School of Public Health

UNT Health Science Center has been accepted into the World Health Organization (WHO) Chemical Risk Assessment Network, a global collaboration focused on identifying and assessing the emerging health risks from chemicals in our environment.

Chemicals play a vital role in our daily life – from the consumer products we use to substances produced in various occupational settings. They can also cause unintended harm to human health through our air, water, soil and food. According to WHO, more than 25 percent of disease worldwide can be linked to environmental factors, including chemical exposures.The WHO Chemical Risk Assessment Network – comprised of public health representatives, as well as universities, governmental and non-profit organizations, non-governmental agencies and professional societies from around the world – was founded last year to provide a forum for scientific exchange and collaboration regarding chemical risks.

Serving as UNT Health Science Center’s lead participant to the WHO network is Alisa Rich, PhD, MPH, School of Public Health Assistant Professor of Environmental and Occupational  Health Sciences. Faculty across the university will be invited to work with Dr. Rich on
topics and issues to come.