The DeNaMiC project: Description of the nature of accidental misuse of chemicals and chemical products

Objective: To determine the availability of information from poisons centres and other sources that would characterise the nature of accidental exposure to household chemical products to improve risk management. The DeNaMiC project was funded by European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC) and was carried out by the poisons centres in Gottingen, Lille, London and Prague, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, the World Health Organization and the Health Protection Agency (UK). Method: The project involved developing an analytical tool to compare data on accidental poisoning obtained from the published literature, poisons centre annual reports and official mortality and morbidity statistics, and comparing and mapping the data collection and product classification schemes used by three poisons centres (Gottingen, Lille and London). A retrospective analysis of 3 years of enquiry data from Gottingen and Lille was also carried out to determine routinely available data on circumstances of exposure. European poisons centres were surveyed to determine the availability of data useful for product risk assessment. In addition, an analysis of published literature on toxicovigilance and a survey of toxicovigilance activities of European poisons centres was carried out. Finally, the project explored the feasibility of using poisons centres to obtain additional information about circumstances of exposure through a prospective followup study. Results: A range of publicly available data on accidental exposures was found; however, this provided little on the circumstances of exposure and could only be compared qualitatively. The product classification schemes used by three poisons centres showed some degree of comparability for household products. European poisons centres collected the same base data set but varied in collecting data relevant for risk assessment. European poisons centres varied in their understanding of ‘toxicovigilance’ but most stated that they perform it. It was possible to collect additional prospective data on exposures to household products relevant for risk assessment and management. Conclusions: Poisons centres are an important potential source of data useful for product risk assessment and management. In most cases, however, this requires additional work that needs to be resourced. Cooperation between poisons centres and industry can contribute to improving product safety.