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Books > Medicine > Other branches of medicine > Environmental medicine
At the present time there are renewed global efforts to control the major tropical infections and to stem the tide of malnutrition, the two serious, often intertwined, problems that contribute to much of the morbidity and mortality in under privileged populations. Many international organizations have joined hands with national governments and with the private sector to search for new approaches to problems that beset much of the developing world, including countries in the tropical region. This volume continues the tradition of the previous publication in the Series. A variety of fare is offered to readers: explanations of the activities and achievements of the UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Re search and Training in Tropical Diseases; and studies of infant mortality, schistosomiasis, trypanosomiasis, helminths, lactase deficiency, oral rehydration therapy, functional consequences of iron deficiency, and fertility control. Au thoritative state-of-the-art reviews provide a critical analysis of recent data. I hope the Series will continue to prove useful to all those working in the tropics and to those in the industrialized countries whose awareness of physical health problems of the Third World is relatively limited. R. K. Chandra St. John's, Newfoundland VlI Contents Chapter 1. The Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DAVID S. ROWE 1. Origins, Objectives, and Diseases. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2. The Modus Operandi of the Programme. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 2. 1. Scientific Working Groups. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 2. 2. Research Strengthening Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 2. 3. The Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee. . . . . . . . . 7 2. 4. Joint Coordinating Board. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ."
Toxicological Evaluations are critically assessed data and recommendations for occupational safety officers, industrial hygienists, and human and animal toxicologists. They are compiled and constantly reviewed under internationally coordinated programs for establishing the risk potential of existing chemicals to rpevent health hazards at the working place. In Volume 12, data for the following chemicals are published: Ethylenthiourea, N,N'-Di-sec-butyl-p-phenylenediamine, p-Nitrosophenol, Dichlorotoluene, 2,4-Dichlorotoluene, 3,4-Dichlorotoluene, Glyoxal, Chloracetyl chloride, Copper phthalocyanine, Dimethylol dihydroxyethylene urea, Acetoacetanilide, Thiourea, 3,4-Dichlorobutene-1
Diverse driving forces, processes and actors are responsible for different trends in the development of megacities and large urban areas. Under the dynamics of global change, megacities are themselves changing: On the one hand they are prone to increasing socio-economic vulnerability due to pronounced poverty, socio-spatial and political fragmentation, sometimes with extreme forms of segregation, disparities and conflicts. On the other hand megacities offer positive potential for global transformation, e.g. minimisation of space consumption, highly effective use of resources, efficient disaster prevention and health care options -- if good strategies were developed. At present in many megacities and urban areas of the developing world and the emerging economies the quality of life is eroding. Most of the megacities have grown to unprecedented size, and the pace of urbanisation has far exceeded the growth of the necessary infrastructure and services. As a result, an increasing number of urban dwellers are left without access to basic amenities like clean drinking water, fresh air and safe food. Additionally, social inequalities lead to subsequent and significant intra-urban health inequalities and unbalanced disease burdens that can trigger conflict and violence between subpopulations. The guiding idea of our book lies in a multi- and interdisciplinary approach to the complex topic of megacities and urban health that can only be adequately understood when different disciplines share their knowledge and methodological tools to work together. We hope that the book will allow readers to deepen their understanding of the complex dynamics of urban and megacity populations through the lens of public health, geographical and other research perspectives.
Space medicine has been an important component of the success of human spaceflight and will continue to play a critical role in the future ventures. To prepare for the day when astronauts will leave low Earth orbit for long-duration exploration missions, space medicine experts must develop a thorough understanding of the effects of microgravity on the human body, as well as ways of migrating these effects. To gain a complete understanding of the effects of space on the human body and to create the tools and technologies required for successful exploration, space medicine will become an increasingly collaborative discipline incorporating the skills of physicians, biomedical scientists, engineers, and mission planners. In this work, Dr. Erik Seedhouse examines the future of space medicine in relation to human space exploration. He describes what is necessary to keepa crew alive in space, how it will be accomplished in the future, and the medical challenges faced by interplanetary astronauts. The book is divided into three sections. The first looks at space medicine on board the ISS, where astronaut stays are often of long duration. The second section considers the Exploration Class medical dangers, beginning with radiation and the consequent Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS). The final section looks at future developments and the importance of telemedicine and how revolutionary technologies will protect interplanetary astronauts from the space environment. The book ends with a description of the kind of hibernation necessary to insure the well being of interplanetary astronauts.
This volume, written by a range of international experts, covers a wide range of topics involving organic fluorine compounds. Each chapter is preceded by a summary and includes extensive illustrations and references. The chapters cover atmospheric chemistry, application of 19F NMR, partition, degradation and transformation, naturally occurring organic fluorine compounds, toxicology of perfluoroalkanes and phosphorofluoridates, and application of aromatic compounds to the elucidation of the mechanism of cytochrome P450.
The Dutch experience has influenced the debate on euthanasia and death with dignity around the globe, especially with regard to whether physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia should be legitimized or legalized. A review of the literature reveals complex and often contradictory views about the Dutch experience. Some claim that the Netherlands offers a model for the world to follow; others believe that the Netherlands represents danger, rather than promise, and that the Dutch experience is the definitive answer regarding why we should not make active euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide part of our lives. Given these contradictory views, it has become clear that fieldwork is essential to developing a more informed opinion. Having investigated the Dutch experience for a number of years, and after thoroughly reading the vast literature published in English, I went to the Netherlands for one month in the summer of 1999 to get a feel for the local situation. I felt that this would provide the basis on which I could better interpret the findings of the available literature. I visited the major centers of medical ethics, as well as some research hospitals, and spoke with leading figures in the euthanasia policy and practice. The time spent was extremely beneficial and enriching. I followed in the footsteps of Carlos Gomez, who 1 published a book following one month of extensive research in the Netherlands.
All industrial countries have developed regulatory systems to assess and manage the risk of chemical substances to the working and natural environment. The pressure to harmonize these often specialized regulatory systems is increasingly strong at the international level. Such harmonization not only entails the assessment of particular chemicals, but also the way assessment procedures and their boundary with risk management is organized. As these initiatives intensify, they increasingly raise important questions of how to integrate national differences in the international regulatory arena. How will national consultation procedures relate to international decision-making on chemical risks? How will differences in national risk assessment procedures be accommodated? How will the international regulatory system be integrated with different national styles of regulation and government? Presenting the experiences and insights of both people from within the worlds of risk assessment and management and from the field of Science Studies, this book forms a state-of-the-art in the discussion on the Politics of Chemical Risk. By offering scenarios, or sketches of a regulatory future, it points to the choices that can be made and the opportunities to be explored. As such, it offers an agenda for environmental and occupational scientists, policy-makers and students of science and technology alike.
In 2000 OpdenKamp Registration & Notification organized a two-day symposium in The Hague, The Netherlands, on The Practical Applicability of Toxicokinetic Models in the Risk Assessment of Chemicals'. Several speakers from Europe and the United States were invited to present the different aspects. A vast range of areas was discussed in relation to toxicological modeling and risk assessment, such as occupational toxicology and biomonitoring, exposure to organic solvents and crop protection products, dose-response relations in carcinogenicity, regulatory toxicology, estimation of dermal penetration, uptake and disposition of organic chemicals in fish, the possibilities of in vitro methods in hazard and risk assessment, and the extrapolation between animal and human species. Based on their presentations, the speakers prepared comprehensive papers for this symposium book, reflecting the state of the art of modeling and toxicological risk assessment at the beginning of the third millennium.
Since the mid 1990s, legal action to eliminate persistent organic pollutants (POPs) has started resulting in a global Convention on POPs, the Stockholm Convention, and a regional Protocol under the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (UN-ECE LRTAP Convention). POPs are characterized by long half-lives, persistence in the environment, they undergo long-range transport, accumulate in the environment and in biota, and they are toxic. The combination of these characteristics makes them a threat at the global level. This book makes the reader familiar with the goals of these two conventions, lays out characteristics of these compounds, presents results from case studies and addresses inventories, levels in humans and the environment as well as technologies to destroy them.
From the time questions about the impact of wireless technology on public health were first raised in 1993 through the present, Wireless Technology Research, LLC (WTR) has been the largest independent surveillance and research program trying to identify and solve human health problems associated with wireless phones. In 1995 at the University "La Sapienza" of Rome, WTR sponsored the first comprehensive forum for the discussion of these issues. Papers from the 1995 State of the Science Colloquium were collected andpublished in Volume I ofthis series, Wireless Phones andHealth: Scientific Progress. This second volume assembles papers presented at WTR's Second State of the Science Colloquium in Long Beach, CA, in June 1999; it contains the most comprehensive research on the public health impact of wireless phones to date. The operating words for the proper understanding of these data are science and public health. Science is a tool for making public health decisions, but the framework in which we are operating is truly that of public health. We are looking for problems that have to do with wireless technology. We are trying to decide how this technology impacts on the public for one purpose and one purpose alone, and that purpose is to solve problems that are identified. I would like to challenge you, the reader, to suspend your parochial orientation as you consider these latest findings.
The soil-transmitted nematode parasites, or geohelminths, are - called because they have a direct life cycle, which involves no intermediate hosts or vectors, and are transmitted by faecal contamination of soil, foodstuffs and water supplies. They all inhabit the intestine in their adult stages but most species also have tissue-migratoryjuvenile stages, so the disease manifestations they cause can therefore be both local and systemic. The geohelminths together present an enormous infection burden on humanity. Those which cause the most disease in humans are divided into three main groupings, Ascaris lumbricoides (the large roundworm), Trichuris trichiura (whipworm), and the blood-feeding hookworms (Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus ), and this book concentrates on these. These intestinal parasites are highly prevalent worldwide, A. lumbricoides is estimated to infect 1471 million (over a quarter ofthe world's population), hookworms 1277 million, and T. trichiura 1049 million. The highly pathogenic Strongyloides species might also be classified as geohelminths, but they are not dealt with here because the understanding of their epidemiology, immunology and genetics has not advanced as rapidly as for the others. This is primarily because of the often covert nature of the infections, with consequent difficulties for analysis. If there is ever a second edition of this book, then there will hopefully be much to say about this infection.
Over the last few decades new data on the distribution, pathogenicity, diagnosis, treatment and control of trematode infections and diseases in man and animals, including zoonotic trematodiasis, have emerged from various geographical regions. These new data are compiled in this book together with existing information to fulfil the present need. Seven major trematode-induced disease groups, namely, schistosomiasis, paragonimiasis, fascioliasis and fasciolopsiasis, dicrocoeliasis and eurytremiasis, clonorchiasis and opisthorchiasis, paramphistomiasis, and diseases due to intestinal trematode infections are dealt with in this book. These diseases still rank as a major cause of morbidity and mortality - both in man and in livestock - mainly in the tropics, and contribute to the socio-economic problems. Many of these diseases are also zoonoses, some major and others potential. The intended readership of this treatise include postgraduate students of medical and veterinary parasitology, research workers as well as medical practitioners, veterinarians, tropical diseases specialists, veterinary public health specialists and teachers concerned with trematode infections and trematodiasis of man and animals.
More than 30-year operational satellite data have already been used for monitoring land, ocean and atmosphere. These applications have contributed to improve sustainable economy, produce healthy environment and enhance human life. The Advanced Research Workshop sponsored by NATO and organized by the USA's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Ukrainian's Space Agency bring the scientists with the most mature research designed for practical use. The goals were to select those which is used for services today and identify the areas to expand research and services. Scientific and application results of the Workshop presented in this book can be used today in agriculture, forestry, water resources, healthy coastal life and fisheries, climate and land cover change, anthropogenic activities and others. The presented papers provide information on how to use operational satellites and in situ measurements for early detection of large-scale droughts, floods and fires, diagnose crop and pasture annual losses, predict periods with health/unhealthy vegetation based on such climate forcing events as ENSO, monitor air quality and geomagnetic activities, assess land cover trends in responce to global warming etc. The available satellite/ground information and method is currently warn with a lead time sufficient to respond, recover and protect.
Heavy metals can be emitted into environment by both natural and anthropogenic sources, mainly mining and industrial activity. Human exposure occurs through all environmental media. Infants are more susceptible to the adverse effects of exposure. Increasing attention is now being paid to the mental development of children exposed to heavy metals. The purpose of this book is to evaluate the existing knowledge on intellectual impairment in children exposed to heavy metals in their living environment and to identify the research needs in order to obtain a clearer picture of the situation in countries and regions at risk, in which the economy is closely related to metallurgy and heavy metals emission, and to recommend a strategy for human protection. In greater detail the main objectives could be formulated as follows: to review the principal sources of single, and complex mixtures of, heavy metal pollutants in the environment; to identify suitable methodology for chemical analyses in the environment and in humans; to evaluate the existing methods for measuring mental impairment, including their reliability and validity; to recommend a standard testing protocol to be used in future research; to assess the future role of environmental heavy metal pollution in countries and regions at risk and its effects on children's neurological development; to recommend a prevention strategy for protecting children's health and development.
In recent years, increasing attention and resources have been brought to bear on the relationship between the environment and congenital diseases. These diseases were previously thought to be mostly due to genetic causes. Even though the importance of genes as factors in causation is accepted, environmental factors seem to be implicated just as strongly. This book explores some further concepts that have arisen from more recent perceptions of environmental effects and their possible interactions with living systems. Amongst the topics discussed are: -effects of prenatal exposure to toxic chemicals -intra-uterine exposure to drugs -effects of endocrine disrupters -environmental risk and sex ratio in newborns -surveillance of environmental impact -research and policy Discussion and presentation of old and novel ideas is targeted at developing a more holistic and united perception of the interaction between congenital diseases and the environment.
This book reviews recent trends and developments in the study of the impact that the environment has on human reproduction. It thoroughly examines these issues, using the most modern techniques and methods available, to analyze the manner in which both male and female fertility can be affected and assessed. Coverage examines such diverse factors as toxic environmental contaminants, air pollution, and exposure to medical drugs.
The International Section on Machine and System Safety was founded in 1975 to deal with questions on occupational risks in this ?eld at the inter- tional level. It is a member of the Special Commission on Prevention of the International Social Security Association (ISSA). The Special Commission is a body within ISSA that focuses on work-related risks. It has 11 inter- tional Sections as members. ISSA was founded in 1927 with its headquarters in Geneva. It is working worldwide in over 150 countries with nearly 370 member institutions from all ?elds of social security. TheSection on Machine and System Safety, when it was founded, had its focus on machine safety, particularly on the ma- facturing of safe machinery, on assisting developing countries to be able to buy safe used machinery, and on delivering clear operating instructions. Our members and partners are: * institutions for safety and health at work; * insurance companies dealing with work-related risks; * research institutions; and * various enterprises, e.g. manufacturers, importers and users of machines and systems/installations. We thus bring together the experiences of our members and partners. The role of the operators soon grew in importance, and their capability for ha- ling machinery became an important factor for the safety and success of enterprises. The growing importance and complexity of handling different man-machine-environment situations created new challenges and led to - larging the Section's tasks to machine and system safety.
Radionuclides produced by past nuclear weapon test explosions
comprise the largest source of anthropogenic radioactivity released
into the earth's atmosphere to date. This volume presents data and
models about the fate of the released radionuclides and their
possible effects on human health. It is divided into the following
three parts:
Transport and mobility are essential parts of the current organization of society. Complex activities are interwoven in such a way that problems occurring from the actual process of constant movement cannot be separated, as they are so tightly interconnected. This book examines the health effects of transport and mobility by addressing the major issues related to the subject and analyzing their consequences. Thus not only are air pollution, noise, and sedentarism and its related endocrine problems discussed, but topics such as jet-lag, accidents and violent displacement are also addressed. The strength of this book over others in the field lies in its multidisciplinary approach to the issues by a number of experts in different scientific fields who are documenting the health effects of transport and mobility. Moreover, it enhances the understanding of the issues by integrating information from different geographical regions. Audience: Presented in a comprehensive manner, this book is useful as both grassroots, background information and state-of-the art knowledge to a wide range of readers, including experts and non-experts alike, professionals in both environmental and health sciences, decision-makers, research scientists, journalists, and post-graduate students.
Awareness that many aspects of public health are influenced by climate is growing dramatically. Results presented at the Wengen conference make clear that the science and art of integrating climate knowledge into the control of climate sensitive diseases on a year to year time frame, as well as careful assessments of the potential impacts of climate change on health outcomes over longer time frames, is advancing rapidly. This book provides a snapshot of these emerging themes.
This book presents the latest research in quantifying complex mixtures in the environment and analyzing their potential impact on human health. Many of the manuscripts reported in these proceedings represent the most up-to-date measurements of population exposures in Central and Eastern Europe. These studies are of value to health and environmental professionals around the world as they develop strategies for assessing exposures, remediating contaminated environments, and improving public health.
Environmental Chemistry is a relatively young science. Interest in this subject, however, is growing very rapidly and, although no agreement has been reached as yet about the exact content and limits of this interdisciplinary discipline, there appears to be increasing interest in seeing environmental topics which are based on chemistry embodied in this subject. One of the first objectives of Environ mental Chemistry must be the study of the environment and of natural chemical processes which occur in the environment. A major purpose of this series on Environmental Chemistry, therefore, is to present a reasonably uniform view of various aspects of the chemistry of the environment and chemical reactions occurring in the environment. The industrial activities of man have given a new dimension to Environ mental Chemistry. We have now synthesized and described over five million chemical compounds and chemical industry produces about hundred and fifty million tons of synthetic chemicals annually. We ship billions of tons of oil per year and through mining operations and other geophysical modifications, large quantities of inorganic and organic materials are released from their natural deposits. Cities and metropolitan areas of up to 15 million inhabitants produce large quantities of waste in relatively small and confined areas. Much of the chemical products and waste products of modern society are released into the environment either during production, storage, transport, use or ultimate disposal. These released materials participate in natural cycles and reactions and frequently lead to interference and disturbance of natural systems."
The automobile is one of the inventions that has made a decisive contribution to human mobility, and consequently it has become an inseparable part of modern human society. However, it is through this widespread use that its negative impacts on the environment have become so highly visible. Achievements in improving the ecological characteristics of the automobile are highly impressive: a modern car emits only a fraction of the amounts of noise and exhaust pollutants produced by its predecessors 30 years ago. The contributions to this book were written by experts, most of whom have been actively involved in the development of modern automobiles and their combustion engines for more than 30 years. They have participated in all phases of the ecological development of the automobile and summarize their experience and know-how in this book .
In Risk Analysis of Complex and Uncertain Systems acknowledged risk authority Tony Cox shows all risk practitioners how Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) can be used to improve risk management decisions and policies. It develops and illustrates QRA methods for complex and uncertain biological, engineering, and social systems - systems that have behaviors that are just too complex to be modeled accurately in detail with high confidence - and shows how they can be applied to applications including assessing and managing risks from chemical carcinogens, antibiotic resistance, mad cow disease, terrorist attacks, and accidental or deliberate failures in telecommunications network infrastructure. This book was written for a broad range of practitioners, including decision risk analysts, operations researchers and management scientists, quantitative policy analysts, economists, health and safety risk assessors, engineers, and modelers. |
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