What is necessary for next-generation atmospheric environmental standards? Recent research trends for PM2.5 -bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their derivatives.

The air pollution associated with PM2.5 kills 7 million people every year in the world, especially threatening the health of children in developing countries. However, the current air quality standards depend mainly on particle size. PM2.5 contains many carcinogenic/mutagenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their derivatives such as nitropolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and oxygenated PAHs. Among them, environmental standards and guidelines have been set for benzo[a]pyrene by few countries and international organizations. Recent research reports showed that these pollutants are linked to diseases other than lungs, and new methods have been developed for determining trace levels of not only PAHs but also their derivatives. It is time to think about the next-generation environmental standards. This article aims to (a) describe recent studies on the health effects of PAHs and their derivatives other than cancer, (b) describe new analytical methods for PAH derivatives, and (c) discuss the targets for the next-generation standards.

Recomendaciones para la gestión de residuos sólidos, 11 de mayo del 2020 / Recommendations for the Management of Solid Waste, 11 May 2020 / Recomendações para o gerenciamento de resíduos sólidos, 11 de maio de 2020

Manejar residuos sólidos correctamente permite minimizar posibles impactos secundarios sobre la salud y el ambiente.

This technical note presents recommendations for handling solid waste correctly to minimize possible secondary impacts on health and the environment. The note covers safe management measures for personnel, transportation of common waste, final disposal services of waste, special considerations for the handling of waste from health facilities to be treated outside the facility, and waste management in homes.

Medidas de gestão: segura para os funcionários • Fornecer a toda a equipe operacional os equipamentos de proteção individual (EPIs) adequados para as suas tarefas (máscaras, macacão/bata, touca, luvas e botas). • Capacitar toda a equipe operacional e administrativa sobre as medidas de proteção individual e os riscos. • Solicitar à equipe que trabalha com manuseio de resíduos que use os EPIs em todas as etapas (coleta, transporte e disposição final). • Garantir a disponibilidade gratuita de locais para lavar as mãos com água e sabão. • Ao final do expediente, lavar as mãos com as luvas calçadas. Em seguida, colocar as luvas em um recipiente com uma solução de hipoclorito de sódio a 0,1%, seguindo as instruções da tabela abaixo, durante 1 minuto. Enxaguar e deixar secar para usá-las no dia seguinte. Depois, lavar as mãos. • Lavar e desinfetar os óculos de proteção com uma solução de hipoclorito de sódio a 0,1%, de acordo com as instruções da tabela abaixo. • Usar as máscaras de proteção conforme as normas nacionais. • Proibir os funcionários de abrirem os sacos de resíduos. • Manter uma distância de 2 m entre as equipes de pesagem, vigilância e os motoristas, mantendo o uso dos EPIs. • Alimentação deve ser realizada somente em áreas preestabelecidas, longe dos resíduos.

Recomendaciones para medidas de salud pública ambiental durante la sequía y la conservación de agua, 11 de mayo del 2020 / Recommendations for Environmental Public Health Measures during Drought and Water Conservation, 11 May 2020

Proporcionar acceso universal a las estaciones públicas de higiene de manos, con indicaciones precisas para su uso correcto. •Garantizar el suministro continuo de agua segura en las instalaciones de salud. •Asegurar que las instalaciones de atención a largo plazo y los espacios comunitarios cerrados tengan un suministro continuo de agua segura. •Asegurar el acceso de agua segura a no más de 500 metros de la residencia. •Abogar para el acceso continuo de agua segura para toda la población. •Instalar tanques de almacenamiento temporales en áreas desatendidas y donde haya un servicio interrumpido, con niveles de cloro residual de 0,5 mg/L. •Asegurar que los tanques de agua y los camiones cisterna tengan un nivel de cloro residual de 0,5-1 mg/L. •Asegurar que el nivel de cloro residual en todo el sistema de suministro y en el punto de uso es de 0,5 mg/L. •Fortalecer las acciones de vigilancia de la calidad del agua, especialmente en las zonas más afectadas. •Promover el almacenamiento seguro de agua en los hogares, como tanques elevados con tapas y grifos. •Promover tecnologías de bajo costo para garantizar la calidad del agua, como los filtros de agua domésticos. •Realizar la coordinación del sector salud, con el sector de agua y otros sectores relevantes para definir e implementar las intervenciones. •Abogar por la participación intersectorial (por ejemplo, sector del agua, agricultura) en los comités de emergencia y desastre de los paises. •Reparar las tuberías con fugas. •Establecer una prohibición sobre el uso de mangueras. • Recomendar el uso de sistemas de inodoros de bajo flujo (por diseño o modernizados) en áreas propensas a la sequía. •Realizar intervenciones de prevención que hayan demostrado ser efectivas contra el SARS-COV-2.

This technical note contains recommendations for the public sector, the community, and health establishments to make rational use of water in conditions of low water availability due to drought.

Environmental, Nutritional, and Socioeconomic Determinants of IBD Incidence: A Global Ecological Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The wide variation in inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] incidence across countries entails an opportunity to recognise global disease determinants and hypothesise preventive policies. METHODS: We fitted multivariable models to identify putative environmental, nutritional, and socioeconomic determinants associated with the incidence of IBD (i.e. ulcerative colitis [UC] and Crohn's disease [CD]). We used the latest available country-specific incidence rates, and aggregate data for 20 determinants, from over 50 countries accounting for more than half of the global population. We presented the associations with exponentiated beta coefficients (exp[ß]) indicating the relative increase of disease incidence per unit increase in the predictor variables. RESULTS: Country-specific incidence estimates demonstrate wide variability across the world, with a median of 4.8 new UC cases (interquartile range [IQR] 2.4-9.3), and 3.5 new CD cases [IQR 0.8-5.7] per 100 000 population per year. Latitude (exp[ß] 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04‒1.06, per degree increase), prevalence of obesity [1.05, 1.02‒1.07, per 1% increase], and of tobacco smoking [0.97, 0.95‒0.99, per 1% increase] explained 71.5% of UC incidence variation across countries in the adjusted analysis. The model for CD included latitude [1.04, 1.02‒1.06], expenditure for health (1.03, 1.01‒1.05, per 100 purchasing power parity [PPP]/year per capita increase), and physical inactivity prevalence [1.03, 1.00‒1.06, per 1% increase], explaining 58.3% of incidence variation across countries. Besides expenditure for health, these associations were consistent in low/middle- and high-income countries. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis highlights factors able to explain a substantial portion of incidence variation across countries. Further high-quality research is warranted to develop global strategies for IBD prevention.

Exposición a plomo y mercurio en poblaciones de la ribera del río Bogotá: estudio multi-método / Lead and mercury exposure in populations on the banks of the Bogotá River: a multi-method study

RESUMEN Objetivos Este estudio buscó comprender la problemática sanitaria asociada con la presencia de plomo y mercurio en el agua del río Bogotá. Materiales y Métodos Se realizó un estudio mixto con entrevistas, encuesta y mediciones de zinc protoporfirina (ZPP) y mercurio en sangre a 172 individuos. Se identificaron variables asociadas con las mayores concentraciones, y mediante análisis comparativo cualitativo los atributos de los casos con mayor exposición. Resultados Las entrevistas reportaron que la contaminación del río se asocia con enfermedades, pese a que la exposición directa al agua no es frecuente. El agua del río es usada ampliamente para riego de cultivos que se venden en otros municipios. Las comunidades con mayor exposición al agua del río son de Tocaima y Girardot. Los mayores niveles de ZPP se observaron entre quienes vivían en estos municipios, con ocupación hogar y que realizaban actividades extralaborales con metales. Los niveles elevados de ZPP se asociaron con depresión, sangrado nasal y pérdida del apetito. Las mayores concentraciones de mercurio se presentaron entre habitantes de Girardot. Estas se asociaron con sudoración, desorientación, náuseas y diarrea. Conclusión Se presentaron bajos niveles de plomo y mercurio en la población estudiada, aunque hay casos específicos con alta vulnerabilidad social que requieren atención especial.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objectives This study sought to understand the health problems associated with the presence of lead and mercury in the water of the Bogotá River. Materials and Methods A mixed methods study was conducted using interviews, surveys and measurements of zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) and mercury in blood from 172 individuals. Variables associated with the highest concentrations were identified, as well as the attributes of the cases with increased exposure by means of a qualitative comparative analysis. Results Interviews reported that river pollution is associated with diseases, although direct exposure to water is rare. River water is widely used for irrigation of crops that are sold in other municipalities. Communities with greater exposure to river water are Tocaima and Girardot. The highest levels of ZPP were observed among those living in these municipalities, did activities at home and performed non-work activities using metals. Increased ZPP levels were associated with depression, nasal bleeding and loss of appetite. The highest concentrations of mercury were found in the inhabitants of Girardot, and were associated with sweating, disorientation, nausea and diarrhea. Conclusion Low levels of lead and mercury were observed in the study population, although there are specific cases with high social vulnerability that require special attention.(AU)

Indicadores de saúde ambiental nos assentamentos do município de Cáceres: faixa fronteiriça Brasil/Bolívia / Environmental health indicators in the settlements of the county of Cáceres: border strip Brazil/Bolivia / Indicadores de salud ambiental em los asentamientos del município de Cáceres: banda fronteriza Brasil/Bolívia

Objetivo: propor e avaliar indicadores de saúde ambiental dos assentados na faixa fronteiriça cacerense. Método: utilizou-se o estudo descritivo, explicativo, quanti-qualitativo e censo, abrangendo todos os responsáveis pelas propriedades (lotes) dos assentamentos Jatobá, Nova Esperança, Rancho da Saudade, Sapicuá, Corixo, Bom Sucesso e Katira. Para coleta de dados foi aplicado um formulário semiestruturado, no período de março a julho de 2016, a 136 agricultores. Na construção dos indicadores utilizou-se a abordagem derivada do modelo Pressão-Estado-Impacto-Resposta. Os indicadores propostos foram: destinação do lixo, qualidade da água e casos de diarreia em crianças. As fontes de captação de água foram submetidas a quatro análises físico-química e microbiológica. Resultados: na destinação do lixo doméstico predominou a categoria queima com 80,9%, seguida das categorias enterra com 8,8% e queima e enterra com 10,3%. Verificou-se que a água não atende as exigências do Ministério da Saúde, devido à presença de Coliformes Totais. O número de crianças nos assentamentos foi 69, destas 88,40% consomem água dos poços coletivos, 52,45% apresentaram episódios de diarreia. Conclusão: os indicadores mostraram-se eficazes, sendo necessárias ações coletivas de orientações referentes aos cuidados com a destinação do lixo e o isolamento no entorno dos poços, e análises periódicas das águas destes assentamentos.(AU)

Objective: to propose and evaluate indicators of environmental health of the settlers in the border area of Caceres. Method: the descriptive, explanatory, quantitative-qualitative and census study was used, covering all those responsible for the properties (lots) of the Jatobá, Nova Esperança, Rancho da Saudade, Sapicuá, Corixo, Bom Sucesso and Katira settlements. For data collection, a semistructured form was applied, from March to July 2016, to 136 farmers. In the construction of the indicators we used the approach derived from the Pressure-State-Impact-Response model. The proposed indicators were: waste disposal, water quality and cases of diarrhea in children. The sources of water abstraction were submitted to four physical-chemical and microbiological analyzes. Results: domestic waste disposal predominated in the category burned with 80.9%, followed by the categories burial with 8.8% and burning and burial with 10.3%. It was verified that the water does not meet the requirements of the Ministry of Health, due to the presence of Total Coliforms. The number of children in the settlements was 69, of whom 88.40% consume water from the collective wells, 52.45% had episodes of diarrhea. Conclusion: the indicators were effective, requiring collective actions of guidelines regarding waste disposal and isolation in the vicinity of the wells, and periodic analysis of the waters of these settlements.(AU)

Objetivo: proponer y evaluar indicadores de salud ambiental de los asentados en la franja fronteriza cacerense. En el presente trabajo se analizaron los resultados obtenidos en el análisis de los resultados obtenidos en el análisis de los resultados obtenidos. Método: para la recolección de datos se aplicó un formulario semiestructurado, en el período de marzo a julio de 2016, a 136 agricultores. En la construcción de los indicadores se utilizó el abordaje derivado del modelo Presión-Estado-Impacto-Respuesta. Los indicadores propuestos fueron: destino de la basura, calidad del agua y casos de diarrea en niños. Las fuentes de captación de agua se sometieron a cuatro análisis físico-químicos y microbiológicos. Resultados: en la destinación de la basura doméstica predominó la categoría quema con 80,9%, seguida de las categorías enterra con 8,8% y quema y enterra con el 10,3%. Se verificó que el agua no atiende las exigencias del Ministerio de Salud, debido a la presencia de Coliformes Totales. El número de niños en los asentamientos fue 69, de estas 88,40% consumen agua de los pozos colectivos, 52,45% presentaron episodios de diarrea. Conclusión: los indicadores se mostraron eficaces, siendo necesarias acciones colectivas de orientaciones referentes a los cuidados con la destinación de la basura y el aislamiento en el entorno de los pozos, y análisis periódicos de las aguas de estos asentamientos.(AU)

The environmental health nexuses within the Strategic Roadmap: regional work priorities for the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region (Editorial).

The Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) is a diverse region in terms of income, development, health and environmental conditions. The environment and ecosystems are under serious pressures with adverse impacts on human health and well-being. Environmental Health (EH) is an area of growing importance for EMR, and environmental risk factors such as air, water and soil pollution, chemical exposures, climate change and radiation, contribute to more than 100 diseases and injuries, and environmental hazards are responsible for about 22% of the total burden of disease in the Region.

Building and Maintaining a Citizen Science Network With Fishermen and Fishing Communities Post Deepwater Horizon Oil Disaster Using a CBPR Approach.

When the Deepwater Horizon oil rig blew out in 2010, the immediate threats to productive deep water and estuarial fisheries and the region's fishing and energy economies were obvious. Less immediately obvious, but equally unsettling, were risks to human health posed by potential damage to the regional food web. This paper describes grassroots and regional efforts by the Gulf Coast Health Alliance: health risks related to the Macondo Spill Fishermen's Citizen Science Network project. Using a community-based participatory research approach and a citizen science structure, the multiyear project measured exposure to petrogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, researched the toxicity of these polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compounds, and communicated project findings and seafood consumption guidelines throughout the region (coastal Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama). Description/analysis focuses primarily on the process of building a network of working fishermen and developing group environmental health literacy competencies.

The Importance of Using Public Health Impact Criteria to Develop Environmental Health Indicators: The Example of the Indoor Environment in New Zealand.

Developing environmental health indicators is challenging and applying a conceptual framework and indicator selection criteria may not be sufficient to prioritise potential indicators to monitor. This study developed a new approach for prioritising potential environmental health indicators, using the example of the indoor environment for New Zealand. A three-stage process of scoping, selection, and design was implemented. A set of potential indicators (including 4 exposure indicators and 20 health indicators) were initially identified and evaluated against indicator selection criteria. The health indicators were then further prioritised according to their public health impact and assessed by the five following sub-criteria: number of people affected (based on environmental burden of disease statistics); severity of health impact; whether vulnerable populations were affected and/or large inequalities were apparent; whether the indicator related to multiple environmental exposures; and policy relevance. Eight core indicators were ultimately selected, as follows: living in crowded households, second-hand smoke exposure, maternal smoking at two weeks post-natal, asthma prevalence, asthma hospitalisations, lower respiratory tract infection hospitalisations, meningococcal disease notifications, and sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI). Additionally, indicators on living in damp and mouldy housing and children's injuries in the home, were identified as potential indicators, along with attributable burden indicators. Using public health impact criteria and an environmental burden of disease approach was valuable in prioritising and selecting the most important health impacts to monitor, using robust evidence and objective criteria.

Children's Environmental Health in Thailand: Past, Present, and Future.

BACKGROUND: There is increasing evidence of a link between environmental pollution and preventable diseases in developing countries, including Thailand. Economic development has generated several types of pollution that can affect population health. While these environmental health effects can be observed throughout life, pregnant women and children represent particularly vulnerable and sensitive groups. METHODS: The published epidemiological literature investigating environmental chemical exposure in Thai children was reviewed, highlighting those that investigated associations between exposure and subsequent health outcomes. RESULTS: The majority of the Thai epidemiological studies on environmental health in children were cross-sectional in design, with some demonstrating associations between exposure and outcome. The three main types of chemical exposure in Thai children were pesticides, heavy metals, and air pollution, which resulted from agricultural activities in countryside areas, industrial zones (both registered and unregistered establishments), mining, and traffic in inner cities. Major health outcomes included detrimental effects on cognitive function and cancer risk. Pesticide exposure was focused on, but not limited to, agricultural areas. The success of the Thai environmental policy to introduce lead-free petrol can be demonstrated by the decline of mean blood lead levels in children, particularly in urban areas. However, unregistered lead-related factories and smelters act as hidden sources. In addition, there is increasing concern, but little acknowledgement, about the effects of chronic arsenic exposure related to mining. Lastly, air pollution remains a problem in both dense city populations due to traffic and in rural areas due to contamination of indoor air and house dust with heavy metals, endotoxins and other allergens. CONCLUSIONS: The increasing number of published articles demonstrates an improved awareness of children's environmental health in Thailand. Chemical hazards, including the improper use of pesticides, environmental contamination with heavy metals (lead and arsenic), and air pollution in inner cities and indoor air, continue to be growing issues.

The New York State Healthy Neighborhoods Program: Findings From an Evaluation of a Large-Scale, Multisite, State-Funded Healthy Homes Program.

CONTEXT: A growing evidence base suggests that a comprehensive healthy homes approach may be an effective strategy for improving housing hazards that affect health, but questions remain about the feasibility of large-scale implementation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of a large-scale, multisite, state-funded healthy homes program. SETTING: Homes in high-risk neighborhoods of 13 counties funded under the New York State Healthy Neighborhoods Program (NYS HNP) from 2008 to 2012. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 28 491 homes received an initial visit and 6436 dwellings received a revisit (follow-up assessment 3 to 6 months after the intervention). A majority of residents are low-income renters living in buildings built prior to 1950. INTERVENTION: The NYS HNP is a low-intensity healthy homes program. Participating homes undergo a visual assessment to identify potential environmental health and safety hazards, and interventions (education, referrals, and products) are provided to address any hazards identified during the visit. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The proportion of homes affected by several types of housing hazards, improvement in hazards among revisited homes, and the change in the overall number of hazards per home were assessed. RESULTS: Among the homes that were revisited, there were significant improvements in the conditions assessed for tobacco control, fire safety, lead poisoning prevention, indoor air quality, and other hazards (including pests and mold). There was a significant reduction in the number of hazards per home (2.8 to 1.5; P < .001), but homes were not hazard-free at the revisit. CONCLUSION: This evaluation suggests that a comprehensive, low-intensity healthy housing approach can produce short-term impacts with public health significance. This evaluation provides information about hazards that are common, easily assessed, and easily corrected or improved, which may be of use to a variety of programs that already provide in-home services and are seeking to expand the scope of their visits or to inform the development of new programs.

Cross-cultural adaptation of an environmental health measurement instrument: Brazilian version of the health-care waste management • rapid assessment tool.

BACKGROUND: Periodic assessment is one of the recommendations for improving health-care waste management worldwide. This study aimed at translating and adapting the Health-Care Waste Management - Rapid Assessment Tool (HCWM-RAT), proposed by the World Health Organization, to a Brazilian Portuguese version, and resolving its cultural and legal issues. The work focused on the evaluation of the concepts, items and semantic equivalence between the original tool and the Brazilian Portuguese version. METHODS: A cross-cultural adaptation methodology was used, including: initial translation to Brazilian Portuguese; back translation to English; syntheses of these translation versions; formation of an expert committee to achieve consensus about the preliminary version; and evaluation of the target audience's comprehension. RESULTS: Both the translated and the original versions' concepts, items and semantic equivalence are presented. The constructs in the original instrument were considered relevant and applicable to the Brazilian context. The Brazilian version of the tool has the potential to generate indicators, develop official database, feedback and subsidize political decisions at many geographical and organizational levels strengthening the Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) mechanism. Moreover, the cross-cultural translation expands the usefulness of the instrument to Portuguese-speaking countries in developing regions. CONCLUSION: The translated and original versions presented concept, item and semantic equivalence and can be applied to Brazil.

[HYGIENIC ASPECTS OF ELECTROMAGNETIC POLLUTION OF INDOOR ENVIRONMENT].

There is presented an overview of studies devoted to the assessment of 50 Hz electromagnetic the radiations in the indoor environment and their impact on the human body. The classification of household appliances depending on their location has been proposed. The levels of intensity of electric and magnetic fields generated by power-frequency (50 Hz) current from a variety of household appliances have been determined. The ranking of household appliances in dependence on the intensity of electromagnetic the radiations has been made. There was performed an estimation of the intensity of electromagnetic fields in dependence on the regimen of the usage of appliances.

Hygienic evaluation of objects concerning extraction, preparation and primary processing of oil, considering health risk parameters.

The authors presented results of hygienic evaluation of ambient air quality in area influenced by oil extraction wells, primary oil processing devices, squeeze stations and other oil extraction objects, using criteria - adherence to hygienic requirements and allowable risk levels for public health. Findings are that due to substantial technologic, organizational changes and innovations in oil extraction industry chamicals content of air at MAC levels and allowable levels of inhalation risk in acute and chronic exposure for majority of the objects studied are reached on considerably shorter distances from industrial area, than it is preset by actual sanitary rules and regulations. Levels of hygienic safety at the objects indicate possible revision of sanitary classification toward reducing the size of approximate sanitary protective zones.

A Scoping Review of Maternal and Child Health Clinicians Attitudes, Beliefs, Practice, Training and Perceived Self-Competence in Environmental Health.

Clinicians regularly assess, diagnose and manage illnesses which are directly or indirectly linked to environmental exposures. Yet, various studies have identified gaps in environmental assessment in routine clinical practice. This review assessed clinicians' environmental health practices, attitudes and beliefs, and competencies and training. Relevant articles were sought using a systematic search strategy using five databases, grey literature and a hand search. Search strategies and protocols were developed using tailored mesh terms and keywords. 43 out of 11,291 articles were eligible for inclusion. Clinicians' attitudes and beliefs towards environmental health and routine clinical practice were generally positive, with most clinicians believing that environmental hazards affect human health. However, with the exception of tobacco smoke exposure, environmental health assessment was infrequently part of routine clinical practice. Clinicians' self-competence in environmental assessment was reported to be inadequate. Major challenges were the time required to complete an assessment, inadequate training and concerns about negative patients' responses. Clinicians have strong positive attitudes and beliefs about the importance of environmental health assessments. However, more concerted and robust strategies will be needed to support clinicians in assuming their assessment and counselling roles related to a wider range of environmental hazards.

Contextos locales de la vigilancia de la calidad del agua para consumo humano: Brasil y Colombia / Local contexts of drinking-water quality surveillance: Brazil and Colombia

Objetivo Analizar comparativamente los sistemas nacionales de vigilancia de la calidad del agua para consumo humano (VCACH) de Brasil y Colombia, con el fin de comprender como están organizadas las prácticas en estos países, sus límites y posibilidades. Métodos Se utilizó la metodología de comparación Cross Nacional, mediante el análisis documental de fuentes secundarias, con el propósito de discutir las convergencias y divergencias entre los dos sistemas, considerando las directrices de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Resultados Los marcos legales de la VCACH en Brasil y Colombia comienzan a definirse en la década 70-80, coincidiendo con la visibilidad internacional de esta temática. Las prácticas de VCACH en el Brasil estuvieron definidas y organizadas en un programa nacional, lo que solamente se está dando recientemente en Colombia. Las actuales legislaciones avanzan en los componentes que orientan las prácticas de vigilancia, como la incorporación de metodologías de evaluación de riesgo. La legislación colombiana establece la regulación de la prestación de los servicios de abastecimiento de agua, aspecto no contemplado en la legislación brasilera. Elementos como descentralización, intersectorialidad, universalidad y el derecho a información son contemplados en ambas legislaciones, aunque las acciones necesiten avanzar para su efectiva operatividad. Conclusiones Brasil y Colombia presentan semejanzas en los procesos de definición de la VCACH, estando en momentos distintos de implementación de las acciones. Estas estrategias son necesarias para garantizar los derechos humanos relacionados con la preservación de ambiente, así como la universalidad del acceso a agua potable, contribuyendo en la promoción de la salud.(AU)

Objective This article aims to analyze comparatively the national surveillance systems of water quality for human consumption (DWQS) of Brazil and Colombia, seeking to understand how practices are organized in these countries, along with their limits and possibilities. Methods The National Cross Comparison methodology was used with document analysis of secondary sources, with the purpose of discussing the similarities and differences between the two systems using the WHO’s Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality. Results The legal framework on DWQS in Brazil and Colombia was defined in the 70s and 80s, coinciding with the international visibility of this issue. Thereafter, DWQS practices in Brazil have been defined and organized in a national program, which has only recently started in Colombia. The current Brazilian and Colombian legislations show progress in technical elements that guide surveillance practices, such as the incorporation of risk assessment methodologies. The Colombian legislation defines the regulation of water supply services provision, which is not contemplated in Brazilian legislation. Elements such as decentralization, intersectionality, universality and right to information are included in the legislations of both countries, although further action on DWQS is needed. Conclusions Brazil and Colombia have similarities in the implementation of DWQS, despite being at different points in the implementation timeline. Actions on drinking-water quality surveillance are necessary to guarantee human rights related to the protection of the environment, such as universal access to drinking water, contributing to the promotion of health.(AU)

Los campos electromagnéticos de frecuencia extremadamente baja y su impacto sobre la salud de los seres humanos / Extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields and their impact on human health

Introducción: la intensidad registrada del campo electromagnético de frecuencia extremadamente baja proveniente del uso de la energía eléctrica en los ambientes laborales y comunales, supera varias veces los valores del fondo natural y se espera que se incrementen en los próximos años. El acercamiento a los CEM y el conocimiento de lo controvertido del tema, motivó la realización de este trabajo. Objetivo: mostrar la influencia de los mismos en el cuerpo humano y sus posibles implicaciones a la salud. Métodos: se realizó una revisión temática sobre este tema en revistas especializadas en salud ambiental, publicadas de 1988-1997, entre las que se encuentran: Occupational and Medicine, Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environmental and Health. Se exploraron bases de datos internacionales, otras fuentes y recursos de información. Resultados: del total de publicaciones referenciadas, solo en 4 no se relaciona la exposición a campo electromagnético con la aparición de afecciones a la salud humana; pero la gran mayoría (55 documentos) si las consideran de una u otra forma; 6 hacen referencias a que los campo electromagnético producen de alguna manera cambios a nivel biológico y fisiológico en humanos, y 49, los asocian a la ocurrencia de enfermedades. Conclusiones: es indudable que el desarrollo tecno productivo no ha sido inocente con la salud de los seres humanos. Es una necesidad actual el determinar, cuantificar y evaluar el riesgo en aras de precisar su relación con la salud humana, lo que permitirá tomar medidas en función de la protección y seguridad en el futuro(AU)

Introduction: recorded intensity of the extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (EMF) from the use of electricity at work and in community settings, exceeds several times the natural background values and is expected to increase in the coming years. The approach to the EMF and knowledge of the controversial issue prompted us to prepare this paper. Objective: to show the influence of the electromagnetic fields on the human body and its possible implications for health. Methods: occupational and Medicine, Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environmental and Health were among the specialized journals on environmental health published from 1988-1997 and used to make a literature review on this topic. International databases, sources and other information resources were explored. Results: of the total number of publications, only 4 did not relate exposure to electromagnetic field with onset of human health problems; but the vast majority (55 documents) did so in one way or another. Six made reference to the electromagnetic field causing somehow biological and physiological changes in humans whereas 49 associated it with the occurrence of diseases. Conclusions: there is no doubt that the productive and technical development has not been unrelated to human health. Therefore, it is required to determine, quantify and assess the risk in order to clarify its relation to human health, which will allow taking actions towards protection and safety in the future(AU)

[Main results of research concerning asbestos-related diseases in Kazakhstan Republic].

Problem of safety in asbestos usage attracts close attention of specialists and agencies responsible for public health preservation nowadays. According to European researchers, studies of uncontrolled usage of amphibole asbestos demonstrate high risk of asbestosis, lung cander and pleural mesothelioma among the workers and population exposed. The article covers results of research concerning influence of chrysotile asbestos on the workers, problems of asbestos-related diseases formation. The authors defined suggestions on a concept of controlled usage of chrysotile asbestos in Kazakhstan Republic.

[Identification of social risk factors for health of preschool children residing in areas with high anthropogenic load].

In the article there is substantiated the need to include social factors (particularly lifestyle factors) in the risk assessment procedure of the health of children residing in conditions of anthropogenic impact on the environment. The purpose and algorithm for identification of social risk factors are disclosed. There are reported results of testing of author's approaches as exemplified of the Perm region (sample size--642 people). There is established high prevalence of behavioral risk factors for the health of children residing in industrialized areas--wrong nutrition, hypodynamia, exposure to secondhand smoke, and the irresponsible behavior of parents with regards to the health of children. On the base of the results of an epidemiological analysis accordingly to the odds ratio there is determined that the socio-economic status of the family appears as a key condition for the formation of a behavioral risk for the health of preschool children. The parents' education was found to contribute to the formation of behavioral risks to children's health more, than the level of family income.

Exposure to toxic environmental agents.

: Reducing exposure to toxic environmental agents is a critical area of intervention for obstetricians, gynecologists, and other reproductive health care professionals. Patient exposure to toxic environmental chemicals and other stressors is ubiquitous, and preconception and prenatal exposure to toxic environmental agents can have a profound and lasting effect on reproductive health across the life course. Prenatal exposure to certain chemicals has been documented to increase the risk of cancer in childhood; adult male exposure to pesticides is linked to altered semen quality, sterility, and prostate cancer; and postnatal exposure to some pesticides can interfere with all developmental stages of reproductive function in adult females, including puberty, menstruation and ovulation, fertility and fecundity, and menopause. Many environmental factors harmful to reproductive health disproportionately affect vulnerable and underserved populations, which leaves some populations, including underserved women, more vulnerable to adverse reproductive health effects than other populations. The evidence that links exposure to toxic environmental agents and adverse reproductive and developmental health outcomes is sufficiently robust, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine join leading scientists and other clinical practitioners in calling for timely action to identify and reduce exposure to toxic environmental agents while addressing the consequences of such exposure.