IFEH World Academic Conference on Environmental Health
WORKPLACE MANAGEMENT OF BIOLOGICAL RISK DURING COVID-19 (SARS-COV-2) PANDEMIC
Background: The COVID-19 global pandemic brought several challenges to occupational safety and health practice. There is, however, a potential knowledge gap regarding the practical feasibility and impact of the (re)assessment of the occupational risks, particularly, biological risks in this context. Aim: The purpose of this work is to present a qualitative biological risk assessment method and to provide guidance to occupational and environmental safety and health practitioners when conducting a biological risk assessment. Methods: The main steps of the biological risk assessment are explained with some inputs regarding the novelty posed by SARS-CoV-2 and a biological qualitative risk assessment method is presented and applied to two different activities – wastewater treatment plant and a symphonic orchestra. Results: In both cases, the assessment considered that vulnerable workers were working from home or in medical leave. The results showed low or medium risk level for the assessed tasks. For medium risk level, additional controls are advised, such maintain social distancing, sanitize instruments/equipment before use, use proper and well-maintained PPE (when applicable), and promote awareness sessions to spread good practices at work. Conclusion(s): Employers must be aware of their obligations regarding biological risk assessment and OSH practitioners must be prepared to screen and link the abundance of scientific evidence generated following the outbreak, with the technical practice. This work could be an important contribution to OSH practice since it highlights the need to (re)assess occupational risks, especially biological risk, to ensure safe conditions at work, providing technical guidance. Presenter e-mail: caa@ess.ipp.pt
Copyright (c) 2021 IFEH World Academic Conference on Environmental Health
COVERING THE INCUBATOR TOP WITH A PADDED BLANKET REDUCES NOISE LEVELS INSIDE THE INCUBATOR? A PILOT STUDY DURING SIMULATED TASKS
Background: Noise levels in Neonatal Intensive Care Units may cause physiological stress, which can impact cognitive development and increase length of stay. Several studies performed in NICU, have consistently noted that the recommended noise levels have been exceeded at day and night periods, inclusively inside incubators. The aim for controlling noise levels in the NICU is to preserve a large portion of each hour for infant sleep. Noise levels found in hospitals frequently disturb sleep states and disrupt stable behavioural states in healthy term and preterm infants. Aim: This study aims to verify if covering the incubator top with a padded blanket effectively reduces noise levels inside incubators. Methods: Noise levels inside incubator were measured during simulated tasks with and without a padded blanket. The study included short measurements (5 up to 10 min.) for the assessment of the sound pressure levels (C-weighted peak sound pressure level (LCpeak), A-weighted equivalent sound pressure level (LAeq), A-weighted, Maximum, Sound Level (Lmax) and A-weighted, Minimum, Sound Level (Lmin)). Measurements were performed using a sound level meter class 1 (Brüel&Kjær, model 2250) which was verified with an acoustic calibrator class 1 (Brüel&Kjær, model 4231). Results: Noise levels inside the incubator covered with a blanket were lower than the incubator without the blanket. The average levels were 52.0±0.9 dB(A) for LAeq, 67.4 dB(A) Lmax and 48.5 dB(A) Lmin with blanket, and 57.8±4.9 dB(A) LAeq, 83.7 dB(A) Lmax, 44.1 dB(A) Lmin. LCpeak levels were also lower in the simulation with the blanket (98.7 and 102.8 dB (C), respectively). Conclusion(s): In the studied NICU the use of the padded blanket is mandatory mainly for lightning control. Although, it also seems a good practice to minimize noise levels inside incubators. However, noise levels remained higher than the recommended by international agencies. Noise in the neonatal intensive care unit can be detrimental to the health of the hospitalized infant. Isolated strategies of reducing noise include staff training, warning lights, and ear coverings, all of which have had limited success. A combined approach focused on newborn, staff and physical environment may be more effective. Presenter e-mail: caa@ess.ipp.pt
VARIABILITY OF NOISE LEVELS IN A PORTUGUESE NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT
Background: The neonatal intensive care units accommodates patients who are confined to their environment, being exposed to several environmental factors, such as noise. There exist a few official recommendations regarding noise levels within the hospital environment. The World Health Organization (WHO) proposes that the average background noise in hospitals should not exceed 35 dB LAeq for areas where patients are treated or observed and other organizations such the United States Environmental Protection Agency (45 dB(A) daytime / 35 dB(A) night) and the American Academy of Paediatrics, through the Committee on Environmental Health (45 dB(A)). Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the intensity and pattern of noise levels such as variability and their sources within a Portuguese NICU. Methods: The study was carried out in a NICU located in the North of Portugal. The measurements were carried out continuously over 24 hours, next the workstation located at the centre of the NICU. Measurements were performed using a sound level meter class 1 (Brüel&Kjær, model 2250) which was verified with an acoustic calibrator class 1 (Brüel&Kjær, model 4231). Results: The results showed that noise levels were excessive in the NICU, exceeding the international recommendations. The average levels were 55.3±5.4 dB(A) for LAeq with the levels ranging between 41.3 dB(A) (recorded at 5:09 a.m.) to 71.60 dB(A) (recorded at 12:58 p.m.). The highest LCpeak level was 104.4 dB (C) (recorded at 6:15 a.m.). For the other acoustic parameters, it was found 84.8 dB(A) for Lmax and 39.6 dB(A) for Lmin. Conclusion(s): The occurrence of high average noise levels in combination with the variability in noise levels and the frequency of peak noises may contribute to detrimental effects both for premature infants and health care professionals. Average noise levels exceeded those recommended by the WHO. The primary sources of noise were identified as staff conversations and alarms. Further research into strategies to reduce noise, and evaluation of interventions, is required to enhance by one side the therapeutic environment and for other the healthy and safe workplace. Presenter e-mail: caa@ess.ipp.pt
OCCUPATIONAL DERMAL EXPOSURE TO ALCOHOL-BASED DISINFECTANT PRODUCTS AGAINST COVID-19: A PROTOCOL FOR A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the use of hand sanitisers and surface disinfectants in the workplaces as a preventive measure for disease transmission. These are biocidal products that may be associated with adverse health outcomes. Skin reactions, as irritant contact dermatitis or allergic contact dermatitis, are the most commonly reported health effects. Aim: The aim of this work is to present the protocol for a systematic review, intending to describe potential skin health effects associated with occupational dermal exposure to alcohol-based hand sanitisers and surface disinfectants and identify dermal exposure assessment methods applicable in manufacturing environment. Methods: To ensure that the review methods are transparent and reproducible, it is essential to describe the protocol before the review. For this systematic review, studies will be searched through Pubmed and Web of Science databases. The search strategy developed will comprise the following terms (not exhaustive list): “SARS-Cov2”; “Skin exposure”; “chemical-skin interactions” “skin exposure assessment”; “skin diseases”; “Alcohol-based hand sanitisers”; “surface disinfectants”; “alcoholic antiseptic agents”. Eligible studies will be descriptive or analytical studies that report occupational dermal exposure to alcohol-based formulations used in manufacturing to control SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Only articles written in English, published in the period from 2010 to the year 2021, will be included. Studies about domestic uses of these products, developed in non-industrial activities, which do not include evaluations of occupational dermal exposure, will be excluded. Results: A narrative synthesis of the available evidence will be adopted. Data synthesis will focus on the reported skin effects and dermal exposure assessment methods used, identify possible inconsistencies found across studies, and examine the strength and robustness of retrieved data Conclusion(s): This review will identify and synthesize studies that establish the association between occupational dermal exposure to alcohol-based formulations and skin effects and also that describe methods to dermal exposure risk assessment. Additionally, needs for future research in this field, will be identified. Presenter e-mail: Joana Santos – jds@ess.ipp.pt
ESTONIAN PEOPLE’S AWARENESS OF HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH TATTOOING AND THE REASONS OF GETTING A TATTOO
Aim: The aim of this research was to find out if Estonian people know about tattoo safety and describe the factors influencing tattooing. Methods: The sample consisted of volunteer adult Estonian residents, who undertook an anonymous electronic questionnaire in the connect.ee environment. The questionnaire was distributed in social media. Data collection was carried out from 20.11.2017 - 30.01.2018. Results: 410 people aged 13-66 took part in the survey, 75% were women and 65% of respondents had a tattoo and 22% plan to do a tattoo. People without tattoos and with no intention to get one are more aware of hazards than tattooed people and these who are planning a tattoo. Awareness is the lowest among men, younger people aged 13-23 and people with basic and vocational education who rarely associated viral hepatitis, tetanus, HIV and bacterial skin infection with tattooing. 78.5% of all respondents named bacterial skin infection as a complication of tattoos and 37% of respondents knew that tetanus was a potential hazard but the other diseases were rarely mentioned. The most popular reason for getting a tattoo was attractiveness, so said 80.2% of respondents. 74.4% had the tattoo made in an official salon and 11.6% had the tattoo made somewhere else, not in the studio, which is a considerable number of people likely to get infections. Conclusion(s): Awareness of health risks associated with tattooing was low. More than half of the respondents associated the tattoo with viral infections, but sametime bacterial infections (tetanus, syphilis, tuberculosis, leprosy) were less mentioned as potential risks with tattooing. Therefore, people's awareness should be raised. Gender, age, level of education and tattoo status were associated with awereness. Main reason for getting a tattoo was attractiveness. Presenter e-mail: esterjaansoo@nooruse.ee
CONSUMER PERCEPTION ON FOOD SAFETY OF ONLINE FOOD DELIVERY SERVICES
Background: Assessment of food safety and hygiene are challenges for Online Food Delivery (OFD) services to ensuring the food is safely prepared and delivered to consumers. It is important to understand the consumers’ concern and experience so that this new trend of food consumption is protected under public health initiatives. Aim: This study aims to assess the level of food safety knowledge of consumers using OFD services. Perceptions of consumers on the aspects of food safety in online food ordering and delivery services were determinants for the sociodemographic factors influencing the use of OFD services. Methods: The questionnaire of consumer knowledge and perception of food safety OFD services was developed and completed by 437 Sungai Buloh, Malaysia respondents. Results: The results showed that consumers have a good and adequate level of knowledge (59.3%) and perception (66.4%) on food safety of OFD services. Food contamination, as according to consumers, can be caused by the way of packaging and food containers if not handled properly during delivery. Most consumers have never experienced symptoms of food poisoning from ordering online; therefore, they felt more confident with the food orders made and were willing to cooperate in providing feedback on the quality of food received and make complaints to the authorities in the event of symptoms of food poisoning through OFD services. Conclusion(s): The OFD platform must be responsible for auditing the qualifications of the participated food premises. The consumer complaint system developed by the Ministry of Health should empower the consumers and become an aspect to maintain the food establishment’s entitlement in OFD services. Presenter e-mail: farahayuni@uitm.edu.my
SERVICES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY AND TOXICITY TESTING OF CHEMICALS
Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology at the National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics (NICPB) holds currently the key competence in Estonia for evaluating the toxicity of chemicals and environmental samples such as pollutants, industrial chemicals (e.g. heavy metals, oils, phenolic compounds, PAHs, oil-shale industry and energy production related by-products) and engineered nanomaterials. The laboratory has over 20 years of experience in environmental toxicology and over 10 years of experience in nanotoxicology. The NICPB Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology has the know-how and facilities to conduct several (not accredited) regulatory assays for environmental safety evaluation of chemicals and materials important for REACH: Daphnia magna acute immobilisation and reproduction assays (OECD 202, OECD 211) and algal 72-h growth inhibition assay (OECD 201), the Vibrio fischeri bioluminescence inhibition assays (ISO 21338, ISO11348), water plants growth inhibition assay (OECD 221), terrestrial plant growth inhibition assay (OECD 208), antimicrobial activity assay of samples in suspensions (ISO 20776, EURL ECVAM DB-ALM Protocol No 33) and antimicrobial activity assays of non-porous surfaces (including photoactive materials) (ISO 27447, ISO 22196). The in house designed and genetically modified luminescent bacteria are suitable for sensing very low concentrations of bioavailable heavy metals (e.g. Cu, Ag, Zn, As, Cr, and Pb) in environmental samples. The laboratory has the competencies and facilities for characterizing the physico-chemical properties of nanomaterials and chemicals and for evaluating their biological effects in vitro using various types of cell lines (e.g. Caco-2, A549, balb/c3T3, K562, THP-1, HepG2). Please, find Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology services via Estonian research and development community database ADAPTER (https://adapter.ee/en/). Also, the Estonian Society of Toxicology was initiated and founded by the members of the Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology (https://kbfi.ee/ets/index_english.html). Presenter e-mail: anna-liisa.kubo@kbfi.ee
EVALUATION OF ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF BEE POLLEN EXTRACT
Background: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), bacterial resistance to antibiotics poses a major threat worldwide and hinders the treatment of infectious diseases (World Health Organization, 2020), with an estimated 70 percent bacteria that cause infectious diseases in hospitals are resistant to at least one of the antibiotics used to treat infections. This situation has led to the search for natural antimicrobials. Branch, etc. (2017) found that bee pollen extract has antimicrobial activity against gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis), gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria and Candida genes human pathogens. Aim: Determine the antimicrobial activity of different quantities of bee pollen. Methods: The antimicrobial activity of bee pollen collected from five Lithuanian farms against reference bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Klebsiella pneumoniae PCC, ATCC 6633, Bacillus cereus ATCC 11778) and cultures of the fungus Candida albicans ATCC 10231. Bee pollen was extracted into 96% ethanol (5 g of bee pollen in 20 ml of ethanol) for 14 days. The antimicrobial activity of the bee pollen extract was determined on Mueller-Hinton II Agar (BBL, Cockeysville, USA). 0.1 ml, 0.25 ml, 0.5 ml, 0.75 ml or 1 ml of the prepared bee pollen extract was added to Petri dishes containing 15 ml of Mueller-Hinton agar. Results: Bee pollen extract 0.06 ml/1 ml agar had antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Candida albicans. As the amount of bee pollen extract decreased, the antimicrobial activity of 1 ml of agar decreased. Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus cereus were antimicrobial against 0.03 ml/1 ml agar of bee pollen extract. Bee pollen extract at an amount of 0.006 ml/1 ml agar had antimicrobial activity only against Bacillus cereus. Conclusion(s): The bee pollen extract was treated with all test bacterial and fungal reference cultures at 0.06 ml/1 ml agar. As its concentration on agar decreased, its antimicrobial activity against the tested microorganisms decreased. Presenter e-mail: zaneta.mazeliene@go.kauko.lt
HEALTH PROFESSIONALS PROMOTING AND PRACTICING ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE HEALTHCARE
Background: In 2019, the WHO identified climate change and air pollution as the top global threat to health. This was illustrated by the health consequences of the catastrophic 2019-20 Australian bushfire season. Health-care systems also contribute to climate change and environmental degradation. For Australia, health care contributes 7% of total carbon emissions and produces considerable clinical and non-clinical waste which is either incinerated or sent to landfill. Despite these threats to health, there is a limited response by health professions education to include climate change and environmentally sustainable healthcare in curricula Aim: To develop appropriate graduate outcome statements and learning objectives for Climate Change and Health curricula Methods: In 2017 collaboration of medical schools in Australia and New Zealand and medical student representative organisations from both countries, came together to develop curriculum and learning resources. The scope for curriculum was defined by searching the literature, reviewing teaching experience, and benchmarking against relevant courses developed for medical students by peers. Graduate outcome statements and learning objectives were developed aligned with key broad areas of learning. These were circulated to all medical schools in 2018 to inform curriculum review. Ways to measure and monitor inclusion in medical programs are being researched. Initiatives adopted in other health curricula, including environmental health are being compiled. A resource repository is being developed to support curriculum change. Results: It was determined that Graduate Outcome Statements (GOS) and learning objectives should cover five broad areas of learning: the principles of anthropogenic climate change and how this relates to the environmental determinants of health health impacts of climate change the impact of climate change on the health system the environmental impact of the health sector and what comprises environmentally sustainable healthcare, and creating change, both intra- and intersectorally, through advocacy and leadership. Conclusions: Contemporary medical and broader health professional education must prepare graduates for climate change and environmentally sustainable healthcare; By working collaboratively at a systems level, change can occur at pace and scale. Presenter e-mail: a.roiko@griffith.edu.au
ANTIBIOTICS USAGE HABITS OF ESTONIAN SPEAKING PEOPLE
Background: With the use of antibiotics since 1940s, the mortality rate from infectious diseases has decreased significantly, however with the massive use and production of antibiotics, new threats like antibiotic resistance have emerged. Aim: The aim of the study was to examine antibiotics consumption habits of Estonian-speaking people. Methods: The study was carried out in Connect environment Nov.2019 - Jan.2020, using web-based questionnaire (ethics committee approval 296/T-10, 16.09.2019). There were 498 respondents included in the study. χ2-test and Cramer’s V was used for statistical analysis. Results: Almost half of the respondents (n=291) had used antibiotics more than five times and about fourth of the respondents up to five times during their lifetime. 205 persons used antibiotics on 482 cases during the previous year. Seven respondents had never used antibiotics. The antibiotics were used mostly for treating urinary tract infections, throat infections and pulmonary infections. 24 diagnosis were mentioned altogether. Females have used more antibiotics during previous year (p=0.001) and also more females have used antibiotics more than five times during lifetime (p=0.001) compared to male respondents. Respondents with healthcare related education have used less antibiotics during previous year than others (p<0.000), but respondent group with higher education level has used more antibiotics compared to others (p=0.048). Respondents’ age or income did not affect the use of antibiotics. Most respondents have acquired antibiotics by prescription, but there are people who had antibiotics left from previous prescriptions, who had acquired these from pharmacy without prescription, from abroad or from friends and family. 23.3% of respondents have not used the prescribed antibiotics and 24.3% of respondents have had a prescription without seeing the GP. Female respondents have received prescription without a visit to GP more often compared to male respondents (85.1% vs 14.9%; p=0.025). 29.9% have never had a sample taken for laboratory analysis to determine the bacteria. The respondents who were against vaccines tended to be against antibiotics as well (p<0.000). Conclusion(s): 1. The usage of antibiotics was influenced by gender, education level and health care education. 2. The antibiotics were used mostly for treating urinary tract infections, throat infections and pulmonary infections. 3. The respondents who were against vaccines tended to be against antibiotics as well compared to the respondents who were pro vaccines. Presenter e-mail: ingaploomipuu@nooruse.ee
THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH AND COLLABORATION
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic brought with it a number of opportunities for research in environmental health in our lab. We developed mask testing and materials testing rigs to test newly manufactured PPE. We also established a global group to look for SARS-CoV-2 in seawater, and were part of a national wastewater epidemiology project, also looking for SARS-CoV-2 in waster. Aim: To describe a number of opportunities in environmental health research and collaboration and how we can exploit difficult situations to come together to protect public health. Methods and Results: The mask testing facility was established to assess the bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) of masks which we did for both commercial masks and also for masks for sale on Etsi®. The materials testing rig was built to assess whether surgical gowns were able to withstand the penetration of viruses. The seawater spray project was a collaboration between Australia, Portugal and the United States, and was initiated to determine whether there was a risk for transfer COVID-19 transfer between bathers at the beach, and then broadened to include other human pathogens. The wastewater project was part of a national effort to establish a wastewater survey to provide early warning of SARS-CoV-2 infections. We were also able to establish and maintain an “Environmental Health around the world” academic community of practice, that now meets fortnightly. This group meets to discuss the pandemic, teaching and learning issues, and to write commentary as the pandemic unfolds and the world recovers. Conclusion(s): The COVID-19 pandemic brought with it a number of opportunities for research and collaboration in environmental health across the world. These opportunities have evolved into lasting collaborations. Presenter e-mail: kirstin.ross@flinders.edu.au
PHYSICAL-CHEMICAL AND MICROBIOLOGICAL MONITORING OF SEA WATER USED IN BIVALVE MOLLUSC PRODUCTION IN RIBEIRÃO DA ILHA, FLORIANÓPOLIS/SC, BRAZIL
Background: The cultivation of bivalve molluscs such as oysters, seafood and scallops, is one of the main economic activities in Ribeirão da Ilha, Florianópolis/SC, Brazil. To promote safety, health and sustainability of this sector, the Federal Institute of Santa Catarina (IFSC) Florianópolis / SC, Brazil have a Mariculture Program that aims to promote technical-scientific and technological development, dissemination of knowledge and training, involving all society's stakeholders. Aim: The present study was integrate Mariculture Program of IFCS and aimed to analyze physical-chemical and microbiological parameters of seawater used in the bivalve mollusc cultivation in Ribeirão da Ilha, Florianópolis/SC, Brazil, in order to identify and prevent potencial contamination sources. Methods: Five sampling points were defined within the extension of the Ribeirão da Ilha neighborhood and a total of twenty water samples were analyzed, between May and November 2019. The parameters analyzed were: Temperature; Turbidity; Color; pH; Conductivity; Dissolved Oxygen (DO); Total Carbon; Total Phosphorus; Ammoniacal nitrogen; Nitrite; Nitrate; Total and Thermotolerant Coliforms. Results: The results of OD, Total Carbon, Total Phosphorus and Ammoniacal Nitrogen were above the values defined in the aquaculture Brazilian legislation. There were also detected concentrations of thermotolerant coliforms above the limit values at specific sampling points. Conclusion(s): The mangrove forests and untreated domestic sewage discharges may have influenced the results obtained. This pilot study has shown the importance of developing environmental education programs for mariculture farmers and population of the region. Keywords: Bivalve mollusc, water contamination, heath risks, aquaculture. Presenter e-mail: Joana Santos – jds@ess.ipp.pt
THE EFFECT OF NEURODYNAMIC TECHNIQUES ON PAIN AND WRIST FUNCTION WITH A CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME: A CASE STUDY
Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) as the most common peripheral neuropathy caused by compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel needs effective treatment. A 57-year-old woman, whose work includes many repetitive wrist movements already had left wrist surgery due to CTS. She underwent corticosteroid injection to the wrist canal by an orthopaedic surgeon to improve her right wrist function, which was also affected by CTS. But after 6 months she felt unbearable pain again. Her right wrist functions (the range of motion and muscle strength) were impaired. In such condition, median nerve neurodynamic techniques (active nerve flossing) was performed to improve the natural physiology of the peripheral nervous system and surrounding tissues. Aim: To evaluate the effect of neurodynamic techniques for pain and hand function for a person with carpal tunnel syndrome. Methods: Scientific literature analysis, testing, analysis of statistical data. Results: After 2 weeks of upper limb neurodynamic techniques (active median nerve flossing) applied for a patient with CTS pain reduced from unbearable to mild. The wrist muscle strength improved from 27 kg to 32 kg. The wrist strength was tested with a hydraulic hand dynamometer. Minor changes were found during active wrist motions: flexion improved from 55º to 64º, extension improved from 37º to 43º. Conclusion(s): The study showed that the upper limb neurodynamic technique improved hand function and decreased the pain symptoms of CTS. Presenter e-mail: jul.simkute@kvkedu.lt
ESTONIAN RESIDENTS’ AWARENESS OF USING DOMESTIC DRINKING WATER FILTRATION SYSTEMS
Aim: The aim of the research is to describe and explain the usage the awareness of domestic drinking water filtration systems in Estonia. Methods: The sample consisted of volunteer adult Estonian residents who undertook an anonymous electronic questionnaire in the connect.ee environment. The questionnaire was distributed in social media. Data collection was carried out from 12.09.2020 to 31.10.2020. Results: Among 140 respondents, 76 % were female. 76% of the respondents used the tap water, 14% private well water and 10% private drilled well water. 35% of respondents used domestic drinking water filtration systems, of which 8% used systems that were attached to the faucet, 83% used systems that were integrated to the piping, and 4 respondents used filtrating pitchers. 63% of respondents found the water to be purer after filtration. The main reasons for using the filtration systems were to improve the aesthetic appearance of the water (29%) and to remove excess iron (21%). Maintenance of filter systems is very important for 42% of respondents, and important for 54% of respondents. 23% of respondents do not clean the filters at all, 20% of the respondents, who do clean the filtration systems regularly, are carrying this out once in few months. 31% of respondents used clean water for rinsing the filtration system. 50% of respondents claimed that water filtration systems can affect health and 51% of those respondents, found that the impact on health is positive. However, 23% thought that the impact on health could be negative if the filters are not maintained correctly (19%), or if the filter systems are too efficient and can remove necessary minerals from the water (6%). Conclusion(s): Domestic drinking water filtration systems are mainly used to improve the appearance and organoleptic properties of water. Most of the respondents use the integrated filtration systems. Most of the respondents find it important to clean the systems and the most used method for cleaning is rinsing with clean water. About a fifth of the respondents clean the filters once in few months. Half of the respondents who see that domestic water filtrations systems can affect health claim that the impact is positive. Presenter e-mail: kristivahur@nooruse.ee
HEALTH IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NOISE IN TWO MAJOR ESTONIAN CITIES
Background: As a result of urbanization, increasing number of people are exposed to transportation noise. There is growing epidemiological evidence that transportation noise has negative impacts on human health, well-being and work ability. Aim: The aim of the current study was to quantify the health effects of road, rail and air transportation noise in Tallinn and Tartu. Methods: Recently, European Commission has been developing a mutual methodology for assessing health impacts of transportation noise in EU. This new methodology is applied in the current assessment. We used noise exposure data from strategic noise mapping, and baseline morbidity data from Health Statistics and Health Research Database of National Institute for Health Development. Results: It appeared that the proportion of highly annoyed residents due to road traffic noise is expected to be 11.6% in Tallinn, and 9.2% in Tartu and around 2.4% of residents in both cities are having high sleep disturbance. The number of attributable cases of ischemic heart disease (IHD) induced by road traffic noise is estimated to be 122.6 (95% CI 16.5–214.5) cases in Tallinn and 21.5 (2.9–37.7) cases in Tartu. Altogether transportation noise is estimated to cause 1807 disability adjusted life years (DALY) in Tallinn and 370 DALY in Tartu. The external costs of ill-health are expected to be 152.4 million € annually what is 0.7% of Estonian Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Railway and aircraft noise health effects are relatively small in both cities, the proportion of annoyed and sleep disturbed people is below 1%. Conclusion(s): Transportation noise, and in particular road traffic noise, is an important environmental risk factor which leads to considerable loss of healthy life years and also cause large external costs to society. Currently applied European Commission health impact assessment methodology is rather conservative as it includes only IHD morbidity, annoyance and sleep disturbance. Real effects could be higher and the novel studies show effects also on IHD mortality, stroke and diabetes. Presenter e-mail: triin.veber@ut.ee
EXPOSURE TO INFRASOUND AND LOW FREQUENCY NOISE, ORIGINATED BY WIND TURBINES – A GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS
Background: Despite technological advances to make wind turbines quieter, they still produce sounds resulting from their mechanics and aerodynamics, namely infrasound and low-frequency noise. This noise affects the quality of life and can develop acoustic processes that are not processed by the ear and cause irreversible injuries to the human body. Aim: This study aimed to analyze the wind turbines noise behavior based on distance to source, air velocity and wind direction. It also aimed to measure the sound pressure level produced by wind turbines and to analyze the difference between Infrasound and Low Frequency Noise and Environmental Noise. Methods: Three wind farms (district of Leiria, Portugal) were selected, where a total of 416 measurements were performed. The type of study was transversal, cohort observational and sampling was probabilistic in type and convenience in technique. Measurements were performed with the CESVA SC420 sound level meter. The measurements were taken taking into consideration the cardinal and collateral points around three wind farms. The measurement points were defined at distances: 0; 0.5; 1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 10; 15 km. Four types of noise were evaluated, classified as: Infrasound (2-20 Hz/dB), Low Frequency Noise (20-500 Hz/dB), Infrasound and Low Frequency Noise (2-500 Hz/dB) and Environmental Noise (dB(A)). Results: It was found that the distance to the source is not a relevant factor in the reduction of noise levels and to higher the air velocity, higher sound pressure levels. It was also found that the points “South” and “Southwest” were where there were higher noise levels. Other factors were relevant in the propagation of noise, namely: terrain profile; caves; proximity to the shore; forests. There is a very significant difference when comparing measurements in dB or dB(A), especially in infrasound, which reinforces the need to assessed this noise as an agent that may have other biological impacts than deafness. Conclusion(s): It is concluded that it is important to adopt territorial management measures taking into account the protection of public health, particularly in the installation of wind farms at safe distances and to include infrasound and low frequency noise in environmental impact studies. Presenter e-mail: joaoalmeida@estescoimbra.pt
SOUND PRESSURE LEVELS IN A POPULATION NEAR A WIND FARM: CASE STUDY OF COENTRAL GRANDE (PORTUGAL)
Background: Concerns about environmental issues, where degradation is accentuated by the use of fossil fuels, have motivated interests in renewable energies, especially wind power. However, wind energy bring the problems related with the noise produced by wind turbines and the consequent negative impact in the human health. Aim: The aim of this study is to analyse and characterise infrasound’s and low frequency noise produced by the wind farm of Coentral-Safra (Portugal) and understand the influence on the population of Coentral Grande. Humidity, day time, measuring location (with or without forest), air velocity and propagation of noise were also analysed. Methods: The study was carried out on Coentral Grande. A matrix with 81 sampling points was elaborated, in order to better understand the village area. Cesva SC420 Sound Level Meter was used to for the 137 measurements. This equipment was at 1,5m from the ground and 2m from infrastructures. The measurements included frequencies from 2Hz to 20000Hz (2Hz/line), in dB and in dB(A). Types of noise were categorised in: Infrasound [2-20 Hz/dB], Low Frequency Noise [20-500 Hz/dB], Infrasound and Low Frequency Noise [2-500 Hz/dB] and Environmental Noise [dB(A)]. Temperature, relative humidity and air velocity was defined (with TSI 8554 multiparameter meter) in 15 meters from the wind turbine further to the northwest point. Results: The production of Infrasound and IRBF is influenced by the air velocity. It was also found that, at night, there is an increase of infrasound and low frequency noise levels, resulting from the variation in air velocity and relative humidity. In areas without forest the sound pressure levels were also higher. Conclusion(s): Considering that exposure to high sound pressure levels of infrasound’s and low frequency noise are a public health problem, is crucial to develop strategies to minimise the impact of these disease agents. Planning the land use, environment and health must be highlight in order to reduce the consequences of these impacts. Presenter e-mail: joaoalmeida@estescoimbra.pt
SMART SOLUTIONS TO ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES? INFRASTRUCTURAL TRANSITIONS AND HEALTH IN THE GLOBAL SOUTH
Background: Smart city approaches hold the promise of technology-based opportunities to build sustainable - and therefore healthy - urban futures. However, current market-led approaches are not designed with sustainable development in mind. They can have damaging impact on society and the environment. Aim: To show that the advantages offered by smart technology can and should be used in development, but that this should build on an advanced understanding of interlinked socio-eco-technical systems and the transdisciplinary collaboration of actors across domains and borders. Methods: Case studies of infrastructural transitions and their health and sustainability outcomes in China, India and Brazil (see www.susinfra.com). Results: Complexity science can support development of innovative theoretical, methodological and applied approaches. Conclusion(s): Smart city approaches may lead to better socio-eco-technical outcomes, particularly in times of global environmental crisis. Presenter e-mail: deljana.iossifova@manchester.ac.uk
LONGITUDINAL ASSESSMENT OF AIR POLLUTANTS IN LISBON REGION BETWEEN 2014-2018 AT ENTRECAMPOS AND LARANJEIRAS STATIONS
Background: Climate change is one of the main threats to sustainable development. Climate plays an important role in determining air quality standards at various scales, in time and space since emissions are influenced by meteorological variables such as temperature, humidity, speed, and wind direction. Emissions from road traffic come from the combustion process, with the consequent release of exhaust gases. Air pollution in many countries is getting worse with industrialization and urbanization. Climate change can directly or indirectly affect the incidence and severity of respiratory infections. The existence of different types of stations operating in the same network of monitoring of the air quality (RMQAr) allows an evaluation at different scales, thus facilitating the evaluation of air quality and its management. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the behavior of the variation of the concentrations of five pollutants: nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx), ozone (O3), particulate matter less than 2, 5 (PM2,5), and particulate matter less than 10 (PM10), from the year 2014 to 2018 in two different air quality stations, Entrecampos, an urban station where its type of influence is car traffic and that of Laranjeiro, an urban station and its type of influence is the background. Methods: This work is based on air quality data extracted from the QualAR Online Database of the Portuguese Environment Agency. Results: In this work, we observed that the concentration of NO2, NOx, PM2.5, and PM10 is always higher in the air quality station of Entrecampos (EQAE) and the opposite happens with the O3 in the air quality station in Laranjeiro (EQAL). It was found that there is great variability in the concentration of these pollutants throughout the seasons and days since they are influenced by weather conditions and natural and anthropogenic sources. Conclusion(s): Systematically monitoring the concentrations of pollutants over time allows us to obtain important information about their location and geographical and spatial dispersion that can be used to study possible risk sites, to minimize emission sources, or adapt solutions to reduce their values. Presenter e-mail: supaixao@estescoimbra.pt
SCHOOLCHILDREN RESPIRATORY HEALTH AND ALLERGIES RELATED TO AIR QUALITY IN INDUSTRIAL AREA OF ESTONIA
Background: Industrial areas in North-Eastern Estonia are concentrated on power generation from oil shale, oil shale extraction and shale oil production. Compared to other counties of Estonia, children in Ida-Viru county have higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms and asthma. There is high concern that industry-related air pollution affects children health. Aim: Current study aimed to assess the effect of industry specific pollutants on children respiratory health in industrial area in Estonia. Methods: Altogether 1,041 3–4 grade schoolchildren from 20 schools in Ida-Viru County participated in the cross-sectional study. We conducted questionnaire study on respiratory health and subsequently made clinical examinations to measure fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), spirometry and allergies (from blood samples). The annual average concentrations of industry-specific air pollutants as benzene, hydrogen sulphide, benzo(a)pyrene and particulate matter (PM10) and fine particles (PM2,5) were modelled in Ida-Viru County using Eulerian air quality dispersion model and participants’ home and school addresses were linked to air pollution exposure. The emissions originated from oil shale industry were also modelled separately to differentiate the effects. We used adjusted logistic regression models to assess how the pollutants exposure has affected respiratory health and allergies among children. Results: It appeared that parents of Ida-Virumaa children assess the risks of air pollution more often very important than elsewhere in Estonia. Compared to earlier studies in 2014/2015, the asthma prevalence in 2019 had increased (from 13.0 to 13,8%), but there were significantly less children with high FeNO levels (≥30 ppb). This might indicate the trend of better diagnosis and treatment. Regression analysis showed that main drivers of weakened respiratory health and allergy prevalence, are air pollutants like benzene, PM10 and PM2.5. When we assessed separately the effects of only oil shale sector induced pollutants exposure, several more associations with respiratory outcomes appeared to be statistically significant, especially for PM2.5. Conclusion(s): We can see in some extent children’s health improvement compared to previous studies in the area, but several respiratory outcomes remain high compared to other regions of Estonia. Exposure to air pollutants, especially oil shale sector based, increase the odds for respiratory outcomes. Presenter e-mail: triin.veber@ut.ee
AIR POLLUTION IN METROPOLIAN PERTH AND CARDIOVASCULAR AND RESPIRATORY HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS
Background: Perth is the capital of Western Australia with a population of over 2 million people. It is generally regarded as having ‘good’ air quality with levels of criteria pollutants usually well below Australian Air Quality Standards (AAQ NEPM). Most exceedances are in discrete areas and associated with bushfires during the warmer months. There is increasing evidence from both Australian and international research that many of the health effects that are attributed to exposure to high levels of air pollutants also occur when people are exposed to levels below national standards, leading to questions about whether the standards are in fact ‘too high’. Aim: To determine whether unscheduled hospital admission rates in the Perth metropolitan airshed were affected by low levels of pollutants in an airshed with ‘good’ air quality. Methods: Historical daily ambient air quality for carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), PM2.5 and PM10 over a 10-year period were accessed from air monitoring stations throughout the metropolitan area. Hospital admission data for respiratory and cardiovascular cases from all general hospitals in the same geographical area and over the same time period was also obtained. Mean monitored levels of pollutants were divided into thirds or tertiles representing increasing levels of exposure. Logistic regression was performed on all possible combinations of tertiles, illness condition and hospitalization increase. Results: Significant relationships were found between levels of CO, NO2 and O3 and increases in hospital admissions for various conditions and various combinations of covariates in the second and third tertiles. There were however no significant relationships between PM10 and hospitalizations for any illness and PM2.5 was only found to have a significant relationship with asthma admissions. Conclusion(s): In urban areas that are considered to have ‘good air quality, low levels of pollutants may still have a detrimental effect on the rate of cardiovascular and respiratory hospital admissions. The results of this study provide further justification for lowering the maximum levels of pollutants specified in the AAQ NEPM. Presenter e-mail: t.hannelly@curtin.edu.au
GOOGLE TRENDS AS A HEALTH INDICATOR TO MEASURE GRASS POLLEN EXPOSURES IN QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA
Background: Grass pollen allergies signify an important public health and environmental health concern in Australia. More than 4.6 million people in Australia had Allergic Rhinitis (AR) in 2017-18. Patients suffering from AR prefer to access pollen information through internet platforms as they serve as an incredible source for tracking disease outbreaks and occurrences within populations. Google is one of the top three search engines in Australia. Google Trends (GT), a web-based surveillance tool provides daily search trends and real-time data towards any topic of interest. Aim: To identify the association of seasonality of google search trend terms related to allergic rhinitis and with the grass pollen seasons in subtropical Queensland. Methods: Daily volumes of Google Trends (GT) search terms related to allergic conditions and symptoms for Australia and QLD were extracted over five years and used as an observable metric to investigate interest in AR or pollen related information. To assess seasonality, we compared GT search volume trends with airborne grass pollen concentrations. Results: Whilst GT searches for asthma in QLD showed seasonality, GT searches for pollen or hay fever did not show obvious seasonality, in contrast to seasonal fluctuations for similar terms being evident in Australia. However, at high pollen conc over 50 grains/m3 there was a significant but weak positive association with GT searches between “pollen” and “allergy”. A GT asthma peak in Australia coincided with the Melbourne thunderstorm asthma event in 2016, and GT pollen in Australia increased thereafter. Over the five-year period there was an increase in GT search volumes for “allergy” in Australia and QLD. The lag correlations between pollen conc and GT search terms showed that GT pollen and GT hay fever were significantly associated with airborne pollen when the pollen concentrations were high-extreme than low-moderate. Conclusion: We evaluated the effectiveness of GT search terms as a monitoring tool to understand the burden of allergic disease in QLD during the pollen season. Our research indicated that Google Trends provides immediate knowledge of commonly trending terms associated with allergic diseases but cannot be relied upon to verify the actual presence of allergic disease in QLD. Presenter e-mail: drdivyad10@gmail.com
INFLUENCE OF VULNERABILITY AND RESILIENCE ON INCIDENCE OF CORONARY HEART DISEASE, A STUDY AT FINE GEOGRAPHIC SCALE
Institution(s): University of Lille, IMT Lille Douai, Yncrea Hauts-de-France ULR 4515 – LGCgE, F-59000 Lille, France Univ. Lille, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Inserm UMR1167 RID-AGE (Risk Factors and Molecular Determinants of Aging-Related Diseases), F-59000 Lille, France Univ. Lille, CHU Lille, ULR 2694 – METRICS, F-59000 Lille, France Background: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Certain risk factors are modifiable (smoking, diabetes, …) whereas others not (genetic predispositions, age, …). Environmental conditions are also a recognized risk factor, and among them air pollution is the one for which the strongest links have been demonstrated. However, a holistic description of territory characteristics needs to go beyond solely vulnerability, i.e. the determinants that have a negative impact on health to which populations are subjected. Although the positive impact of surrounding environment is more and more considered, studies mainly focus on greenspaces accessibility for CVD. Aim: The purpose of the study is to investigate at a fine geographic scale the relationship between multiple facets of territorial characteristics and the incidence of CHD. Methods: In light of the diversity of the health determinants involved, two spatialized composite indices have been constructed to combine different indicators that measure and transcribe the multifaceted issues of environmental health. The theoretical framework relies on data collected from public and national database providers. Vulnerability and resilience indices have thus been developed in order to appraise the association between the cumulative constraints and nuisances (air pollution, noise, …), the capacity of a territory to cope with health inequalities (greenspaces, healthcare systems, natural resources…) and the incidence of CHD. CHD data for the Lille urban area were obtained from the French WHO-MONICA population-based CHD registry. Standardized incidence ratios (SIR) were computed to assess the spatial distribution of CHD (ratio between the observed number of cases and the expected number after indirect standardization of age and gender, confounding factors in CHD). Results: The Lille urban area presents a strong and significant spatial heterogeneity of CHD incidence. High pollution areas mainly located along main roads tend to overlap with high incidence rates. Low pollution areas for their part are generally detected in rural territories where the incidence rate of CHD tend to be lower. Conclusion(s): This study provides a better understanding of the dynamics of environmental and social inequalities in health at the neighborhood level. This could help to implement specifically tailored public health policies. Presenter e-mail: delphine.brousmiche.etu@univ-lille.fr
FIOCRUZ`S HEALTH, ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY PROSPECTIVE STRATEGY
Background: The links between health, the environment and sustainability have long been recognized as complex, but fundamental to inform policy and action towards health and sustainable development – currently facing unprecedented, emerging and evolving challenges and threats resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding these inter-relations also relies on innovative technologies capable of integrating data and information from a variety of sources – being produced at an accelerated pace given the 4th Industrial Revolution. Adding to these challenges is the need for multisectoral converging agendas, or points of intersection, where policy and action can benefit multiple aspects and sectors of society beyond population health. Aim: To implement Fiocruz prospective plan on health, the environment and sustainability. Methods: There are approximately 40 functioning arrangements, including devices, structures, mechanisms and programs, within FIOCRUZ where some or multiple initiatives related to health, the environment and sustainability are thematically covered. They include formal departments and centres, laboratories, observatories, research projects, working groups, map-related platforms, and collaborating centres. There is, however, no instance, space or system that systematically and synergistically organizes and integrates all the activities and processes related to these initiatives. The mechanism proposed in this strategy aims to fill this gap, and will seek to engage in an integrative, synergistic and collaborative approach across all major activities (e.g. research, integration of data and information) with multiple internal and external partners and experts. It is proposed to function as an integrated research and policy network enterprise. Results: Fiocruz prospective plan on health, the environment and sustainability implemented. Conclusion(s): This integrated perspective will ensure that the necessary expertise is in place, the actual and emerging gaps in data & information, knowledge and policy needs are being identified, and the work on Health, Environment and Sustainability at Fiocruz is thoroughly and coherently integrated with local, national and international initiatives and projects. Presenter e-mail: guilherme.franco.netto@gmail.com
WASTE MANAGEMENT IN COVID-19 TIME – A CROATIAN EXPERIENCE
Background: The current pandemic of the new coronavirus, COVID-19 raises questions and challenges regarding municipal waste management procedures, with special emphasis on safety and health measures for utility company employees as well as for citizens. Two sectors are extremely important during the pandemic - waste management in hospitals and from households where COVID-19 was detected. The World Health Organization has prescribed recommendations that take effect immediately and relate to this crisis, but how effective are these measures? Time that is ahead of us will show the results. The fact is that this pandemic will slow down a lot’s of activities in the waste management sector, but in the future we should focus on making the system we are building flexible for extreme situations such as this one. Aim: To analyze flexibility of Croatian waste management system in time of pandemic Methods: A semi-structured interview was used as a research instrument. The research procedure included several phases: interview preparation, interview conduction, transcription, and data analysis. The preparation of the interview included a detailed analysis of the literature and available research related to the research problem, as well as an analysis of other secondary information.Results: Based on the analysis of the results of research conducted at several locations in Croatia, it is shown that the existing system has corresponding shortcomings. They are manifested in a lack of caution when handling COVID-19 waste materials. Lack of infrastructure for COVID-19 waste management and slowness of the whole system directly involved in solving this waste management issues. Conclusion(s): The question remains how ready we are for such and similar situations. Analyzing the waste management system in the Republic of Croatia and our infrastructure, which in some parts of our country is quite modest, the question arises whether we can learn something from this situation. Do we have the capacity, desire and will of the public to finally understand how we need a crisis response system, especially with regard to the safe disposal of waste? The Republic of Croatia, like some EU countries, cannot prescribe the measure of incineration of waste generated by infected persons because it does not have any incinerators or thermal treatment plants. On the contrary, the competent ministry is silent, and local self-government units prescribe measures to keep waste for 3 days in double plastic bags. Is this good enough? Presenter e-mail: sanja.kalambura@vvg.hr
THE PREVALENCE OF SELF-REPORTED NECK AND BACK PAIN AMONG SUPERMARKET CASHIERS IN BOTSWANA
Background: Although neck and back pain represent a common occupational problem, few epidemiological studies have investigated the prevalence and risk factors for these disorders among supermarkets cashiers in Botswana. Cashiers represent an occupational group whose work tasks put them at an increased risk of development of neck and back pain. Aim: The objective of this study was to determine factors associated with neck and back pain and their prevalence among supermarkets cashiers in Botswana. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among supermarkets cashiers using self-administered questionnaires distributed to randomly selected supermarkets. The questionnaire gathered information on participants’ demographic characteristics, neck and back pain information, lifestyle and work-related factors. Data were analysed using Chi-squared and logistic regression models. Results: A total of 174 supermarkets cashiers participated in this study. The prevalence of lower back pain was 68.3%, upper back pain 51.1% and neck pain only 35%. The results of logistic regression analysis revealed that female gender and previous injury were associated with neck and upper back pain. Length of employment was associated with lower and upper back pain. Having children less than 6 years was associated with lower back pain [Odds Ratio (OR): 1.66, 95% CI: 1.15-2.87]. Poor workstation layout [OR: 1.71, 95%CI: 1.43-3.22] and serving more than 100/day customers [OR: 2.85, 95% CI: 1.57-10.22] were associated with neck and back pain, respectively. Young cashiers aged between 21- 25 years and those who exercised regularly were less likely to report lower pack [OR: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.27-0.80] and upper back [OR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.75-0.95] pain, respectively. Conclusion(s): Back pain was more prevalent among supermarket cashiers when compared to neck pain. Individual factors and work-related factors were associated with neck and/or back pain. Younger cashiers and regular exercise were protective factors for lower back and upper back pain, respectively. This study has found that neck and back pain are multifactorial. Thus, to reduce their prevalence and progression, supermarkets should introduce occupational health and safety talks. Presenter e-mail: erickp@ub.ac.bw
THE PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF INCIDENTAL INJURIES AMONG PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHER EDUCATION STUDENTS IN THE UNIVERSITY OF BOTSWANA
Background: Sports injuries are a considerable problem among physical education teacher education (PETE) students. The prevalence of incidental injuries amongst physical education student teachers is relatively high and has shown to be the number one leading factor for barriers in the learning process of students. Despite this, little research has been done to assess incidental injuries among physical education teacher education students. Aim: The aim of this research study was to estimate the prevalence of incidental injuries among physical education teacher education students in the University of Botswana and establish factors associated with occurrence of these injuries. Methods: The study was carried out between February and April 2020 on PETE students doing Year 1 to Year 4 in the Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Education in the University of Botswana. A self-administered questionnaire designed to solicit information on participants’ demographic characteristics, risk factors,level of awareness regarding incidental injuries and their severity was distributed to 197 students. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results: A total of 145 students in the age range 19-25 years with mean age and standard deviation 21.25 ± 1.42 completed the study questionnaire. The prevalence of incidental injuries was 21.2%. The prevalence of injuries was found to be high in males than females. The association of age group, Body Mass Index, level of study, tobacco smoke, alcohol intake and physical exercise were not statistically significant. Falls (29%), ignorance of rules (3.2%), poor playing skills (9.7%), fatigue (6.5%), unsafe equipment (19.3%), slip (3.2%) and trip (6.5%) resulted in injuries. Most injuries were sustained by Year 4 students (25.8%). Conclusion(s): The prevalence of injuries is relatively high among University of Botswana PETE students. The study revealed a number of factors that led to injuries among PETE students. Based on these causes there is need to emphasis the issue of health and safety in the curriculum and during training of the students. Presenter e-mail: tumoyagaet@ub.ac.bw
OCCURENCE OF PEDICULOSIS IN PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN AND PARENT`S AWARENESS OF IT
Background: Pediculosis is a health concern in Estonia and among other countries around the world. The prevalence of the disease varies by country, but most of them acknowledge that the problem is actual and getting rid of the parasite is more difficult as it seems firstly. Estonian Health Board refers to the annual growing prevalence of lice in Estonian kindergartens. Therefore parents’ knowledge about head lice is not known and this could be the key to fight the disease. Aim: The aim of the research was to find out the occurrence of head lice infestation in pre-school children and their parents awareness about the disease. Methods: To find out the prevalence of head lice, web-based questionnaire was carried out in various Internet environments to reach parents. Parents' awareness was explained by 20 statements. It was carried out in the beginning of 2020. The most important groupings were made between those whose children had pediculosis and those who did not, as well as whether those children who had pediculosis went a childcare institution regularly. Results: There was 1141 respondent, median age was 32.7 years. The survey included participants from all Estonian counties, most respondents were from Tartu and Tartu county. Pediculosis occurred in 30.9% of children studied. Parents whose children had had pediculosis, used different medications, 98.6% of cases parents rated the chosen treatment to be effective. Head lice were most common in children aged 4–6 years and the study also found that most children with pediculosis went regularly to kindergarten or daycare. The incidence of pediculosis was higher among older parents' children, knowledge was also better in older respondents, which may be due to the fact that their. Parents' awareness was explained by 20 statements with an average score of 13.2 per respondent. Conclusion(s): The occurrence of pediculosis in pre-school children is about 30% of the children. The parents’ awareness of pediculosis is good. most of the parents had correct answers to at least half of the statements. The knowledge was better among parents who had had experience with pediculosis. People with medical education (n=130) had the highest awareness of head lice and pediculosis. Presenter e-mail: avekutman@nooruse.ee
MANAGEMENT OF OBESITY IN EARLY CHILDHOOD - THE ROLE OF THE PARENTS FOR THE HEALTH STATUS
Background: Obesity is a widespread chronic metabolic disorder, especially in children in early childhood with extremely serious health consequences, deteriorating their psycho-physical development. WHO ranks Bulgaria fifth in the world in the incidence of obese in children. Aim: The aim of the study is to determine the influence of reduced physical activity in overweight children and the role of parents for their health status. Methods: 120 children were performed diagnostics, aged between 4-7 years. The study also included parents of children with a direct individual questionnaire, including many aspects of children's lifestyles related to health, eating habits, physical activity, behavior and others. The main anthropometric indicators of the children were measured - height, weight, circumference, body mass index (BMI). Results: Analyzing the child's weight by BMI category, it was found that 25.83% of children have varying degrees of overweight. According to age, in 4-5 year old children BMI is above the norm in 16.67%, and in 6-7 year old - 35%. More than half of the parents state that the physical activity of the children is "low", they do not spend enough time outdoors with their children and do not play sports in sports clubs outside the kindergarten. Worrying is the fact that children spend more than 2-3 hours a day with electronic devices. The low level of physical activity in parents also affects children, which is not due to lack of free time, but to reduced motor and health culture. The role of parents in the formation of motor habits for sports and weight maintenance in early childhood for proper health development is confirmed. Impaired metabolism affects the appetite and this dependence is realized through the functioning of the psycho-neuro-endocrine-immune system. The role of food supplements and homeopathic medicines as an appropriate regulator is important. Conclusion(s): In the complex of therapeutic measures for obese children is movement, nutrition, and parental care to ensure a healthy lifestyle. Obesity prevention is proving to be the most appropriate approach to treatment, through early screening by medical professionals and offering training programs for children and parents Presenter e-mail: petya.kasnakova@mu-plovdiv.bg
HYGIENIC PRACTICES OF STREET FOOD VENDORS
Background: Despite numerous benefits, it is recognised that street food may pose public health risks. Lack of basic infrastructure, inadequate potable water supplies, poor personal hygiene, and mishandling of food play a significant role in the occurrence of food-borne illnesses. According to the official reports from the European Food Safety Authority, 21 food-borne strong-evidence outbreaks related to mobile retailers or street vendors were confirmed in the last eight years. The outbreaks resulted in 164 cases and two deaths. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the compliance of hygienic and technical standards of street food vendors in Slovenia with the requirements of the general hygienic food principals set in the Codex Alimentarius and the Regulation (EC) No. 852/2004 on food hygiene. Methods: Food vendors were observed directly and discretely using a semi-structured observation sheet that allowed fast evaluation. The employee’s behaviour was not affected during the observations because they were not aware of being observed. Each observation lasted approximately 30 minutes. Food vendors were divided into groups according to their location, type of facility, and type of food sold. Results: 23% of all registered street food vendors in Slovenia were inspected. Some of the major inconsistencies were lack of suitably located washbasins, improper hand-washing technique, improper waste management, working surfaces that were inadequately separated from consumers and inconsistent maintenance of the cold chain. The reasons for the inconsistencies are not just of technical nature. Human factor plays a big role as well. Conclusions: There is a need to change incorrect hygiene-related behaviour patterns, which can be achieved with a systematic approach, regular employees’ training, and constant active surveillance of the employees’ personal hygiene and food handling techniques Presenter e-mail: andrej.ovca@zf.uni-lj.si
ENBEL: CONNECTING HEALTH AND CLIMATE CHANGE RESEARCH
Background: Besides environmental consequences, climate change has most important effect on public health. According to WHO, climate change is expected to cause approximately 250 000 additional deaths per year between 2030 and 2050, from malnutrition, malaria, diarrhoea and heat stress, and affect the most vulnerable populations. Based on recent The Lancet Countdown there has been a 53.7% increase in heat-related mortality in people older than 65 years, reaching a total of 296 000 deaths in 2018. Aim: H2020 financed project ENBEL (2020–2023) aims to bring together leaders in climate change, and health research and support policy making to shape low-carbon economies and build climate, and health resilience. Methods: ENBEL coordinates a network of more than 12 international health and climate research projects. The multidisciplinary consortium includes 17 partners from 11 European countries as well as from Botswana, Kenya, and South Africa. Together the partners have competencies in medicine, epidemiology, public health, climate and air quality modelling, health impact assessment and economics. The project has strong emphasis on communication, outreach and engagement in order to raise awareness of the climate impacts on health. Results: The WP2 “Networking and coordination among researchers and stakeholders within the climate change and health nexus” in ENBEL will present the results in International and Regional Conferences, establish Regional Coordination and Support Mechanism in Africa and develop a library on online or blendedlearning courses and training materials on ‘Climate change and health’. The presentations in conferences and organized local seminars increase the flow of information and knowledge on climate change and health among stakeholders and target groups. The library of courses and training materials on ‘Climate change and health’ will set the good basement for information. The results from individual ‘Research projects represented in ENBEL’ show that impacts of climate change – such as droughts, floods, wildfires and sea-level rise – can have knock-on effects that cross borders and continents. Heat-waves will have high costs for society and besides vulnerable populations, more attention should be paid on negative impact of increased workplace heat stress. Conclusion(s): The ENBEL project will have key role in linking health and climate change research. Presenter e-mail: hans.orru@ut.ee
A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE EVOLUTION ON SOUTHERN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND CULICIDAE VECTORS
Background: Culicidae vectors are insects that have the ability to transmit several diseases such as malaria, zika or dengue. The development of these vectors is mainly influenced by temperature, relative humidity and precipitation of their environment. Therefore, climate change can increase the geographical distribution of diseases transferred by these vectors. Aim: The predominant goals of this review is to identify the primary Culicidae vectors in Southern European countries, understand how climate change can influence the geographical distribution of these vectors as well as their impact on the health of the population of the affected areas. Methods: The bibliographical research started on the 1 st of October 2019 and ended on the 20 ieth of April 2020 and was carried out resorting to data bases suchlike Google Schoolar, Web of Science, BioMed Central (BMC) and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Whilst writing this review 23 original scientific articles, 1 master´s degree dissertation and 10 scientific reports were consulted, mainly in English and in Portuguese. Results: After having analysed the 32 selected articles, we concluded that the most abundant species on Southern European countries were the species within the genus Culex, Anopheles, Aedes, Culiseta and Ochlerotatus and pass on diseases like west nile virus, malaria or zika. Environmental factors such as temperature, relative humidity and precipitation can impact the development of these species whose survival rests upon climate change. The primary environmental alterations will most likely be the increase of the global temperature, decrease of precipitation, and decrease of the relative humidity´s percentage on Southern European countries. Conclusion(s): We gathered that this vectors will continue to have ideal conditions to thrive in the countries mentioned above and that no country in Southern Europe will have an adequate climate to the development of vectors pertaining to the genus Aedes which can lead to the disappearance of these species of vectors. Presenter e-mail: supaixao@estescoimbra.pt
A CLIMATE CHANGE FOOD GARDEN HUMANS MAY WANT TO LIVE IN - AN EHO’S NEW HOME GROWN DWELLING PERSPECTIVE
Background:: Permaculture is one of Australia’s greatest intellectual exports and a really powerful way of devising integrated environmental health problem solving. This new experiment shrinks a room down to something even smaller than a “tiny house” and naturally creates desirable microclimates and environments for human occupation. Aim: Human health and planetary climate health is dependent on a better unit of human civilisation being developed beyond the detrimental artificial caves we currently inhabit. It also needs to be affordable, recreational, educational and nutritional in every sense. Methods: It started off as an idea for a new type of outdoor furniture and literally grew into a potentially new type of habitation and outlook. Rather than designing from the ground up, this prototype was designed from the position of the sun down. Vines are great for growing fresh fruit and vegetables but also have several other microclimate applications. Every element of this new structure has multiple roles and is closely integrated with other and seasonal elements. The walls and ceiling panels are interchangeable and adjusted to a desirable climate and the whole room rolls on rails to adjust extent of shade, avoid rain or to secure in storage. Results: The vines have been incredibly productive and visits from unseen wildlife very pleasing. Even time seems to slow down particularly when staring directly up into the clouds or the stars particularly when breathing in the fresh air. Conclusion: l can’t wait to add the additional life support components, try other configurations and learn to see what others of all ages, cultures, environments and climates do with these ideas. Environmental Health is not just about ticking boxes and it is time to think more inside and outside the box as well. Review your life support systems and do some real life “Dr Who”! Reality is so much more fun than imagined situations. Keywords: Advanced Permaculture, Dynamic Passive Solar, Environmental Health, Tiny House Presenter e-mail: humanfloat@gmail.com
ASIAN WASP - AN ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PROBLEM IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF COIMBRA - PORTUGAL
Background: With the increase in the urbanization and population mobility, the biodiversity has been greatly affected. Globalization has facilitated the dispersion of many species that become a threat, reaching the status of invasive species with an impact on the ecosystems. The Asian wasp was spotted in 2011 in Portugal. The biological cycle of Asian wasp is anual, although the climatic conditions attend to is development Aims: observe the growth over the years of sightings of nests, relating the life cycle of this species with the time of the year when it’s more propitious to is incidence, taking into account the impacts on the environment and the health of the population. Methods: The nature of this study was observational zoological and of retrospective cohort. Data and records were provided by the Portuguese Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests. The data were evaluated: in IBM SPSS Version 25 program. Results: It was found that in the municipality of Coimbra, 2019 was the year with the highest numbers of observation records, the definitive nests were those that had the most prevalent nests located in the trees while the primary nests were found in housing spaces. The parishes that hád a higher frequency of registrations were Santo António dos Olivais, União de Freguesias de São Martinho do Bispo/ Ribeira de Frades, União de Freguesias de Sé Nova/Santa Cruz/Almedina/São Bartolomeu. Conclusion(s): This study allowed us to understand which factors are favorable to the appearance of invasive species in Portugal, their reproduction and propagation, as well as the impacts they have on the environment and population, which can lead to the death if a person that has been bitten has an allergic reaction and can destroy hives and feed on bees. Presenter e-mail: supaixao@estescoimbra.pt
PUBLIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS – THEIR ROLE AND INFLUENCE IN CURRENT PANDEMIC
Background: Interdisciplinary public and environmental health solutions are crucial for an effective pandemic response and recovery. The primary goal is to protect and awareness the public from the hazard and disease outbreaks. Public and environmental health professionals have special missions in the field because they are well connected, cooperative, well known, and highly trained for the constructive communication in multidisciplinary teams. They are often invited to be a part of the best research teams and projects, and they can often write their own terms and opinions. Aim: Review of activities in the field of pandemic prevention or management at various professional fields and implementation the special method in the professional culture of the public and environmental health professionals as an upgrade of the current state. Methods: After the first wave of pandemic in Slovenia, we send out an invitation to our colleagues to participate in an unstructured interview and share their professional experience during the pandemic of COVID-19. A total of 24 professionals from different sectors of their employment responded. Results: Through their responses four major areas of their engagement were identified. First group was collaborating in interdisciplinary groups which planed and recommend general and specific hygienic and technical measures for epidemic management on a national level. Second group implemented these measures in individual facilities and working processes. Third group executed various tests and measurements for their clients. Fourth group inspected compliance with measures or recommendations as a part of official control at different levels. Conclusion(s): According to the collected responses, effectiveness of Slovenian professionals is reflected in the extraordinary ability to cooperate with others professions. For the future development of public and environmental health professionals five additional key skills are proposed by KPI method (key performance indicator): pitching (ability to communicate your value), publishing (ability to gain credibility through authoring content), professional services (ability to scale your value through a professional services), profiling (ability to become known, and trusted), partnership (ability to structure and maintain strategic relationships), and progression (ability to advancement in the professional field). Presenter e-mail: sara@institut-isi.si
WHY IS IT WORTH IT? SHARING LESSONS AND EXPERIENCES: ADAPTATION AND RESILIENCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS IN IMPLEMENTING KEY INTERVENTION STRATEGIES DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC: CAPE TOWN PERSPECTIVE: SOUTH AFRICA
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a disastrous impact world over. Several countries have struggled to effectively respond to the challenges posed by this disease. In responding to COVID 19 pandemic, Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP’s) in Cape Town had to embark on unchartered territories with limited information and expertise at their disposal to deal with the pandemic. In this context, they had to adapt and be resilient in the face of adversity in order to cope and thrive with the new challenges of COVID-19. However, this presented an opportunity for EHP’s to learn on how to overcome the challenges posed by the emerging diseases. The broad scope of practice of Environmental Health Practitioners inter alia surveillance and prevention of communicable diseases, health surveillance of premises, monitoring of port health, and management and control of the disposal of the dead contributed immensely in combatting the scourge of the disease. The aim of this article is to demonstrate the adaptability, resilience, innovation, and flexibility of this profession in dealing with a pandemic. This will lay the groundwork for future research on environmental health. It is worth sharing these lessons and experiences to underscore the value of this profession within the health system and debunk the discourse that this is an invincible profession. Aim: The aim of this article is to demonstrate the adaptability, resilience, innovation, and flexibility of this profession in dealing with a pandemic. and demonstrate its value in the face of adversities. This will lay the groundwork for future research on environmental health. It is worth sharing these lessons and experiences to underscore the value of this profession within the health system and debunk the discourse that this is an invincible profession. Methods: This is a descriptive analysis and observation of the role of Environmental Health Practitioners in combatting COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion(s): Several countries have been severely affected by COVID-19, as a result a high number of people have died because of this disease. Countries were compelled to come up with innovative ways to manage and control the spread of this disease. This presented an opportune time for EHP’s to adapt quickly and bring about innovation in dealing with the pandemic, for example, handling of the human remain which required stringent precautions to be followed by the communities as the disease is highly contagious. Throughout the pandemic, EHP’s had to adapt and be resilient by embracing new business models to minimize the spread of infections. A positive correlation was observed between the two concepts as they are interwinned. Adaptive leadership needs a degree of resilience which needs continous revisiting and adjusting responses to the pandemic. Invariably, dealing with COVID-19 posed serious challenges amongst the EHP’s due to the complex nature of the disease. EHP’s were equally affected by the disease but they were inevitably obliged to adapt to the conditions imposed by the environment they find themselves. However, this proved that adaptation and resilience can co-exist to enable one to thrive under difficult circumstances. Safeguarding the health of the public during the period of the pandemic was a defining moment for the EHPs as they learnt new ideas and actions to fight the pandemic. Presenter e-mail: andile.zimba@capetown.gov.za
IDENTIFICATION & QUANTIFICATION OF THE NEEDS OF THE U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH WORKFORCE INVOLVED IN COVID-19 RESPONSE & RECOVERY
Background: The environmental health (EH) profession is the second largest segment of the U.S. Public Health Workforce, and as such, is frequently tasked to provide backbone support during public health crises, such as natural disasters, the opioid epidemic, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Aim: Our aim was to collect primary data in support of efforts to assess EH workforce activities and expressed needs in response to COVID-19. Methods: The authors fielded a nationwide EH workforce pandemic needs assessment July 15, 2020 through August 31, 2020. The survey was distributed and made widely available via email (n= ~ 6500) and social media outlets. Results: Seven hundred and sixty-five (765) completed surveys were submitted and analyzed. Environmental Health practitioners, many who are employed at small local agencies, are actively supporting COVID-19 response and recovery. Their contributions are felt in emergency operation centers, policy development, contact tracing, and communications efforts, in addition to their usual and customary activities. At the same time, they have been tasked to take on new roles and responsibilities, such as crowd dispersal, for which they were not adequately trained. A lack of training was reported and was acutely felt at the state and local level (23% of respondents). Over 70% of local practitioners report being emotionally exhausted and more than 45% report working in agencies that are understaffed. Conclusion(s): History demonstrates that the environmental health workforce provides backbone and surge support during natural, infectious, and manmade disasters. Our EH workforce survey data suggest that the profession is a major contributor to the COVID-19 response and recovery efforts. COVID-19 after action reports should reflect on the lessons learned and translated into education and training that is reflective of the changing nature of practice and society’s needs. Presenter e-mail: ddyjack@neha.org
ADJUSTING ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INSPECTIONS POST COVID
Background: The profession of environmental health (EH) is grounded in 18th Century practice and policy. This has to change. Post COVID EH professionals need to look to redefine the role and function of EH, bringing prevention into the policy and political arena and provide the modern tools, practices and leadership to sustain change in EH across the globe. Aim: This study considers how artificial intelligence (AI), augmentation and digital devices can be used to improve information gathering to allow hazard identification, risk assessment and prioritization to be used to enhance and drive efficiency and improvements in the practice of environmental health Methods: A review of available literature was carried out and a number of hypothesis were considered to determine possible and likely enhancements. The study then considered emerging technologies including AI and augmentation which could be adapted and utilized in the ‘future’. Results: This presentation will share the results in an entertaining and provocative style ensuring the audience is well informed and can see the future benefits to the profession, public and policy makers alike Conclusion(s): AI and augmentation bring the profession into the new century and help produce the evidence base needed to implement risk reducing strategies to improve safety, welfare and wellbeing without excessive cost. Presenter e-mail: andrew.mathieson@anu.edu.au
GOING BEYOND: INCORPORATING INTERNATIONAL FIELD TRIPS INTO ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CURRICULA - AN AUSTRALIAN PERSPECTIVE
Background: The role and value of fieldtrips in environmental health curricula is under-researched. This is despite the need to consolidate key domains of knowledge and applied skills in students, to equipt them to undertake field-based investigations. Local excursions serve a purpose in exposing students to environmental health practices. However, with increasing globalisation and the risk-multiplying effects of climate change, the importance of providing students with first-hand experiences with issues that transcend national boundaries such as refugees, bio and food security, plastic and e-waste and pandemics, is elevated. The added value of experiential learning in different geographical and cultural settings is intuitive; they enable students to apply and challenge theories taught within classrooms and to reflect on new educational and social experiences These generic benefits are recognised by funding schemes, but the tightening of resources available to support fieldtrips, it is important to examine and document how they add value to the education journey of environmental health students. Aim: To explore students’ learning through participation in international field trips in South East Asia, focussing on environmental health learning outcomes Methods: This study adopted a naturalistic inquiry approach and utilised narratives recorded in reflective journals and through post field trip recollections by both student and staff participants. Thematic analysis was used to explore anticipated and lived learning experiences, challenges and the extent of transformational learning. Results: Students reflected on both amazing and confronting experiences that challenged their preconceptions and broadened their worldviews. Longer lasting impacts were varied. The key recollections by staff included the administrative burden of planning the fieldtrips and the rewards associated with unplanned teachable moments and witnessing sudden insights by students. Conclusion(s): International field trips have the potential to facilitate transformative learning in environmental health students. Managing team dynamics and student engagement and optimising learning opportunities was demanding for staff but considered worthwhile. The most challenging aspects were associated with securing funding, filling sponsored places, pivoting in response to unforeseen incidents and the administrative burden. Presenter e-mail: Z.Murray@griffith.edu.au
THE ROLE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH IN PREVENTING ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE IN LOW- AND MIDDLE-INCOME COUNTRIES
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is increasingly becoming a threat to global public health. AMR leads to longer treatment for illnesses, use of higher generation drugs, more expenditure on antimicrobials, and increased death due to treatable diseases. Some of the major causes of AMR include misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in both humans and animals, unnecessary use of antimicrobials in animals as growth promoters, and lack of awareness among the public on how to protect antimicrobials. In addition to these concerns, Environmental Health has a crucial role to play in preventing AMR including reducing transmission of resistant microorganisms particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The Environmental Health measures that contribute to preventing AMR include: adequate water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH); proper disposal of solid waste particularly antimicrobials; proper wastewater management; and ensuring food hygiene and safety. Achieving proper WASH through consumption of safe water, suitable disposal of human excreta, and good personal hygiene practices such as washing hands with soap at critical times for example after toilet use and before eating food are crucial to prevent the spread of resistant microorganisms. Proper disposal of unused and expired antimicrobials is important to prevent their unnecessary exposure to microorganisms in the environment hence contributing to preventing emergence of resistant organisms. Sufficient management of wastewater including from homes, communities and health facilities (which many times contain resistant microorganisms as well as antimicrobial residues) including proper treatment is important to prevent transmission of resistant organisms hence proliferation of AMR. Ensuring adequate food hygiene and safety practices such as consumption of products from animals in which adequate antimicrobial withdrawal periods have been observed, and vegetables from unpolluted fields reduces the consumption of antimicrobial residues. The reduction in occurrence of Environmental Health related diseases such as diarrhoea, cholera and typhoid particularly in LMICs also minimises the need for antimicrobials hence contributing to safeguarding them. Environmental Health, specifically WASH, solid and wastewater management, as well as food hygiene and safety, are key in preventing the spread of antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms and ingestion of antimicrobial residues especially in LMICs hence contributing to reduction in AMR. Presenter e-mail: dmusoke@musph.ac.ug
A YOUNG REPORTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT IN A ECOCAMPUS
Institutions: Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Coimbra – IPC – Portugal; Centro Universitário Araguaia – Brasil; Universidade Fernando Pessoa - Portugal Background: Young Reporters for the Environment empowers young people to have their say on environmental issues in their locality which they feel are not being adequately addressed. It gives them an outlet for their frustrations and a platform from which to make a difference. An EcoCampus provides a framework to guide higher education institutions on their sustainable journey, involving everyone to become forward thinkers and lead the way towards sustainable development. Aim: Through an inclusive and action-based approach universities and students get involved, show commitment and engage for positive change. Methods: The Steps Methodology, in a EcoCampus (7 steps) and Young Reporters for the Environment (4 steps) programs, are a blueprint of action for Sustainable Development. Results: The higher education institutions encompass a wide array of disciplines, they have a great impact on sustainable development through research, innovation, education and organisational decision making. Indeed, we observe it can be said, that the SDGs - Sustainable Development Goals will not be achieved without tertiary level educational institutions. Conclusion(s): Young Reporters for the Environment and the EcoCampus programs are the support to the principles of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals, providing quality education as fundamental step towards sustainable development in order to raise awareness and give everyone the opportunity to learn in an integrative environment. The Young Reporters for the Environment and the EcoCampus programs are not just an economic model to lower costs, it is also a humanistic models that places the students and stakeholders at the centre of a process of change towards sustainability, connecting them to the real issues in their communities. Presenter e-mail: heldersimoes@estescoimbra.pt; fernando.moreira@estescoimbra.pt
BUILDING EXCELLENCE – A REPOSITORY FOR ALL ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH TEACHING AND LEARNING
Background: The practice of environmental health (EH) varies little around the world. International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH) is looking to develop the definitive syllabus and teaching & learning resource, available to every member University to access, adjust and utilize. Aim: Academics around the world spend 40-60% of their time designing teaching and learning material/ rubrics/ assessments. The lack of a single repository for such material was identified by the IFEH Faculty Forum in Auckland 2018. The IFEH FF calls upon academics and practitioners across the world to work together in collaboration. Methods: This paper will show colleagues how EH material can be packaged and uploaded into an accessible repository where it can be accessed by colleagues around the world, adapted to local needs and enhanced before re uploading and making available to colleagues. Results: In time IFEH FF hope to create a range of definitive teaching resources, assessments and rubrics that enhance the student teaching and learning experience across the world. Conclusion(s): The author of this paper is the current chair of IFEH FF and calls upon all academics present and around the world to contribute unreservedly and without prejudice to the repository. Presenter e-mail: andrew.mathieson@anu.edu.au
Background: As the ecological challenges develop and deepen, the environmental change topics have become increasingly more relevant to people. Several studies have shown that the Millennials and generations after that have significantly changed understanding of economy, work life and personal values. Economical models that restore ecosystems, fair trade and socially responsible entrepreneurship are growing trends and this is not a choice anymore, but a strategic necessity. However, in the case of these developments, one must be aware of the malpractices and we must talk about greenwashing Aim: Greenwashing is presentation of one’s environmentally harmful actions as positive ones. In the case of greenwashing, it can be seen as three different categories. The aim is to stop and prevent greenwashing happen. Methods: Data analysis Results: Firstly, the greenwashing can occur out of unawareness. We have many examples from the history where some technologies, such as using pesticides in the agriculture, have been perceived as unharmful due to the lack of knowledge. As the knowledge develops, the behaviour has been corrected. The second category is claiming to the clients that the product is environmentally friendly when in fact it does not differ from the other similar products, but no direct harm to the environment is done. The third category is the foulest way of misleading – it occurs when the provider of the product or service claims that it is environmentally friendly but is very well aware that it is actually harmful to the environment. Conclusion(s): It is necessary for the consumers, regulators and legislators to take different steps to prevent the greenwashing from happening. Presenter e-mail: mihkel.kangur@tlu.ee