Abstract
The IRPTC was established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 1976, upon the recommendation of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment held in Stockholm in 1972. It consists of a central unit and a network for information exchange. The main objective of IRPTC is to provide information adequate for the assessment of the hazards to health and the environment posed by chemicals. It is designed primarily to assist authorities responsible for protection of human health and the environment, however, its services are available to everyone.