News

Promoting cycling can save lives and advance health across Europe through improved air quality and increased physical activity 03-06-2021

On World Bicycle Day, celebrated on 3 June, WHO highlights a new master plan that calls countries to acknowledge cycling as an equal mode of transport and to double the level of cycling by 2030.

Designing cities for health: how to change urban environments for the better? 16-04-2021

Living in cities has been linked to higher exposure to pollution, lack of physical exercise, and a resulting increase in noncommunicable diseases. However, innovations in urban design can reverse this trend and show how cities can make people’s health better. Experts gathered at the WHO Urban Design for Health online symposium 14–16 April to share success stories that are already having an impact across the WHO European Region.

A new international day to celebrate clean air – and a sustainable recovery from COVID-19 07-09-2020

The first ever International Day of Clean Air for blue skies on 7 September 2020 gives us an opportunity to celebrate the importance of clean air – something that is so fundamental to us all for our health and well-being. Air, both indoors and outdoors, can be contaminated by chemical, biological or physical agents that modify its natural characteristics. The global challenge of tackling air pollution is a two-fold problem.

Regions and cities of the WHO European Region commit to safe mobility and transport for urban populations 30-03-2020

The WHO European Healthy Cities Network and the WHO Regions for Health Network have issued a joint statement calling for action for safe mobility and transport for urban populations. The statement was aligned to and supplements the Stockholm Declaration that was adopted by the 3rd Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety, held in Sweden on 19–20 February 2020.

A new plan for health care in North Macedonia 12-03-2020

Attending the 2nd National Health Forum last week alongside North Macedonian Minister of Health Dr Venko Filipche, WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge welcomed the reforms taking place in the country’s health-care system.

Supporting Serbia to strengthen health systems and improve health 28-02-2020

Strong health systems are an essential foundation for detecting and managing diseases, as well as ensuring the health of the public. This was the key message from Dr Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, during his short visit to Serbia on 24–25 February, which underlined that working with countries is at the centre of his vision for health.

Achieving sustainable and healthy environments for all: celebrating 30 years of the European Environment and Health Process 11-12-2019

At the First Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health in Frankfurt, Germany, held 7–8 December 1989, Member States of the WHO European Region initiated the first ever process to eliminate the most significant environmental threats to human health. That same European Environment and Health Process (EHP) is now marking 30 years since its establishment, with a birthday celebration during the ninth meeting of the European Environment and Health Task Force (EHTF) on 9–10 December 2019 in Bonn, Germany.

Inaugural Environment and Health School takes place in Bonn 31-10-2019

As the environment and health agenda and related challenges rapidly evolve in Member States of the WHO European Region, there is a permanent need to ensure that technical capacities are nurtured in all countries. Responding to this demand, the WHO European Centre for Environment and Health (ECEH) has developed the Environment and Health School, which is taking place for the first time this week at their premises in the UN Campus in Bonn, Germany.

Beat air pollution to protect health: World Environment Day 2019 05-06-2019

Beat air pollution – that is the theme for World Environment Day on 5 June. The air that we breathe is fundamental to our existence; yet, we sometimes forget the impact that the quality of the air has on our health and well-being.

Member States urged to ramp up fight against noncommunicable diseases 12-04-2019

Governments in WHO Member States must implement existing policies and set ambitious goals at national level if they are to live up to their commitment to reduce premature deaths from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in the WHO European Region. That was the message from speakers and participants at the plenary session of the WHO European High-level Conference on Noncommunicable Diseases held in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan on 9–10 April 2019.

Noncommunicable diseases and air pollution 29-03-2019

Tackling air pollution is a key factor in reducing premature mortality. Indeed, air pollution was included as a fifth risk factor for NCDs at the United Nations High-level Meeting on NCDs in September 2018. Acknowledging this, a policy paper was prepared as a background document for the WHO European High-level Conference on NCDs in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.

A multilevel governance approach to preventing and managing NCDs: the role of cities and urban settings 27-03-2019

More than half the world’s population lives in an urban setting, which means that city and municipal governments are well placed to intensify the battle against noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).

Imagining a better world through the SDGs 15-01-2019

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development helps us to imagine a better world, one where there is peace, partnership and prosperity for everybody and for the planet. But the 2030 Agenda goes beyond imagination to provide a blueprint for actually achieving this vision.

As wildfires threaten Europe, WHO underscores health risks 25-07-2018

As parts of the WHO European Region experience exceptionally warm and dry summer weather, several wildfires are also burning. The wildfires in the Attica region of Greece have already cost lives, and Sweden has also been battling forest fires. Together with the current high summer temperatures, these fires are posing an additional health risk to people in the area.

WHO/Europe launches version 1.2 of AirQ+ software tool in Russian 16-05-2018

Air pollution is the largest single environmental health risk and a leading cause of disease and death globally. In the WHO European Region alone, 556 000 premature deaths were attributable to the joint effects of household and ambient air pollution for 2016.

Over half a million premature deaths annually in the European Region attributable to household and ambient air pollution 02-05-2018

WHO has updated its air quality database and estimates of the disease burden attributable to air pollution. In the WHO European Region, 556 000 premature deaths were attributable to the joint effects of household and ambient air pollution for 2016.

Evidence shows banning asbestos has no negative economic impact 19-04-2018

Sound scientific evidence shows that any exposure to asbestos fibres poses significant health risks. Despite this, the mineral continues to be present, as well as extensively used and traded, both globally and in the WHO European Region. According to WHO recommendations, the most effective way to eliminate asbestos-related diseases is through a ban on the use, production and trade of all forms of the substance.

Environment and Health Task Force meeting kicks off national planning in 7 key areas 22-03-2018

Last year, countries in the WHO European Region adopted the Ostrava Declaration, which commits them to make visible, measurable and equitable progress on environment and health in 7 priority areas. In order to do this, Member States agreed to develop national portfolios of actions on environment and health by the end of 2018, coordinated by country-nominated focal points.

New agreement between UN Environment and WHO to further strengthen collaboration in the Region 19-01-2018

On 10 January 2018, the United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) and WHO agreed upon a new global collaboration framework to tackle environment and health risks. For the WHO European Region, this agreement builds upon long-standing and strong regional collaboration through the European Environment and Health Process, in which UN Environment is a key stakeholder.

Day 3 of Environment and Health Conference: Commitments to advance the agenda in Europe 16-06-2017

After 3 days of discussions and deliberations, the Sixth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health drew to a close. The participants took stock of the progress made on environment and health in the WHO European Region, as well as committing the Region to further action, culminating in the signing of the Ostrava Declaration.

Day 2 of Environment and Health Conference: Addressing inequalities, good governance, rights and resilience 15-06-2017

On the second day of the Sixth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health, participants explored the role of communities and national and regional authorities in strengthening resilience. Discussions focused on the global relevance of environment and health policy in Europe and how to stimulate changing patterns of consumption towards sustainable development.

Day 1 of Environment and Health Conference: Taking stock of the past to transform the future 14-06-2017

Opening the Sixth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health, Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe, drew parallels between the host city’s industrial past and modern regeneration, and the “transformative spirit of the Agenda for Sustainable Development”. Health and environment experts are gathered in Ostrava, Czech Republic to track progress and prioritize future action on environmental risks to health.

United Nations agencies urge Europe’s action on 1.4 million annual deaths from polluted environments 13-06-2017

The World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe (WHO/Europe), the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) call on European leaders to scale up action to prevent environment-related deaths and diseases affecting their populations. Each year, at least 1.4 million Europeans die prematurely due to polluted environments; this corresponds to at least 15% of Europe’s total deaths. Around half of these deaths are due to outdoor and indoor air pollution. Altogether, European citizens lose annually 50 million years of healthy life from environmental risks.

World Environment Day: health is intrinsically linked to the environment 05-06-2017

Globally, an estimated 24% of the burden of disease and 23% of all deaths can be attributed to environmental factors. These include air and water pollution, hazardous chemicals, waste and climate change. On the contrary, interventions to protect and preserve the environment can directly improve health.

Historic 20th meeting of the Joint Task Force on the Health Aspects of Air Pollution 16-05-2017

In 1998, the Joint Task Force on the Health Aspects of Air Pollution was established within the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP). Its purpose is to evaluate and assess the health effects of such pollution and to provide necessary information and evidence in the field. On 16–17 May 2017, the 20th meeting of the Task Force will take place in Bonn, Germany.

Examples of investing in health from the South-eastern Europe Health Network 03-04-2017

The 9 countries of the South-eastern Europe Health Network (SEEHN) share a vision of promoting health as an integral part of economic development. In addition to participating in intercountry initiatives, each country is investing in health and generating results that inform other network members. On 3–4 April 2017, the 4th South-eastern Europe Health Ministerial Forum takes place in the Republic of Moldova.

WHO’s commitment to air quality: from the 1950s to today 17-02-2017

Air pollution from both outdoor and indoor sources represents the single largest environmental risk to health globally. WHO estimates that air pollution exposure was linked to more than 6 million premature deaths in 2012. For nearly 6 decades, WHO has demonstrated its commitment to this public health issue by publishing a series of air quality reports to assess related scientific evidence. The new WHO/Europe publication “Evolution of WHO air quality guidelines: past, present and future” summarizes the history of the development of these air quality guidelines and the role of the scientific evidence that formed the foundation of this work.

Release of WHO data on air pollution exposure and its health impact by country 27-09-2016

The new global report, released today, presents the most detailed outdoor (ambient) air pollution and health impact data by country ever reported by WHO. The model, developed by WHO in collaboration with the University of Bath, United Kingdom, uses satellite-derived data combined with air transport models and ground station monitors from more than 3000 locations worldwide.

Decarbonisation – Zero emission mobility starts now! 19-07-2016

Taking stock of climate change challenges and the priorities set out in the Paris Agreement, the international Klimaaktiv Mobil conference “Decarbonisation – Zero emission mobility starts now!” took place in Vienna, Austria, on 13–15 July 2016.

Conference on health and climate sets European priorities 15-07-2016

WHO estimates that climate change will cause over 250 000 additional deaths per year between 2030 and 2050, as a result of factors including air pollution; an increase in food-, water-, and vector-borne diseases; extreme weather events; and food insecurity. At the Second Global Conference on Health and Climate, experts from the European Region identified key priorities to build health systems' capacity and create climate-resilient societies.

Closing of the World Health Assembly: WHO Framework for Engagement with Non-State Actors adopted 01-06-2016

The World Health Assembly has adopted the WHO Framework of Engagement with Non-State Actors (FENSA), after more than 2 years of intergovernmental negotiations.

Health impact assessment of air pollution in 3 Montenegrin cities 25-05-2016

On 15 April 2016, a national consultative meeting presented the findings of a health impact assessment showing that 6–22% of mortality was attributed to air pollution in 3 Montenegrin cities: Podgorica, Pljevlja and Niksic.

New tool: AirQ+ quantifies health impacts of air pollution 25-05-2016

Air pollution is the largest single environmental health risk and a leading cause of disease and death globally, affecting the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. WHO/Europe has developed AirQ+, updated software to quantify the health impacts of air pollution from different sources in a given population supporting policy-makers in evaluating risks and taking appropriate action.

How and how much the environment impacts health 25-05-2016

Two WHO/Europe offices, the WHO European Office for Investment for Health and Development in Venice, Italy, and the WHO European Centre for Environment and Health (ECEH) in Bonn, Germany, have been recently placed in the Division of Policy and Governance for Health and Well-being. As the Venice Office coordinates the Regions for Health Network, there is a renewed opportunity to make further progress, in participating regions, in key areas such as health equity, noncommunicable diseases, environmental and social determinants of health and public health capacity.

Towards improved environment and health in Serbia: follow-up on Parma Declaration implementation 15-02-2016

Local government partners in health and environment exchanged experiences and knowledge with representatives of the Serbian Government and public health institutes, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection at a workshop in Paracin, Serbia on 30 November 2015.

Final day of the World Health Assembly: highlights for the European Region 28-05-2015

The World Health Assembly closed on 26 May 2015. Three new resolutions were passed on the final day: one on air pollution, one on epilepsy and one laying out the next steps in finalizing a framework of engagement with non-State actors.

Air quality and health resolution adopted at the sixty-eighth World Health Assembly 27-05-2015

A landmark resolution on air quality and health has been adopted at the sixty-eighth World Health Assembly on 26 May 2015 in Geneva, Switzerland. The Resolution, "Health and the environment: addressing the health impact of air pollution",  was carried forward by the European delegations of France, Monaco, Norway, Switzerland and Ukraine along with  Chile, Colombia, Panama, United States of America, Uruguay and Zambia.

Air pollution costs European economies US$ 1.6 trillion a year in diseases and deaths, new WHO study says 28-04-2015

A staggering US$ 1.6 trillion is the economic cost of the approximate 600 000 premature deaths and of the diseases caused by air pollution in the WHO European Region in 2010, according to the first-ever study of these costs conducted for the Region. The amount is nearly equivalent to one tenth of the gross domestic product (GDP) of the entire European Union in 2013.

Poor indoor environments at school 23-04-2015

Many children are exposed to poor indoor environments in schools, with issues including stuffy air, dampness and mould, uncomfortable temperatures and poorly functioning toilets. A new WHO report on environment and health conditions in European schools and kindergartens will contribute to discussions at the mid-term review of the European Environment and Health Process in Haifa, Israel, on 28–30 April 2015.

European countries to meet in April to review progress on environment and health 05-03-2015

On 28–30 April 2015 in Haifa, Israel, countries in the WHO European Region will evaluate the status of environment and health in the WHO European Region at the mid-term review of the European environment and health process. 

Health economics on air pollution substantiate policies that save lives and the environment 10-12-2014

Recent WHO estimates confirmed that air pollution is the world’s largest single environmental health risk, attributable to 7 million premature deaths globally in 2012 as a result of the joint effects of outdoor and household air pollution, with 582 000 of those deaths occurring in the European region.

Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Portugal 17-11-2014

As of 13 November 2014 (17:00), the Directorate-General for Health of Portugal has reported a total of 311 cases of Legionnaires' disease, all of which have epidemiological links to Vila Franca de Xira, a suburban area of Lisbon. So far, seven deaths have been confirmed to be caused by the disease.

Pneumonia accounts for 12% of all deaths in children under 5 in European Region 12-11-2014

Mortality rates in children aged under 5 years have steadily declined in the WHO European Region in recent years, yet children are still dying from pneumonia.

New global WHO guidelines for indoor air quality: inefficiently burning solid fuels damages health and climate 12-11-2014

WHO’s new guidelines for indoor air quality on household-fuel combustion, published today, set for the first time emission targets to address the serious health risks from burning fuels. They also oppose the use of unprocessed coal and kerosene, which severely pollutes indoor air and creates risks of fire, burns and poisoning. Worldwide, nearly 3 billion people still lack access to clean fuels and technology for cooking. In 2012, according to a WHO report, 4.3 million people died prematurely as a result of household air pollution.

Welcome to the newsletter of the European Environment and Health Process (EHP) 27-10-2014

The introduction of a European Environment and Health Process Newsletter will keep stakeholders up-to-date on the EHP’s continually-expanding body of work. Particularly during preparations for mid-term review of the Parma Commitments in March 2015, the need became evident for a means of sharing news and information on activities.

Aligning the agendas of Sustainable Development Goals and the European Environment and Health Process 09-10-2014

30 September 2014 (Bonn, Germany)

WHO honoured with lung health award for air quality guidelines 07-09-2014

WHO has been awarded the annual European Lung Foundation award for improving the lung health of millions of people by providing outdoor air quality guidelines.

Making the European Region free of asbestos-related diseases 19-06-2014

Asbestos is one of the most severe and widespread environmental health hazards in the WHO European Region, and is responsible for half of fatal cancers linked to exposure at work. To discuss activities to put an end to asbestos-related diseases, representatives from 16 Member States in the WHO European Region and experts in occupational health and cancer registries met in Bonn, Germany, on 10–11 June 2014.

New publication: Combined or multiple exposure to health stressors in indoor built environments 05-05-2014

This report aims to explore and shed light on the links between different exposure stressors and modifiers people confront in residential dwellings, day care centers, schools and kindergartens. It summarizes a systematic review of literature and project reports presenting evidence on multiple or combined risk exposure in indoor built environments, covering the range of health risks encountered.

Almost 600 000 deaths due to air pollution in Europe: new WHO global report 25-03-2014

Exposure to air pollution accounted for 7 million deaths worldwide in 2012, including almost 600 000 in the WHO European Region. This is the main finding of a new WHO report, released today, on the burden of disease related to ambient (outdoor) and household (indoor) air pollution. Specifically, 482 000 deaths are attributable to ambient air pollution and 117 200 deaths to household air pollution in the WHO European Region. While deaths from ambient air pollution occur in all European countries regardless of their income, those from household air pollution are over 5 times greater in low- and middle-income countries than wealthier ones.

Just published: Environmental health inequalities in Malta. Assessment report 17-02-2014

This report presents the first national assessment of the magnitude and distribution of environmental health inequalities in the Maltese Islands, and responds to the commitments made at the Fifth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health in Parma, Italy in 2010.

Prevention is key to curb cancer burden, says new report 05-02-2014

The “World cancer report 2014”, released in the run-up to World Cancer Day, 4 February, confirms the truth of an old saying: prevention is better than cure. Based on the latest statistics on trends in cancer incidence and mortality worldwide, this new report reveals how the cancer burden is growing at an alarming pace, and emphasizes the importance of political commitment and urgent implementation of efficient prevention strategies to curb the disease.

Countries urged to reduce health risks from asbestos, second-hand smoke and toxic chemicals by 2015 16-12-2013

Visualizing the economic and health benefits of environmental measures: a winning combination 23-10-2013

“Visualizing” both the health and economic gains can help persuade policy-makers to improve environmental health and obtain government support, according to participants at the Second Symposium on Environmental Health and Economics, held on 14–15 October 2013 in Bonn, Germany.

Over 100 experts and policy makers address health effects from multiple exposures 22-10-2013

In real life individuals are exposed to multiple risk factors at the same time and this makes it often difficult to identify cause-effect relationships between environment and health.

Outdoor air pollution a leading environmental cause of cancer deaths 17-10-2013

WHO’s specialized cancer agency, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), announced today that it has classified outdoor air pollution and one of its major components, particulate matter (PM), as carcinogenic to human beings. After thoroughly reviewing the latest available scientific literature, the world’s leading experts, convened by IARC, concluded that sufficient evidence shows that exposure to outdoor air pollution and PM causes lung cancer. They also noted a positive association between such pollution and an increased risk of bladder cancer.

Retired WHO expert honoured with environmental epidemiology award 22-08-2013

Michal Krzyzanowski, former Head of the WHO European Centre for Environment and Health in Bonn, Germany, was honoured today with the John Goldsmith Award for his outstanding contribution to environmental epidemiology.

Task Force on Health Aspects of Air Pollution meets on 11–12 June 2013 21-05-2013

The WHO-led Task Force on Health Aspects of Air Pollution, established within the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution, will meet in Bonn, Germany, 11­–12 June 2013.  The discussion will focus  on air pollutants, such as particulate matter (PM) and ozone, and on how evidence of their health effects can be used in the planned revision of the air quality policy of the European Union.

WHO to present findings on health effects of air pollution at Green Week Conference 2013 13-05-2013

European ministers call for urgent action on environmental threats 24-04-2013

Urgent action is needed in Europe to tackle environmental health hazards: air pollution, asbestos, mercury, unsafe water and poor sanitation. This is the main conclusion of the fourth meeting of the European Environment and Health Ministerial Board, on 19 April 2013 in Belgrade, Serbia.

Applications welcome for observership at WHO/Europe 18-04-2013

The European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) is sponsoring a three-day observership for five people in WHO/Europe’s Division of Communicable Diseases, Health Security and Environment.

WHO/Europe in Copenhagen moving to new premises 05-04-2013

WHO/Europe’s head office, based in Copenhagen, Denmark, is moving to new premises during 22 March to 1 April 2013. All United Nations organizations in the Danish capital will come together in new premises known as UN City.

Newly found health effects of air pollution call for stronger European Union air policies 31-01-2013

Long-term exposure to fine particles (PM2.5) can trigger atherosclerosis, adverse birth outcomes and childhood respiratory diseases, according to a World Health Organization (WHO) review released today. The review of evidence on health aspects of air pollution (REVIHAAP) also suggests a possible link with neurodevelopment, cognitive function and diabetes, and strengthens the causal link between PM2.5 and cardiovascular and respiratory deaths. The research was carried out at the request of the European Commission in the framework of the 2013 review of the European Union (EU)’s air policy.

Regional Director attends Environment and Health Ministerial Board (EHMB) meeting in Azerbaijan 21-11-2012

At its third meeting, EHMB agreed that an environment and health gateway, an on-line knowledge repository and information portal, will be developed. The meeting, hosted by the Ministry of Environment of Azerbaijan, concluded on 16 November 2012.

New report gives preliminary dose estimation from Fukushima nuclear accident 23-05-2012

The report describes a preliminary estimate of radiation doses to the public resulting from the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear site in Japan in March 2011.

New WHO-led project to advice European Union on health aspects of air pollution for policy update 29-02-2012

WHO/Europe is coordinating a project to provide the European Commission and its stakeholders with evidence-based advice on the health aspects of air pollution. The REVIHAAP project will support the comprehensive revision of the European Union (EU) air quality policies due in 2013.

WHO launches expanded European Centre for Environment and Health in Bonn, Germany: new report on environmental health inequalities published 14-02-2012

One citizen out of five dies from environment-associated diseases in the WHO European Region. The environmental burden of ill health varies significantly across the Region, however, ranging from 14% to 54%. Within countries, the poor can be exposed to environmental risks five times more often than their wealthier peers, a new WHO report concludes.

Joint action on environmental health threats discussed 02-11-2011

Meeting for the first time in Bled, Slovenia, on 26–28 October 2011, the European Environment and Health Task Force discussed proposed areas of joint action to implement the commitments agreed by European countries in the Parma Declaration on Environment and Health.

New WHO database shows poor air quality in cities 27-09-2011

Air pollution threatens people’s health in many cities, according to an unprecedented compilation of global data released today by WHO. In the European Region, data were collected from over 350 cities in 33 countries, including national capitals and cities with more than 100 000 residents. In these cities, more than 250 000 people are estimated to die every year because of air pollution.

When breathing is a threat: the fourth issue of WHY newsletter focuses on air quality 27-07-2011

The fourth newsletter from journalists in the WHY network discusses problems and possible solutions related to air quality. An editorial from WHO/Europe explains how the WHO AIr Quality Guidelines help tackling this challenge.

New evidence from WHO: inadequate housing causes more than 100 000 annual deaths in Europe 23-06-2011

Inadequate housing accounts for over 100 000 deaths per year in the WHO European Region and causes or contributes to many preventable diseases and injuries, including respiratory, nervous system and cardiovascular diseases and cancer. This is the main conclusion of a report, "Environmental burden of disease associated with inadequate housing", released today by WHO/Europe.

Ministers push environment and health commitments forward 05-05-2011

Environment and health ministers, meeting in Paris this week, have agreed on how to monitor progress in reducing the adverse health impact of environmental threats across the European Region. The first meeting of the European Ministerial Board on Environment and Health took place on 4-5 May 2011.

Task Force on health aspects of long-range transboundary air pollution meets on 12-13 May 2011 02-04-2011

The next meeting of the Task Force will take place in Bonn, Germany, on 12-13 May 2011.

New evidence from WHO on health effects of traffic-related noise in Europe 30-03-2011

Traffic-related noise accounts for over 1 million healthy years of life lost annually to ill health, disability or early death in the western countries in the WHO European Region. This is the main conclusion of the first report assessing the burden of disease from environmental noise in Europe, released today by WHO/Europe. Noise causes or contributes to not only annoyance and sleep disturbance but also heart attacks, learning disabilities and tinnitus.

Earth Hour: use energy wisely 09-03-2011

20.30 to 21.30 on Saturday 26 March 2011 will mark Earth Hour, when lights will be switched off around the globe so people can take a stand against climate change. Reducing overall energy use and encouraging the uptake of renewable energy sources have a dual benefit for health. This year we are being encouraged to “Go beyond the hour!”  

Green transport benefits health, creates jobs and combats climate change 17-12-2010

First WHO indoor air quality guidelines on indoor chemicals now released 15-12-2010

Hazardous substances emitted from buildings, construction materials and indoor equipment or due to human activities such as fuel combustion for cooking or heating, lead to a broad range of health problems and may even be fatal. WHO/Europe has released a new volume of the global guidelines for indoor air quality  today.

WHO/Europe concludes mission on health impact of sludge spill in Hungary 20-10-2010

A four-day WHO expert field mission to Hungary has developed a set of recommendations to minimize the short- and long-term health impact of the sludge spill at an alumina plant in Hungary on 4 October 2010.

WHO/Europe to assess health impact of sludge spill in Hungary 12-10-2010

A team of WHO experts is travelling to Hungary today to provide additional expertise to the Government-led assessment of the potential short- and long-term health effects of a sludge spill that affected the country’s western territories on 4 October 2010.

The International Volcanic Health Hazard Network publishes initial findings of a hazard assessment of ash from the eruption of Eyjafjallajökull volcano, Iceland 29-09-2010

WHO publishes methodological guidance on assessing the burden of disease of second hand smoke at national and local levels 20-09-2010

Second-hand smoke (SHS) is one of the most important and most widespread exposures in the indoor environment, affecting a large proportion of the population. Children are commonly exposed to SHS when their parents are smokers. Some countries have passed legislation that prohibits smoking in the workplace, but elsewhere workers in the entertainment and food industries are frequently exposed to SHS on a daily basis. It has been known for many years that tobacco smoke is hazardous to health, and there is now a substantial literature that documents the risks associated specifically with exposure to SHS.

Russian Federation: no remaining health risks from extreme heat-wave and wildfires 03-09-2010

The exceptional situation of a severe heat-wave and air pollution due to wildfires in many regions of the Russian Federation has been declared over.

Extreme heat-wave and wildfires cause public health concerns in the Russian Federation 17-08-2010

Wildfires that started in mid-July 2010 in the Central and Volga federal districts of the Russian Federation have produced a dense plume of smoke over hundreds of kilometres. The situation is aggravated by the continuing heat-wave.

UK HPA publishes a paper on on the possible effects on health of exposure to volcanic ash and associated gases 17-06-2010

The paper provides essential messages on possible type and severity of health effects and evaluation of the potential risks in the United Kingdom.

WHO/Europe expert group concludes Icelandic volcanic ash currently poses no threat to public health 23-05-2010

Health surveillance systems in countries in the WHO European Region detected no exposure of the population to volcano-related air pollution and no health effects which could have been potentially related to volcanic ash following the volcanic eruption of 14 April 2010 in Iceland.

Important questions answered on the health effects of volcanic ash 21-05-2010

WHO/Europe answers questions about the consequences of the volcanic ash reaching the ground, the symptoms of exposure, possible long-term effects and many other issues.

No change in current WHO advice on potential health risks of volcanic ash cloud 21-05-2010

There is no change in the current WHO advice about potential health risks: if the volcanic ash reaches ground level in higher concentrations the ash may cause health effects, but these are likely to be minimal.

Volcano eruption in Iceland will have minimal impact on health 21-05-2010

The WHO Regional Office for Europe is closely monitoring the situation. The ash cloud contains fine particles but as long as the ash remains in the upper atmosphere, there will not be an increased risk to health.

WHO/Europe holds expert meeting on health effects of volcanic ash 21-05-2010

WHO/Europe, in collaboration with WHO headquarters, convened an ad hoc scientific advisory group on the health effects of volcanic ash through a teleconference on 21 April. The group was set up to coordinate risk assessment, surveillance and monitoring of the volcanic ash cloud’s possible short- and long-term impact on public health.

WHO/Europe expert group concludes Icelandic volcanic ash currently poses no threat to public health 30-04-2010

Health surveillance systems in countries in the WHO European Region detected no exposure of the population to volcano-related air pollution and no health effects which could have been potentially related to volcanic ash following the volcanic eruption of 14 April 2010 in Iceland.

WHO/Europe holds expert meeting on health effects of volcanic ash 22-04-2010

WHO/Europe, in collaboration with WHO headquarters, convened an ad hoc scientific advisory group on the health effects of volcanic ash through a teleconference on 21 April. The group was set up to coordinate risk assessment, surveillance and monitoring of the volcanic ash cloud’s possible short- and long-term impact on public health.

Important questions answered on the health effects of volcanic ash 21-04-2010

WHO/Europe answers questions about the consequences of the volcanic ash reaching the ground, the symptoms of exposure, possible long-term effects and many other issues.

No change in current WHO advice on potential health risks of volcanic ash cloud 19-04-2010

There is no change in the current WHO advice about potential health risks: if the volcanic ash reaches ground level in higher concentrations the ash may cause health effects, but these are likely to be minimal.

Volcano eruption in Iceland will have minimal impact on health 16-04-2010

The WHO Regional Office for Europe is closely monitoring the situation. The ash cloud contains fine particles but as long as the ash remains in the upper atmosphere, there will not be an increased risk to health.