The handbook suggests controlling exposure, reducing public health risks, and assisting the recovery process after environmental contamination. Providing specific strategies on water, food, and inhabited areas, the handbook is a reference designed for decision-makers including recovery coordination groups and government departments toward a more unified and complete emergency plan.

Aimed at supporting Public Health England, the handbook was written and released in November 2015 and was integrated in 2021 into the UK Health Security Agency. The UK also has developed a Recovery Handbook for Chemical Incidents (2011) and for Radiation Incidents (4th edition, 2015).