Our work focuses on protecting human health against adverse influences from the environment. We perform research and award research contracts so that we can gain knowledge about the origin and extent of health-relevant environmental pollution. An interdisciplinary approach is particularly important in this process. The various fields of hygiene, medicine, natural and social sciences and epidemiology all work together, analysing the extent of the body's exposure to pollutants and combine this knowledge with data on the contamination of water, soil and air. The results are translated into practice nationwide and are continuously incorporated into standardisation and regulation at national and international level.
Up-to-date measurements of particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and ozone pollution available from 400 measuring stations
German Environment Agency publishes “Gesunde Luft“ magazine on air pollution
NO2 thresholds still exceeded in many cities, only one case of particulate exceedance, high level of ozone pollution
German Environment Agency presents seven priority areas for action
20 August 2018 deadline for operators to submit information about existing plants (pursuant to 42. BImSchV)
Under the auspices of the Austrian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the Austrian organisations involved in the HBM4EU initiative together with the European Commission organise a conference with the title ‘Human Biomonitoring in Europe –science and policy for healthy citizens’ on September 28th 2018 in Vienna. High-level stakeholders and policy makers are invited.
Volatile organic compounds are partly of natural origin, partly contained in articles of daily use, and can constantly reach our nose and skin. What health effects can VOCs have? How can unwanted exposure be reduced?
Statistics for 2014 indicate roughly 6,000 premature deaths due to cardiovascular diseases which are linked to background concentrations of NO2
EU to retrospectively assess medicines - Internet portal launched for veterinary medical products for farmers and veterinarians
Mould infestation is one of the most frequent problems in indoor space. If it is not cleaned up it can trigger or worsen respiratory diseases such as asthma or cause allergic reaction. The re-edited and updated mould manual (in German) from the German Environment Agency (UBA) shows how to deal with mould in the home, including its prevention, detection and clean-up.
People in developed countries spend the majority of their lives indoors, on average about two thirds in their home. However, the quality of indoor air is not always beneficial to human health.
Toy manufacturers can now apply for the new Blue Angel ecolabel for toys to be awarded to their cuddly toys, wooden train sets, rubber balls etc. Not only must the products be exemplary in terms of pollutant content but also as concerns the social labour conditions of the extraction of raw materials and at the final assembly sites.
