Research findings from World Health Organization update understanding of environmental health

   "These country profiles provide an estimate of the health impacts from the three major risk factors 'unsafe water, sanitation & hygiene', 'indoor air pollution from solid fuel use' and 'outdoor air pollution'. The profiles also provide an estimate of preventable health impacts by the environment as a whole. While the estimates for the three risk factors are based on country exposures, the estimates of health gains for total environmental improvements are based on a review of the literature supplemented by expert opinion and combined with country health statistics. Between 13% and 37% of the countries' disease burden could be prevented by environmental improvements, resulting globally in about 13 million deaths per year. It is estimated that about four million of these could be prevented by improving water, sanitation and hygiene, and indoor and outdoor air alone. The number of environmental DALYs per 1000 capita per year ranges between 14 and 316 according to the country. An analysis by disease group points to main preventions opportunities for each country. Notwithstanding the uncertainties in their calculation, these estimates provide an overview of opportunities for prevention through healthier environments. The estimates show that for similar national incomes, the environmental burden of disease can typically vary by a factor five," wrote A. Prussustun and colleagues, World Health Organization.

   The researchers concluded: "This analysis also shows that safer water, sanitation and hygiene, and safer fuels for cooking could significantly reduce child mortality, namely by more than 25% in 20 of the lowest income countries."

   Prussustun and colleagues published their study in Environmental Health (The impact of the environment on health by country: a meta-synthesis. Environmental Health, 2008;7():7).

   For additional information, contact A. Prussustun, WHO, Dept. of Public Health & Environmental, 20 Avenue Appia, CH-1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland.

   The publisher's contact information for the journal Environmental Health is: Biomedical Central Ltd., Current Science Group, Middlesex House, 34-42 Cleveland St., London W1T 4LB, England.

   Keywords: Switzerland, Geneva, Environmental Health, Hygiene, Prevent Disease, World Health Organization.

   This article was prepared by Disease Prevention Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2008, Disease Prevention Week via NewsRx.com.

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