The German Environment Agency (UBA) conducts the German Environmental Survey for Adults, GerES VI (2023–2024) to collect information on the burden of the adult population in Germany with environmental pollutants. Samples of tap water, urine, blood, house dust, and indoor air are analysed along with information acquired by questionnaires during a home visit.
Air pollution, noise, climate change, chemicals – Environmental problems are a burden on human health. An intact environment can have a positive influence on health and well-being. Urban green spaces are a good example. A recent report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) describes successes for environment and health as well as challenges that face Europe today.
Holi is a traditional Indian spring festival with Hindu roots, signifying the victory of good over evil, the arrival of spring and the end of winter. The festival where people throw brightly coloured powders at each other is a very colourful event bringing together people of all castes, sex, status, and age.
The socially disadvantaged neighbourhoods of many municipalities in Germany suffer from a high number of environment-related health risks. A research project by the German Institute of Urban Affairs (Difu) is testing key elements of a strategic approach to achieving environmental justice in three pilot municipalities.
People with low incomes and little education are often more exposed to environmental stress than socially advantaged people. Under the heading of “environmental justice”, the UBA works on the subject of the (uneven) distribution of exposure to environm. pressures and environmental resources and its health implications, with the aim of helping to create healthy environmental and living conditions.
The health burden caused by environmental problems is often especially high in socially disadvantaged urban neighborhoods. A research project carried out by the German Institute of Urban Affairs (Difu) has explored how municipalities can be supported in their efforts towards more environmental justice at local level.
Various animals may serve as hosts for infectious agents and can transmit diseases to other animals as well as humans. Insects, mites and ticks can be found amongst these so-called vectors. Vertebrates, for example rats and mice, may also act as vectors or as disease reservoir.
DEMOCOPHES is the acronym for a European project to test the feasibility of a human biomonitoring study in 17 European countries by means of common guidelines and using same methods. These guidelines were drawn up in the context of the COPHES project, of which DEMOCOPHES is an integral part. It has now been completed and the first European results delivered.
