 |
INTERNET GUIDE
|
|
INTERNET GUIDE
|
I N T R O D U C T I O N |
Notice
This document gives you a launching point for exploring, searching and learning about the Internet. It is not intended to be a comprehensive list of chemical databases and information available on the Network. Due to the large number and nature of the data available this is not feasible.
Instead, it aims to be a source for links to Internet resources on chemical safety, hazards and for access to different levels of world scientific environmental knowledge - the intention of this document is to be a versatile and realistic help in your search for data on the World Wide Web. It is structured to make it a simple and easy to use research tool, to optimise tutorial time and to maximise your research output; with that end in mind you will find many commands and Internet addresses listed here.
Complementing the "Guide to Chemical Information Resources", it is an index of links for environmental management, assessment and reduction of chemical risks and explores alternative network paths leading to information in the fields of human activities utilising chemicals - remediation, efficient use of and reduction - as well as general sustainability matters.
________________________ ______________________
PREFACE
I am pleased to offer this First Issue of "INTERNET GUIDE: Finding information on chemicals" produced by UNEP Chemicals (IRPTC).
Among the many objectives of UNEP Chemicals (IRPTC) is to promote global chemical safety by making it easier for people to obtain information on chemical substances. In the past, UNEP has tried to meet that goal through the production and distribution of the IRPTC Databank, through the publication of documents on chemical safety, including the IRPTC Legal File, and by operating a "Query-Response" service where people can obtain answers to their questions about chemicals. The 1990's have brought us Internet - a global electronic network with enormous potential - which, over the past several years, has become an ever-growing source of chemical information. It is my hope that this guide will make it easier for people to access that growing source of chemical information.
UNEP Chemicals (IRPTC) has produced this guide to familiarize people in the field of chemical safety with the Internet concept and to help people actually search the Internet for information on chemicals. The guide is designed to be used by people with a limited knowledge of computer systems and the Internet, and tries to provide in plain terms some basic explanation of what the Internet is and how to best use this new capability to access the considerable, and rapidly growing, amount of chemical information that is now available.
The work has been carried out with helpful input of many individuals from governments, non-governmental organizations, and intergovernmental organizations. In particular, I would like to thank Mr. C. Corvalan of WHO/EHG, Mr. J. P. Miravalles and Mr. R. Rodriguez, consultants to UNEP, Ms. Y. Koda of CITI in the Government of Japan, and Mr. O. Pereira of UNEP Chemicals (IRPTC) for their extensive contributions to this document. Last, but certainly not least, I would like to thank Ms. F. Ouane-Kieta of UNEP Chemicals (IRPTC), under whose guidance this document was produced, and without whose dedication and effort this document would not have been possible.
Thanks to the kindness of Bob Rankin, it has been possible to include a section on how to obtain Internet information using simple e-mail facilities.
James B. Willis Director UNEP Chemicals (IRPTC) 15, chemin des Anémones CH-1219 Châtelaine Geneva Switzerland
TABLE OF CONTENTS | PART I | PART II | ANNEX I | ANNEX II | ANNEX III | COMMENTS | BACK TO UNEP