R. Bertollini, C. Dora, M. Krzyzanowski, and
D. Stanners
WHO Regional Publications, European Series, No. 68
1996, 56 pages [E]
ISBN 92 890 1332 X
Sw.fr. 19.-/US $17.10; In developing countries: Sw.fr. 13.30
Order no. 1310068
Summarizes the impact that specific environmental problems have on the health of Europe's population. Addressed to the general public, the report aims to enhance awareness of the magnitude of ill health linked to the environment, establish priorities, and map out lines for immediate action. Assessments and recommendations draw on the vast body of data collected by the European Environment Agency and the WHO European Centre for Environment and Health.
The report has two parts. The first discusses ten major health problems and explains how these are linked to the environment. Problems identified range from cancer, through respiratory and communicable diseases, to injury, poisoning, birth defects, and impaired mental development in children. Against this background, the second part identifies three priority areas where coordinated action can have a major impact on both the environment and human health: pollution of air with suspended particulate matter, microbiological contamination of drinking water, and road traffic accidents. These were selected because of their relatively well established cause-effect relationship and their susceptibility to known remedial actions. Each is discussed in detail, covering the nature of the problem, its causes, the consequences for health, precise goals for action, and strategies for reaching these goals.
Supporting data cited include the link between specific air concentrations of suspended particulate matter and both immediate episodes of illness and long-term effects on health, the magnitude of illness caused by water-borne transmission of cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis A, and the estimates that road traffic accidents result each day in the injury of over 6000 Europeans and the deaths of close to 350. For road traffic accidents, the report also considers the transportation debate, where the issues of environment, mobility, and safety cannot be separate. The report underscores the need for fundamental policies that address the demand for road transport and include such solutions as the reduction of the need for population movement, the provision of good and accessible public transport, and the separation of pedestrian, bicycle, and car traffic. A comprehensive list of references concludes the report.