The IPCS INTOX Programme
The IPCS INTOX Programme is a global endeavour to promote chemical safety through the establishment and strengthening of poisons centres. The Programme’s objectives are achieved through international cooperative and collaborative efforts coordinated by IPCS. These efforts have been particularly directed at the following activities:
- Development and provision of information management tools (INTOX Data Management System), and training in their use.
- Development of training materials (INTOX Poisons Centre Training Manual).
- Maintenance of a network for sharing information and for mutual assistance on poisons centre and toxicological issues (INTOX Network).
- Workshops on the establishment of poisons centres.
Who participates in the IPCS INTOX Programme?
Specialists from over 75 countries collaborate with IPCS in the INTOX Programme. These specialists work in poisons centres, clinical treatment units and analytical toxicology laboratories. They contribute to the Programme in a number of different ways, e.g.:
- by writing and peer-reviewing documents for the INTOX Databank on the prevention, diagnosis and management of poisoning;
- by assisting with training;
- by providing support to newly established poisons centres;
- by participating in INTOX working groups; and
- by making available their expertise and knowledge to help with toxicological problems.
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) has been an important partner in the work of the IPCS INTOX Programme, particularly with regard to the development and maintenance of the the INTOX Data Management System .