Priorities

  1. Governments and other public authorities, without prejudice to the importance of problem areas specific to their respective countries, the European Community and other intergovernmental organizations, as appropriate, should pay particular attention to the following urgent issues of the environment and health at local, regional, national and international levels and to take action on them:
    • global disturbances to the environment such as the destruction of the ozone layer and climatic change;
    • urban development, planning and renewal to protect health and promote wellbeing;
    • safe and adequate drinking-water supplies on the basis of the WHO Guidelines for drinking-water quality together with hygienic waste disposal for all urban and rural communities;
    • water quality in relation to surface, ground, coastal and recreational waters;
    • microbiological and chemical safety of food;
    • the environment and health impact of:
      • various energy options
      • transport, especially road transport
      • agricultural practices, including the use of fertilizers and pesticides, and waste disposal;
      • air quality on the basis of the WHO Air quality guidelines for Europe, especially in relation to oxides of sulfur and nitrogen, the photochemical oxidants ("summer smog") and volatile organic compounds;
      • indoor air quality (residential, recreational and occupational), including the effects of radon, passive smoking and chemicals;
      • persistent chemicals and those causing chronic effects;
      • hazardous wastes including management, transport and disposal;
      • biotechnology and in particular genetically modified organisms;
      • contingency planning for and in response to accidents and disasters;
      • cleaner technologies as preventive measures.
  2. In addressing all of these priorities, the importance of intersectoral environmental planning and community management to generate optimal health and wellbeing should be borne in mind.
  3. Health promotion should be added to health protection so as to induce the adoption of healthy lifestyles in a clean and harmonious environment.
  4. It should be recognized that some urgent problems require direct and immediate international cooperation and joint efforts.