Guidance for the Characterization and Management of Public Health Risks from the Acute Release of Chemicals of Concern: Crude Oil

The BCCDC/NCCEH Environmental Health Seminar Series provides an opportunity for learning and knowledge exchange on a variety of environmental health topics. The seminars can be attended in-person or online.

Speaker: Marc Lafontaine, Science Advisor, Health Canada

Abstract: The Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Response Unit (CEPRU) of Health Canada is developing guidance documents to assist public health and emergency management practitioners in preparing for and responding to the acute release of high-risk chemicals. These guidance documents are intended to be used for awareness and education purposes; they cover considerations spanning the emergency management continuum of prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. They are complementary to chemical-specific response data sheets, include case studies, and promote freely available authoritative data sources and risk management best practices. Using a common structure and Q&A style, guidance documents for chlorine, ammonia, hydrogen fluoride and crude oil are being finalised. The guidance document on crude oil - currently under final review and planned to be made available in both official languages in the summer of 2017 - will be presented during the webinar.