Country information

Abstract

Indicator code: RPG1_WatSan_S1

During the monitoring period bathing water quality had improved in almost each region in Slovakia. In comparison to the corresponding EC directive 76/160/EEC on bathing water quality, the national indicators for bathing water in freshwater zones have stricter legislative values. Nevertheless, when bathing water quality had been evaluated in Slovakia in 2004, many unacceptable cases had been reported. The reason for that turned out to be insufficient water-sampling, caused by the reconstruction of freshwater zones when the samples weren’t abstracted from the concrete bathing locality. In many cases freshwater zones did not fulfill mandatory requirements of the Bathing water Directive since proper water sampling was impossible in those areas.

In the recent past bathing water quality became endangered because of wastewater pollutants from adjacent recreational buildings, as many private recreational weekend cottages are not connected to sewerage systems. Often cesspit and septic are not sufficiently separated, or an earth closet is close to a bathing water locality. Sewage disposal plants, particularly in small villages, constitute some risks. A source of microbiological pollution of bathing areas is usually the inflows, which flow through villages without public sewerage systems.

From 2004 to 2006 the bathing water quality has improved, however the number of declared bathing areas decreased from 67 to 38. In the same period, the percentage of areas not fulfilling mandatory requirements dropped significantly from 31.3% in 2004 to 5% in 2006, and insufficiently sampled areas decreased from 16% to 0%.

Bathing water requirements are defined in the Slovakian Water Act (national act number 364/2004); about changes in act under National Board of the Slovak republic number 372/1990 about transgression in version advanced regulation. Basic requirements on bathing water quality are also defined in paragraph 19 of the Act on protection, support and development of public health (355/2007). There are important differences between that regulation and the Slovakian Water Act (see www.uvzsr.sk).

Full bathing water assessment on nationaal website, UVZSR (.pdf)

Public Health Authority of the Slovak Republic, UVZSR (national language)

Abstract

Indicator code: RPG2_Traf_E1

Road traffic injuries (RTIs) are the leading cause of death in children and young people in the WHO European Region, with unacceptably high rates. An eightfold difference exists between the lowest and highest rates in the Region. Romania is placed in the middle with a rate of 8 deaths per 100,000 population in the age group 0-24 years. Nevertheless, the phenomenon should be kept under further careful control, mainly due to the aggressive driving style of young people under 25, which led to very severe traffic accidents in recent years. Encouragingly, the comparatively low mortality rates achieved by some countries indicate that deaths from RTIs are largely preventable. It is clear that support of traffic safety policies and preventive strategies which proved effective is a must in Romania.

In 2002, the number of reported deaths from RTIs in Romania was 142 deaths for children aged 0-14 years and 251 for young people aged 15-24 years, corresponding to 2.5% and 12%, respectively, of the total number of deaths. In 2005, the General Inspectorate of Romanian Police launched the ”parental program for the prevention and combat of road traffic accidents”, aiming to reduce the fatalities by 5% until the first half of 2006. The program reduced RT fatalities by 13% in 2006 compared to the previous year, and was continued in 2007 in recognition of its positive outcomes.

Time trend analyses of data reported by the General Inspectorate of Romanian Police revealed a relatively stable phenomenon in traffic accidents consequences (fatalities and injuries). Overall, in 2006 the number of RT fatalities and severe injuries has decreased. This might be an effect of the sustained efforts for the promotion of traffic safety in 2005 - 2007. The same data show wide national geographical disparities related of the number of traffic accidents as well as of their consequences.

Data sources: WHO “health for all mortality” database (from January 2007) for the SMRs from RTIs. National data related to traffic accidents are reported by the General Inspectorate of Romanian Police (graphic: www.politiaromana.ro/DPR/Statistici/accidente_pe_an.jpg).

Data reported by General Inspectorate of Romanian Police are also covering the sub-national level, but do not provide age stratification; temporal coverage for these data: 1999 – 2006.

Abstract

Indicator code: RPG2_Traf_E1

In Lithuania, road traffic injuries (RTIs) are the leading cause of death of children and young people (aged 0-24 years). According to 2006 data, mortality from RTIs in childhood and adolescence is 44% of all external causes of death. Lithuania has the highest number of deaths from road traffic accidents in the European Union. This number has increased by 18% from 2001 to 2006, calling for immediate effective preventive actions by state institutions in charge of safe transport and injury prevention.

Children and young people are particularly vulnerable to road traffic injuries as they have different physical and psychological characteristics than adults, such as limited experience, risky behaviour and use of alcohol. In Lithuania, the highest share of traffic accidents is caused by inexperienced drivers (with one year driving experience). In addition, environmental conditions are believed to contribute significantly to road traffic injuries. Proper road design and infrastructure may reduce the number of fatal accidents by one third.

Lithuania has adopted a number of measures to protect children from road traffic injuries, such as special seats in front passenger seats for children under 12-years-old or under 150 cm height. Children above 3 years shall be seated in rear seats using regular seat belts, those under 3 years old shall be seated in a special seat. It is obligatory for all motorcycle passengers to wear a helmet, and children below 12 years are not allowed to be carried by a motorbike. The maximum speed limit has been set to 50 km per hour in settlements and 20 km per hour for residential areas within settlements.

Despite the legal regulations and measures in place, mortality from road traffic injuries in children and young people under 24 years in Lithuania is unacceptably high, with a rate of 20.45 per 100,000 population in 2006 and a tendency to increase. Trends over a 35-year period (1971-2005) show a statistically significant increase in mortality from RTIs for 15-19-years-olds, especially among boys. The age group of 15-24 years is the most affected, mainly related to be beginner drivers. In the same age group, mortality from RTIs among car drivers or passengers is about 5 times higher than among pedestrians. Motorcyclist deaths are also increasing significantly among those aged 15-19 years.

84% of all road traffic fatalities involve men. Boys and young men aged 0-24 years die from RTIs three times more than girls of the same age. There are noticeable regional differences in mortality from RTIs in children and young people.

Period of coverage: 1998 – 2006.

Full RTI assessment on national website, VASC (.pdf)

Abstract

Indicator code: RPG3_Air_E1

Allergies and asthma cause a significant burden of disease in Hungarian children. This fact sheet gives an overview on the prevalence of asthmatic and allergic symptoms in children aged 8-9 years in Hungary as indicated by several national surveys. Allergic and asthmatic symptoms are associated, among other potential causes, with indoor and outdoor air quality.

The fact sheet also provides information about the different outdoor and indoor environmental factors that can result in asthma and allergic diseases in children, in particular outdoor air pollutants such as particulate matter (PM), indoor pollutants and allergens such as environmental tobacco smoke, mould, dust mites, pollens.

The prevalence of asthmatic symptoms varies between 12.3% and 21.9% (national average = 17.1%). The prevalence of allergic symptoms ranges from 18.7% to 29.3% (national average = 24.9%). These data come from questions of the international surveys CESAR and ISAAC adapted to the Hungarian situation in the OGYELF survey in 2005, which addressed 8-9 years old school-children. The results of the survey are presented by counties and by population of settlements. It is possible to assess time trends as well. Data are presented based on CESAR (1996) and OGYELF (2005) in 3 selected cities.

Hungarian policies regulate the monitoring of outdoor concentration of biological pollutants (pollen of 32 plants and 2 fungi). The continuously updated pollen report is available on several websites and through the mass media. The 7-days-ahead forecast is available as well. Strict policies order the elimination of the most aggressive allergenic plant, the ragweed, which causes significant agricultural and public health damage in Hungary.

Data: CESAR survey in Hungary, 1996; National Survey on the Respiratory Diseases of Children (OGYELF), 2005. National Institute of Environmental Health, Budapest.

Full asthma and allergies assessment on national website, ANTSZ (.pdf)

Abstract

Indicator code: RPG3_Air_E2

This fact sheet gives an overview of mortality in early childhood due to respiratory diseases in Poland and its changes between 1999 and 2006. It provides information about possible links with environment-related risk factors and relevant policy action.

Respiratory illness is the most common cause of childhood morbidity. Infants and small children are especially vulnerable because of physiological features (maturation of immunological system), physical activity, method of feeding in the first months of their lives. Pollutants and allergens in ambient and indoor air (due for example to use of solid fuel, tobacco smoke and dust), as well as infectious agents, are among the causes of several respiratory illnesses. Diet, lifestyle, other environmental and social factors may also be important. Studies found a positive association between the level of air pollutants and mortality in children due to respiratory causes.

National policies (National Health Program 2007-2015) have been established in addition to international strategies (EU directives, RPG III of the CEHAPE) to prevent and reduce respiratory diseases from outdoor and indoor air pollution. The quality of the indoor and ambient air is regulated by decrees of Ministry of Environment.

In the period 1999-2006, the infant mortality rate from respiratory diseases has been continuously decreasing. In 2006, on average 2,2% of post-neonatal mortality is due to respiratory diseases, with an attributable mortality rate of 0,13 per 1000 live births. There is a wide temporal and spatial variation of the mortality rate between various regions of Poland (ranging from 0 to 0,35 per 1000 live births). The spatial variation does not however correspond to the distribution of the average ambient air pollution levels. Average annual data also do not reflect seasonal, short-lasting peaks in levels of air pollutants, which may result in increases in respiratory system disorders. The significance of this indicator for smaller areas such as Polish provinces is low due to the small number of post-neonatal deaths from respiratory diseases (less than 4 deaths per year on average per province).

Retrieve this fact sheet in national language

December 2007

Abstract

Indicator code: RPG3_Air_Ex2

This fact sheet provides an estimate of the Czech population exposed to particulate matter in concentrations exceeding air quality limits.

Data from the records of over 50% of the 81 urban monitoring stations involved in the Environment and Health Monitoring System show that at least one criterion for air quality was met (40 μg/m3 annual average and 50 μg/m3 daily average, which should not be exceeded more than 35 days), however almost 80% of the inhabitants in those cities have been living under environmental conditions where PM10 limits were exceeded. Air pollution is localized in heavy industrialized areas such as Ostrava- Karviná or Ústí n. L., as well as in large city agglomerations (Prague, Brno, Ostrava). In connection with a widespread increase of traffic intensity in Czech Republic, significantly burdened areas are also found in other cities. Together with consumption of solid fuels by households due to rising energy costs, an increasing burden is also apparent in small municipalities.

The information is based on data from 19 Czech cities with a total of 3.36 million inhabitants, collected and processed using the framework of the national Environmental Health Monitoring System of the Czech Republic. Particulate matter air pollution is a substantial problem in the Czech Republic, namely in large urban agglomerations as well as in several industrial areas. Epidemiological studies provide evidence about the health effects caused by PM10 air pollution in children as well as in the adult population.

In 2002, the “Health 21” long-term programme was adopted to improve public health. Its goal 10 requires “to reduce population exposures to health risks related to water, air and soil pollution…” and to “monitor and evaluate air quality indicators as well as health indicators.” A new national programme of emissions reduction was approved by Government resolution no. 630/2007 Coll, to deal with the unsatisfactory air quality in the Czech Republic, and also to fulfil an obligation resulting from the implementation of the Thematic Strategy on Air Pollution. The programme focuses on the two major sources of PM10: heating and traffic.

Abstract

Indicator code: RPG3_Air_E1

This fact sheet provides an estimate of the asthma and allergies prevalence in 5-, 9-, 13- and 17-year old children in 18 Czech cities, based on a periodical survey carried out within the national Environmental Health Monitoring System.

According to recent observations, the allergy prevalence is on the rise in the Czech Republic as well as in Europe as a whole. There are various reasons for that, for example increased exposure to all-season acting allergens, lifestyle changes including shift in nutrition, changes in immunological responsiveness due to enhanced hygiene or antibiotics misuse. Environmental factors such as outdoor and indoor pollutants and allergens also have a share.

Based on periodic prevalence studies of asthma and allergies in 18 Czech cities in the years 1996, 2001 and 2006, a 15% increase in doctor-diagnosed allergy diseases was detected, from 17% in 1996 to 32% in 2006. The number of asthmatic children has been growing as well: from less that 4% in 1996 to 8% in 2006. The prevalence of asthma symptoms reported by parents went from 9% in 2001 to 14% in 2006. According to the Asthma Control Test within the 2006 study, optimal asthma control was found in almost half of 13- and 17-year-old children with asthma. Insufficient control (persistent asthma symptoms) was detected in 15%. A positive finding was that out of the group of children with life-long asthma (8%), only a half had had symptoms of the disease in the preceding 12 months.

Early diagnosis and successive medical care are crucial for the life quality of allergic children. Also, public awareness of allergic diseases is important for its effective abatement. The “Czech initiative for asthma” was established in 1996 as a reaction to the international initiative GINA. This initiative is targeted on education activities and one of its results is the reduction of the numbers of children requiring immediate treatment. The initiative also reinforced the pollen information service in the Czech Republic.

Abstract

Indicator code: RPG4_Chem_Ex1

This fact sheet provides information on levels and time trends of the blood lead levels in children aged 8-10 years and in the adult population, based on data from selected Czech cities. Comparing data for the decade 1996-2006, blood lead levels have decreased in both children and adults.

A decreasing trend of blood lead levels in Czech children was observed since 1996, when 15% children had blood lead concentrations exceeding 50 μg/l. In 2006 this proportion had dropped to 2%, and no child was found to have blood lead level of 100 μg/l. Nevertheless, it is necessary to take into account that school children were the target group, in which a gradual reduction in blood lead levels occurs.

The number of persons in each population group was about 400 for each year. The data has been collected and processed for the period 1996-2006. Human biomonitoring has been carried out within the national Environmental Health Monitoring System in the Czech Republic.

The effects of a long-term chronic exposure to low environmental lead concentrations are known, especially in children. There is evidence of negative influence on neurobehavioral functions primarily. Studies indicate that for each increase of blood lead level by 10 μg/dl, the IQ is reduced by 1–3 points.

The Czech Republic has been involved in specific European Union activities such as the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM), and the consequent implementation of the new EU chemicals policy REACH, a new system for chemicals management and control aiming to ensure their safe use. The Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety (IFCS) also contributes to the implementation of SAICM through the development of strategies and the provision of policy guidance. In 2006, the Budapest Statement on Mercury, Lead and Cadmium was released, calling IFCS participants to initiate actions to address the health and the environmental impact of these heavy metals.

Please retrieve the full fact sheets in national language from:

SZU - National Institute of Public Health, Czech Republic

Abstract

Indicator code: RPG1_WatSan_Ex1

This factsheet is based on issues related to public water supplies reported by Estonia. It also contains information on the environment and health context, the policy relevance and context, and an assessment of the situation. Metadata and references are provided as well.

77% of the Estonian population is supplied by public waterworks. The coverage for urban population is 86%, dropping to 59% for rural population. Most of the waterworks use ground water, only two waterworks in Tallinn and Narva use surface waters.

Altogether, there are 1377 public waterworks in Estonia. 2% of them produce more than 1000 m3 per day, serving 64% of the total population. At the same time, the smallest 358 waterworks (28% of the total number) only serve 3780 people (2% of the population). This situation makes very difficult to maintain the required level of control and ensure water safety.

With regard to microbiological parameters, in all drinking water supply systems in Estonia water has constantly met the requirements, and no water-borne outbreaks were reported since 1993. With regard to chemical parameters, there were exceedances due to high fluoride levels in groundwaters and to trihalometanes in the public water supply of Narva City. These exceedances affected approximately 30% of the population.

23% of the population gets its drinking water from individual wells, which are not under official surveillance. A monitoring program should be launched to ensure safety of water.

Abstract

Indicator code: RPG1_WatSan_S1

This factsheet is based on data on bathing water quality reported by Estonia. It also contains information on the environment and health context, the policy relevance and context, and an assessment of the situation. Metadata and references are provided as well.

Estonia has been successful in implementing Bathing Water Directive 76/160/EEC. During 2004-2006, sampling schemes were successfully implemented, and the quality of bathing water in freshwater zones was fully compliant with directives. There were non-compliances in one of the bathing sites of the coastal zones.

Estonia faces a challenge of implementing a new Bathing Water Directive 2006/7/EC, which is based on new principles of bathing water management.

Retreive these fact sheets in national language:

Public water supply and acces improved water sources in Estonia .

Bathing water quality in Estonia