Environmental health comprises those aspects of human health and disease that are determined by factors in the environment. It also refers to the theory and practice of assessing and controlling factors in the environment that can potentially affect health.
As used by WHO/Europe, environmental health includes both the direct pathological effects of chemicals, radiation and some biological agents, and the effects (often indirect) on health and wellbeing of the broad physical, psychological, social and aesthetic environment.
(Based on Environment and Health, the European Charter and Commentary, Frankfurt, 1989)
Q: What is the relevance of environmental health in terms of public health?
A: Environment is responsible for as much as 24% of the total burden of disease, which could be prevented through well-targeted interventions. The first ever country profiles of the environmental burden of disease have been released by WHO in 2007 for all its Member States.
Read more in the Evidence and data section
Q: What is WHO/Europe doing with regard to environmental health?
A: In 1989, concerned about the growing evidence of the impact of hazardous environments on human health, WHO/Europe initiated the environment and health process to raise awareness and start collaboration between sectors, particularly the health and environment sectors.
Read more in the European environment and health process section
 | The European environment and health process | |
