Environmental emergencies and the role of the National Environmental Health Center

Abstract

The National Environmental Health Centre (CNSA in Spanish) is the Carlos III Health Institute’s scientific-technical body specializing in health-related issues caused by environmental pollution. Its fundamental aim is to identify the risks faced by the population in potential cases of environmental pollution. Based on its experience, scientific knowledge and technological resources, and to fulfill its main function of providing scientific and technical support to public authorities on health aspects related to the environment, the CNSA created in late 2012 an Emergency Unit consisting of the human and material resources belonging to its different areas, services and units. Through this Unit, the CNSA projects its capabilities and intervenes in those emergencies with an impact on the environment in which the appropriate administration requires it to give support and advice. In order to test its operational capacity and preparedness regarding both its operating procedure for acting in these emergencies and the specific quality plans developed for the different environmental areas, the CNSA has participated since its creation in four exercises organized by the Directorate- General for Civil Protection and the Military Emergency Unit, with which it has signed collaborative framework agreements.