment does really exist. Certain industrial installations as well as road and railway transport belong to the major threats. Among chemicals, ammonia, chlorine, sulphur dioxide and phosgene are considered as most dangerous. In Poland the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Environmental Protection, Natural Resources and Forestry are legally responsible for prevention and mitigation of the outcomes of chemical disasters.