Documents World Health Organization 262 results

"Evaluates the risks to human health and the environment posed by 1,3-dichloropropene, 1,2-dichloropropane and mixtures of these chemicals. Since the two compounds and mixtures have been widely used in agriculture as pre-plant fumigants applied by soil injection, the report gives particular attention to studies investigating behaviour in soil, risks of leaching and groundwater contamination, uptake by food crops, residues detected in drinking-water and food, and risks to agricultural workers and the general population. Over 300 studies, including proprietary toxicological data from the manufacturers, were critically assessed.
The report concludes that, when used at the recommended rate, 1,3-dichloropropene is unlikely to attain levels of environmental significance. Risks to the general population were judged negligible. Concerning occupational hazards, the report cites evidence, largely from case reports of poisoning, underscoring the need to follow appropriate safety precautions.
The report concludes that 1,2-dichloropropane poses a negligible risk to the general population. When used at the recommended rate, the compound is unlikely to attain levels of environmental significance. For workers, the compound is judged unlikely to pose a hazard, provided good work practices, hygienic measures, and safety precautions are followed.
Data on mixtures of dichloropropenes and dichloropropane are evaluated in the final monograph. This technical mixture previously enjoyed wide use as a soil nematocide before planting. Citing evidence of a significant potential for 1,2-dichloropropane derived from this mixture to leach from soil and contaminate well water and groundwater, the report recommends that mixtures of dichloropropenes and dichloropropane should not be used as a soil fumigant. "

"Le présent rapport montre comment le lieu de travail peut servir de cadre pour des activités de promotion de la santé allant au-delà des préoccupations traditionnelles limitées aux risques d'origine professionnelle. Etabli par un groupe de onze experts internationaux, le rapport est axé sur des programmes et des activités mis au point pour les travailleurs et dont il a été démontré qu'ils pouvaient modifier les modes de vie, améliorer la santé, accroître la productivité et réduire l'absentéisme et les accidents sur le lieu de travail. La section la plus importante se fonde sur des études et des données d'expérience, provenant essentiellement de pays industrialisés, pour illustrer les résultats favorables obtenus au moyen de certains types de programmes. Ceux-ci comprennent les mesures visant à réduire à l'usage du tabac, promouvoir l'activité physique, améliorer la nutrition et le contrôle du poids et, enfin, combattre la consommation d'alcool et de drogues. Les programmes destinés à réduire les facteurs psychosociaux défavorables et à corriger les problèmes ergonomiques sont également examinés"

"This publication provides an update on the implementation of a commitment made at the Fifth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health, held in Parma, Italy in 2010, to develop national programmes for elimination of asbestos-related diseases in the WHO European Region by 2015. This report assesses current policies in countries, based on a survey conducted in 2014. It is a supplement to a review that analyses progress achieved in the Region since the Conference as part of the preparations for the Sixth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health, planned for 2016."

"ow far have Member States in the WHO European Region progressed in implementing the European Commitment to Act on climate change and health? This was the question addressed to members of the Working Group on Health in Climate Change (HIC) of the European Environment and Health Task Force in summer 2012. The HIC members were asked to respond to a comprehensive questionnaire to assess the current status of health-relevant climate change mitigation and adaptation actions. A total of 22 Member States answered the questions focusing on eight thematic areas or topics: governance, vulnerability, impact and adaptation assessments, national and subnational adaptation strategies, climate-change mitigation, strengthening of health systems, awareness raising and capacity building, green health services and sharing best practices. This publication describes and analyses their responses."

"The earthquake and tsunami in Japan on 11 March 2011 led to releases of radioactive material into the environment from the Tokyo Electric Power Company's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.
A major release of radioactivity to the environment is always of concern, owing to potential acute and long-term health effects. Evidence from historic events confirms that any major uncontrolled release of radiation should be cause for immediate response and scientific assessment of potential health effects.
When such an event occurs, the World Health Organization's mandate, as described in the Joint Radiation Emergency Management Plan of the International Organizations, is to assess and respond to public health risks.
The primary purpose of this health risk assessment of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident is to estimate its potential public health impact so that future health needs can be anticipated and public health actions can be taken. This assessment is based on a preliminary estimate of radiation doses, as described in a WHO report published in May 2012."

"A marked increase in the incidence of skin cancers has been observed in fair-skinned populations worldwide since the early 1970s. This is strongly associated with personal habits in relation to sun exposure and its ultraviolet (UV) component, and the societal view that a tan is desirable and healthy. The Global Solar UV Index (UVI) described in this document was developed in an international effort by WHO in collaboration with WMO, UNEP and ICNIRP, and is a simple measure of the UV radiation level at the Earth's surface. It serves as an important vehicle to raise public awareness and to alert people about the need to adopt protective measures when exposed to UV radiation. Intersun, WHO's Global UV Project, aims to reduce the burden of disease resulting from exposure to UV radiation by assessing and quantifying health risks, and developing an appropriate response through guidelines, recommendations and information dissemination."

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