Health effects of toxicants: Online knowledge support

Research in toxicology generates vast quantities of data which reside on the Web and are subsequently appropriated and utilized to support further research. This data includes a broad spectrum of information about chemical, biological and radiological agents which can affect health, the nature of the effects, treatment, regulatory measures, and more. Information is structured in a variety of formats, including traditional databases, portals, prediction models, and decision making support tools. Online resources are created and housed by a variety of institutions, including libraries and government agencies. This paper focuses on three such institutions and the tools they offer to the public: the National Library of Medicine (NLM) and its Toxicology and Environmental Health Information Program, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Reference is also made to other relevant organizations.

OECD environment, health and safety programme: information on the world wide web

This article presents the computerised resources of the Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) Programme of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The main focus is the dissemination of tools for chemical safety assessment, which are used by OECD member countries, with the aim of promoting harmonization. The contents include the activities of the programme with special emphasis on dissemination of information via the web site (http://www.oecd.org/ehs) in the form of up-to-date information on activities, publications, directories, databases, contact points and links to other sites of importance.