environmental exposure

Viele Gewässer enthalten umweltbelastende Stoffe, zu denen auch Arzneimittel und deren Abbauprodukte gehören. Auch im Grundwasser und somit im Rohwasser für unser Trinkwasser werden Rückstände von Arzneimitteln gemessen.
Diese sogenannten Spurenstoffe können sich bereits in sehr niedrigen Konzentrationen nachteilig auf die Lebenswelt im Wasser und die menschliche Gesundheit auswirken.

Passenger traffic and freight transport in Germany are growing steadily. Increasing numbers of passengers does not necessarily have to hamper personal mobility. By the same token, more freight transport does add up to the better and more efficient supply of goods.

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.

Not only children can react particularly sensitive but also the health of adults and particularly the elderly is determined by environmental influences. Therefore, it is important to consider all phases of life when looking at the effects of environmental influences.

Antarctica is a nature reserve dedicated to peace and scientific research. 29 signatory states to the Antarctic Treaty, including Germany, work in close and continuous cooperation in science in the perpetual ice. Their research covers a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from climate research to marine biology.

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.

Germany’s farming sector uses the largest amount of land, but is at the same a lynchpin of our economy – one that provides a reliable food supply and produces sustainable raw materials. The farming sector also plays a key role when it comes to preservation and development of the man-made environment. But increasingly intensive farming brings with it a host of eco-unfriendly effects.

The Federal Environment Agency has initiated a research project in the field of epigenetics. Epigenetics explains the influence of environmental factors on the properties of cells and gene expression. Extensive research in this field would do a great deal to protect public health, both now and in future generations.