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Base Line

Reducing Environmental Risks Saves Children

Date

November 7 2003


Today, over 40% of the global burden of disease from environmental risk factors falls on children under 5.


In 2000, more than 4.7 million children under 5 died of illnesses aggravated by unhealthy environments.


Yet, there are many proven and effective interventions for protecting children's health from environmental threats:

  • Sufficient water, good hygiene and adequate latrines at home and school reduce the incidence of many infectious diseases.
  • Washing hands with soap and water reduces the incidence of diarrhoea.
  • Relocation of waste dumps from urban areas protects children from scavenging and exposure to dangerous pathogens and chemicals.
  • Good ventilation, clean fuels and improved cooking stoves decrease indoor air pollution and the incidence of acute respiratory infections.
  • Use of non-leaded gasoline in cars reduces lead poisoning.
  • Irrigation canals to drain swamps reduce the incidence of malaria.
  • Insecticide-treated bednets protect children from malaria-transmitting mosquitoes.
  • Sound agricultural practices and integrated pest management minimise contamination of food.


Source

The World Health Report 2002: Environmental Risks

Material for Base Line has been compiled from original sources. Click on the external source names for further details. External links are checked when the item is posted to the archives but cannot be guaranteed over time. Appearance on this site does not imply endorsement by partners to The Communication Initiative.

Please send ideas for Base Line to Chris Morry cmorry@comminit.com


Placed on the Communication Initiative site November 06 2003
Last Updated November 06 2003

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