Who analyzes countries' environmental health problems.

AuthorHerro, Alana
PositionEYE ON EARTH - Brief article

Thirteen million deaths could be prevented worldwide each year by improving the health of the environment, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In June, the agency released the first ever country analysis of the effects of environmental factors on human health. Low-income countries are worst off when it comes to environmental health risks, according to the study, but the health of citizens in all countries could benefit significantly from effective interventions.

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In some countries, more than a third of the disease burden could be avoided by improving environmental conditions, according to the WHO. Afghanistan, Angola, Burkina Faso, and Mali are the countries most burdened by environment-related illnesses, which include diarrheal disease and lower respiratory infections. In 23 countries, more than 10 percent of all deaths are due to unsafe water (including poor sanitation and hygiene) and to indoor air pollution from cooking with wood and other solid fuels.

People in low-income countries lose an estimated 20 times more healthy years...

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