Conference proceedings - Zbornik Radova[1].pdf - Univerzitet u ...

ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION ANDHUMAN HEALTHSnežana Matić-Besarabić, Slobodan Tošović, SlavišaMladenovićInstitute of Public Health, BelgradeAbstract:. Aim: The paper presents methodology for founding of aninformation system related to environment and health. On individualexamples, we wish to stress the importance and utilization of such asystem in prevention and risk assessment for health. Method:Environmental monitoring provides data on the state of theinvironment. It informs the professionals about the presence ofhealth ris factors in a population. the methodology it proposes hasbeen tested in several European countries by WHO. It also integrateselements from the area of environmental monitoring and chosenhealth indicators. this project is specific for its definition of healthindicators relevant for interpretation of the relationships(connections) between health and the environment. We need healthindicators to provide political decision- making based on theinformation obtained from this system and to improve thecommunications with the public. Results: The model, i.e. concept,which combines health and environmental issues in one, has beentested in Ireland, in several case studies. it has shown that the choseninterventions have resulted in decrease of morbidity and mortality.Similar methodological principle has been applied in ecologicvalidation of Belgrade. Analysis of indicators of exposure to pollutedair is a good starting point for both decrease of air pollution andremoval of another risk factor and it certainly contributes to theimprovement of population health. Conclusion: Indicators are apowrful instrument in communication for policy management inenvironmental protection. They enhance professionalcommunications and relations with the public. it is very important toeducate all participants in the „System of environmental and healthindicators“ about the practical aspects and option it offers.Founding the system of indicators, according to WHOrecommendationsand methodology, is a necessary step towards~ 38 ~