Em geral, a relação entre fatores ambientais e a saúde é de natureza sistêmica, envolvendo várias áreas do conhecimento. Um dos desafios dentro dessa questão são as abordagens integradas de avaliação em saúde ambiental, que reúnem dimensões técnico-operacionais, socioeconômicas e políticas, ultrapassando as avaliações que consideram apenas questões de exposição e efeito. O objetivo da presente tese foi avaliar, com base em abordagem de avaliação integrada em saúde ambiental, o impacto à saúde decorrente da implantação de intervenções em saneamento, em populações de comunidades localizadas em unidades de conservação de uso sustentável na região do Médio Juruá, no estado do Amazonas. O processo de avaliação foi amparado na abordagem metodológica Avaliação Integrada de Impacto em Saúde Ambiental (AIISA) e utilizou como principal instrumento conceitual o modelo de organização de indicadores Força Motriz-Pressão-Situação-Exposição-Efeitos-Ações (FPSEEA), aplicado em dois estágios bem definidos: i) Estágio Antes: período anterior à implantação das intervenções em saneamento nas comunidades estudadas e ii) Estágio Depois: período de pelo menos seis meses após a finalização da implantação e funcionamento das intervenções. Os resultados obtidos no componente de efeito a partir da comparação entre os dois estágios, que refletem os efeitos diretos na saúde, apontaram uma redução média de 65% da morbidade por diarreia, 22% da morbidade por parasitoses intestinais e aumento da qualidade de vida da população, representado por uma redução média de 63% de insatisfação com a comunidade e aumento de 100% da percepção da relação entre o aumento da qualidade de vida e o saneamento. Esses resultados indicam que houve impactos positivos à saúde da população decorrentes das intervenções em saneamento. O modelo FPSEEA utilizado trouxe informações que permitiram uma análise ampliada e em cadeia dos impactos da variação de cenários para exprimir esses efeitos positivos na saúde. Assim, foi possível realizar uma avaliação integrada do impacto de ações em saneamento na redução de doenças e no aumento da qualidade de vida das populações estudadas. Nesse processo avaliativo foi possível detectar de maneira consistente, dentro do contexto da área de estudo, que além dos efeitos na saúde, aspectos importantes na cadeia causal contribuíram de forma integrada para a expressão desse efeito. Em relação ao modelo FPSEEA aplicado no contexto da tese, concluímos que os pressupostos utilizados em sua concepção permitem que ajustes sejam feitos no modelo de acordo com o contexto para o qual o seu uso foi proposto, sendo possível validar e ajustar os elementos e indicadores do modelo proposto para o seu uso em outras propostas de avaliações integradas com enfoque nos impactos à saúde decorrentes de ações em saneamento. Dessa maneira, reforçamos que, mesmo diante da escala local dos resultados, o processo de avaliação contribuiu para auxiliar o planejamento de ações no campo do saneamento, viabilizando novos modelos de intervenções, redefinição de prioridades e redirecionamento de ações relacionadas ao saneamento e saúde, buscando a redução da pobreza, universalização do acesso ao saneamento e garantia dos direitos essenciais do cidadão com equidade no meio rural brasileiro. / In general , the relationship between environmental factors and health is systemic in nature , involving various fields of knowledge . One of the challenges of this issue involves integrated environmental health impact assessment approaches, which combine technical and operational, socio-economic and political dimensions, surpassing aproaches that consider only unicausualities of exposure and effect . The aim of this thesis was to evaluate , based on an integrated environmental health impact assessment , the health impact resulting from the implementation of water supply and sanitation interventions in populations of communities located in sustainable use forest reserves in the Middle Juruá river in state of Amazonas . The evaluation process was supported in methodological approach Integrated Environmental Health Impact Assessment (IEHIA) and used as the main conceptual framework a model for organizing indicators Driving Force - Pressure - Situation - Exposure - Effect - Action (DPSEEA) , applied in two well defined stages : i ) Before Stage : prior to the implementation of interventions in water supply and sanitation in the studied communities and ii ) After Stage : period of at least six months after implementaion and operation of the interventions . The results regarting the Effect component from the comparison between the two stages, which reflects directly the effect on health, , showed an average reduction of 65% in morbidity from diarrhea , 22 % of morbidity from intestinal parasites and an increased quality of life , represented by a mean reduction of 63 % of dissatisfaction with the community and 100% increase in the perception of the relationship between the increase in quality of life and sanitation. These results indicate that there were positive health impacts due to due the implemented interventions. The model DPSEEA used in this study brought information which enabeled the development of a broad and integrated analysis of the impacts of the variation in cenarios to express these positive health effects. Thus, it was possible to perform an integrated assessment of the impact of waster supply and sanitation interventions to reduce disease and increase the quality of life of the studied population. This evaluation process enabeled the cosistent detection, within the context of the study area, that in addition to the health effects , important aspects of the causal chain contributed in a integrated way to the expression of this effect . Regarding the DPSEEA model applied in the context of the thesis, we conclude that the assumptions used in its design allow adjustments to be made in accordance to the context for which the model is supposed to be used. This enables the validation and ajustment of the elements and indicators of the proposed model to allow its use in other Integrated Environmental Health Impact Assessment proposals which focus on health impacts of water supply and sanitation interventions. Thus, we reinforce that even with the local scale carcateristicas of our results, the evaluation process contributed to assist the planning of actions in the field of water supply and sanitation , enabling new models of interventions , redefining priorities and redirecting actions related to water supply and sanitation to increase health, reduce poverty, and ensure essential rights to citizens of rural areas of Brazil with equity.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-03-26T13:28:18Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 texto completo.pdf: 3376488 bytes, checksum: 64970c4b419cdbcf752f4505eb64ef12 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-07-12 / Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais / This study aimed to assess the health risks of disposal of solid waste generated in municipalities; as well as elucidate the relationship between environmental quality changes occurring in the areas surrounding these sites and correlated diseases. Data collection took place in the cities of Coimbra and Rodeiro, both in Minas Gerais, characterized, respectively, by the disposal of solid waste in open dump and in units of sorting and composting plant. Thus, the survey was conducted in neighborhoods located around these areas. A crosssectional epidemiological study was used, with the exposure factor being the proximity to the final disposal site, and the unit of study was children aged up to 10 years. The exposure levels were defined according to the distances from the place of treatment/disposal, of wich: from zero to 500m: high exposure; from 500 to 1000m: moderate exposure; and distance greater than 1000m: group unexposed. Data collection was done through the application of two questionnaires: one regarding housing and other regarding children. In housing data were collected socioeconomic conditions, water conditions, sewerage, solid waste management, family healthy and the presence of vectors. With regard to children, the main healthy indicators used were the prevalence of diarrheal diseases and nutritional status. The results showed discontent of the population living in the surrounding areas of the disposal units in both cities, which they feel harmed by the increased of odor and the appearance of vectors assigned to them as begin from the units studied. More problems were reported in Rodeiro, where the final disposition was done in a dump, confirming the assumption that this type of destination is more harmful. With respect to health indicators expressed by the incidence of diarrhea, an increased tendency was found in areas of high exposure, however it was also observed that the inadequate hygiene habits had higher percentage in these sites compared to the other areas studied. / A realização deste estudo teve por objetivo avaliar os riscos para a saúde da destinação final dos resíduos sólidos gerados nas municipalidades; bem como elucidar a relação existente entre as alterações da qualidade ambiental ocorrentes nas áreas vizinhas a estes locais e as doenças correlatas. Os levantamentos dos dados ocorreram nas cidades de Rodeiro e Coimbra, ambas em Minas Gerais, caracterizadas, respectivamente, pela disposição dos resíduos sólidos a céu aberto em lixão ou vazadouro e disposição final de resíduos em usina de triagem e compostagem (UTC). Assim, a pesquisa foi realizada nos bairros localizados no entorno dessas áreas. Utilizou-se um estudo epidemiológico do tipo transversal, tendo como fator de exposição a proximidade com o local de disposição final e como unidade de estudo as crianças com idade de até 10 anos. Os níveis de exposição foram definidos de acordo com as distâncias em relação ao local de tratamento e/ou destinação final, sendo: de zero a 500m: alta exposição; de 500 a 1.000m: exposição moderada; e distância maior que 1.000m: grupo não exposto. A coleta de dados foi feita por meio da aplicação de dois questionários: um referente às moradias e outro às crianças. Nas moradias foram levantados dados socioeconômicos, as condições de abastecimento de água, esgotamento sanitário, manejo dos resíduos sólidos, saúde da família e a presença de vetores. Com relação às crianças, os principais indicadores de saúde utilizados foram a prevalência por enfermidades diarreicas e o estado nutricional. Por meio dos resultados verificou-se descontentamento da população que vive no entorno das unidades de disposição final em ambas as cidades, as quais se sentem prejudicadas com o aumento de mau cheiro e aparecimento de vetores, atribuídos por eles às unidades em estudo. Problemas maiores foram relatados em Rodeiro, onde a disposição final é realizada em um lixão, confirmando a premissa de que esse tipo de destinação é mais prejudicial. Com relação aos indicadores de saúde expressos pela incidência de diarreia, constatou-se maior ocorrência nas áreas de alta exposição. No entanto, observou-se também que os hábitos de higiene inadequados foram percentualmente superiores nestes locais, quando comparados às outras áreas estudadas.

Em geral, a relação entre fatores ambientais e a saúde é de natureza sistêmica, envolvendo várias áreas do conhecimento. Um dos desafios dentro dessa questão são as abordagens integradas de avaliação em saúde ambiental, que reúnem dimensões técnico-operacionais, socioeconômicas e políticas, ultrapassando as avaliações que consideram apenas questões de exposição e efeito. O objetivo da presente tese foi avaliar, com base em abordagem de avaliação integrada em saúde ambiental, o impacto à saúde decorrente da implantação de intervenções em saneamento, em populações de comunidades localizadas em unidades de conservação de uso sustentável na região do Médio Juruá, no estado do Amazonas. O processo de avaliação foi amparado na abordagem metodológica Avaliação Integrada de Impacto em Saúde Ambiental (AIISA) e utilizou como principal instrumento conceitual o modelo de organização de indicadores Força Motriz-Pressão-Situação-Exposição-Efeitos-Ações (FPSEEA), aplicado em dois estágios bem definidos: i) Estágio Antes: período anterior à implantação das intervenções em saneamento nas comunidades estudadas e ii) Estágio Depois: período de pelo menos seis meses após a finalização da implantação e funcionamento das intervenções. Os resultados obtidos no componente de efeito a partir da comparação entre os dois estágios, que refletem os efeitos diretos na saúde, apontaram uma redução média de 65% da morbidade por diarreia, 22% da morbidade por parasitoses intestinais e aumento da qualidade de vida da população, representado por uma redução média de 63% de insatisfação com a comunidade e aumento de 100% da percepção da relação entre o aumento da qualidade de vida e o saneamento. Esses resultados indicam que houve impactos positivos à saúde da população decorrentes das intervenções em saneamento. O modelo FPSEEA utilizado trouxe informações que permitiram uma análise ampliada e em cadeia dos impactos da variação de cenários para exprimir esses efeitos positivos na saúde. Assim, foi possível realizar uma avaliação integrada do impacto de ações em saneamento na redução de doenças e no aumento da qualidade de vida das populações estudadas. Nesse processo avaliativo foi possível detectar de maneira consistente, dentro do contexto da área de estudo, que além dos efeitos na saúde, aspectos importantes na cadeia causal contribuíram de forma integrada para a expressão desse efeito. Em relação ao modelo FPSEEA aplicado no contexto da tese, concluímos que os pressupostos utilizados em sua concepção permitem que ajustes sejam feitos no modelo de acordo com o contexto para o qual o seu uso foi proposto, sendo possível validar e ajustar os elementos e indicadores do modelo proposto para o seu uso em outras propostas de avaliações integradas com enfoque nos impactos à saúde decorrentes de ações em saneamento. Dessa maneira, reforçamos que, mesmo diante da escala local dos resultados, o processo de avaliação contribuiu para auxiliar o planejamento de ações no campo do saneamento, viabilizando novos modelos de intervenções, redefinição de prioridades e redirecionamento de ações relacionadas ao saneamento e saúde, buscando a redução da pobreza, universalização do acesso ao saneamento e garantia dos direitos essenciais do cidadão com equidade no meio rural brasileiro. / In general , the relationship between environmental factors and health is systemic in nature , involving various fields of knowledge . One of the challenges of this issue involves integrated environmental health impact assessment approaches, which combine technical and operational, socio-economic and political dimensions, surpassing aproaches that consider only unicausualities of exposure and effect . The aim of this thesis was to evaluate , based on an integrated environmental health impact assessment , the health impact resulting from the implementation of water supply and sanitation interventions in populations of communities located in sustainable use forest reserves in the Middle Juruá river in state of Amazonas . The evaluation process was supported in methodological approach Integrated Environmental Health Impact Assessment (IEHIA) and used as the main conceptual framework a model for organizing indicators Driving Force - Pressure - Situation - Exposure - Effect - Action (DPSEEA) , applied in two well defined stages : i ) Before Stage : prior to the implementation of interventions in water supply and sanitation in the studied communities and ii ) After Stage : period of at least six months after implementaion and operation of the interventions . The results regarting the Effect component from the comparison between the two stages, which reflects directly the effect on health, , showed an average reduction of 65% in morbidity from diarrhea , 22 % of morbidity from intestinal parasites and an increased quality of life , represented by a mean reduction of 63 % of dissatisfaction with the community and 100% increase in the perception of the relationship between the increase in quality of life and sanitation. These results indicate that there were positive health impacts due to due the implemented interventions. The model DPSEEA used in this study brought information which enabeled the development of a broad and integrated analysis of the impacts of the variation in cenarios to express these positive health effects. Thus, it was possible to perform an integrated assessment of the impact of waster supply and sanitation interventions to reduce disease and increase the quality of life of the studied population. This evaluation process enabeled the cosistent detection, within the context of the study area, that in addition to the health effects , important aspects of the causal chain contributed in a integrated way to the expression of this effect . Regarding the DPSEEA model applied in the context of the thesis, we conclude that the assumptions used in its design allow adjustments to be made in accordance to the context for which the model is supposed to be used. This enables the validation and ajustment of the elements and indicators of the proposed model to allow its use in other Integrated Environmental Health Impact Assessment proposals which focus on health impacts of water supply and sanitation interventions. Thus, we reinforce that even with the local scale carcateristicas of our results, the evaluation process contributed to assist the planning of actions in the field of water supply and sanitation , enabling new models of interventions , redefining priorities and redirecting actions related to water supply and sanitation to increase health, reduce poverty, and ensure essential rights to citizens of rural areas of Brazil with equity.

This thesis presents a case study of an open pit mine proposal in Kamloops, BC. During an integrated Environmental (Impact) Assessment (EA) process mandated by the Provincial and Federal governments, stakeholders addressed the mine’s environmental, social, heritage, economic, and health-related impacts. At the end of a 7-year process, the application was denied. My research sought to examine how health was conceptualized in the EA, and, specifically, had the mine been approved, how would the permit conditions have protected the public from adverse health effects. To that end, I conducted a review of health-related documents incorporated in the EA and studied the results through a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) lens based on guidance from the International Finance Corporation (IFC). As well as reviewing and analyzing the EA documents, I conducted interviews with participants in and outside the formal stakeholder group, as prescribed by the IFC HIA Guidance. Specifically, my analysis was based on the scoping phase of the assessment, and the baseline health profile that was included, using this internationally recognized HIA framework. My results show that the social determinants of health were not factored into the EA as per HIA best practice. Many in the formal stakeholder group, and outside of it, felt that institutional barriers prevented inclusion of the social determinants of health in the assessment. That finding raises questions about the reality of EA processes to protect public health. / Graduate

Black carbon has been reported to have major impacts on climate, environmental quality, and health. A chemothermal oxidation method, ordinarily used to isolate black carbon from soils, sediments and aquatic samples was applied to explore atmospheric samples. The results were then compared with thermal optical reflectance measurements, and then investigated in parallel with a health survey conducted during sampling. This study assesses atmospheric emissions from the NTPC Farakka coal-fired power plant in West Bengal, the distribution of emissions, the mobilization of black carbon, and its impact on pulmonary and cardiovascular conditions among respondents in Murshidabad and Malda, in West Bengal, India. Two measurement campaigns were conducted during winter and summer (November 2021 – June 2022); a total of 81 samples (Murshidabad) and 65 samples (Malda) were collected and analyzed and 193 respondents were surveyed for lung functionality. Over the study period, the mean concentration of PM2.5 and soot were observed to be 147 μg/m³; 113 μg/m³ and 1.52 μg/m³; 1.54 μg/m³ respectively. From the spirometry tests, it was concluded that there was chronic exposure to PM2.5 at both the sites, during the winter and monsoon campaigns. With increases in PM2.5 corresponding with higher numbers of restrictive and obstructive cases.

We miss summer time during winter especially when it snows heavily resulting in cancelation of classes but we turn to ignore high temperature and its associated health impacts during summer. Several studies have shown that high temperatures during summer are associated with morbidity and mortality in many cities in the United States over the past decade. Gradual increase in temperature over the past years raises public health concerns about the impacts of heat on human health in future and the role of adaptation. Our study aimed at assessing future heat-related mortality due to climate change in the United States. We hypothesized that incidence of premature death will increase with future temperature rise and population adaptation will reduce the mortality rate. We reviewed research articles on temperature-related premature death. The literature search was limited to studies conducted in United States and seven studies which demonstrated positive association between temperature and premature death were selected for this study. We predicted future high temperature-related mortality using BenMap benefit model designed to estimate 2015 Appalachian Student Research Forum Page 111 air pollution impacts on public health. Based on the selected studies, BenMap model projected 2020-2050 temperature scenario using modeled daily mean apparent temperature to estimate future heat-related mortality. Our results showed that high temperatures would cause an increase in heat-related mortality and adaptation would minimize the effects of climate change as people get used to high temperatures. The outcome of our study confirms the positive association between high temperature and mortality which emphasizes the need for policy makers to take appropriate actions such as greenhouse gas emission reduction to protect public health.

Human activities such as urbanisation, sewage treatment, industrialisation and agriculture represent major human interference in water resources. The water resources are affected both quantitatively as well as qualitatively by these activities. The impact of human interference in the Mukuvisi River catchment hydrology was studied by determining the concentration values of eight selected physico - chemical and biological parameters. These are pH, temperature, total nitrates, total phosphates, Dissolved Oxygen, Biological Oxygen Demand, lead, copper and Total Faecal Coliform Count. Seven sites were sampled along the river, from up the river in Mukuvisi woodlands up to the point where the river discharges into Lake Chivero. Analysis of the results obtained was undertaken using SPSS (paired sample T test) and descriptive graphs were drawn using Microsoft Excel 2010. Nitrates, phosphates, copper, lead and Total Faecal Coliform Counts were found to be higher than the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) maximum and World Health Organisation, 2011 (WHO) permissible standards from site 3 to site 7. Site 6 recorded the highest concentrations of all the measured parameters, except for pH and Dissolved Oxygen. Mean DO and BOD concentrations were 2.53 mg/l and 40 mg/l respectively at site 6. Mean total nitrates were 17.5 mg/l at site 6 above the ZINWA and WHO threshold of 10 mg/l. Site 6 also recorded a mean total phosphate of 5.9 mg/l which was above the ZINWA and WHO threshold of 0.5 mg/l. Mean TFCC was 992.6 mpn100ml-1 higher than the threshold of nil according to ZINWA and WHO threshold. Site 3 recorded the mean DO and TFCC of 2.4 mg/l and 2.80 mpn100ml-1 respectively. Site 2 had the lowest mean TFCC concentrations of 2.80 mpn100ml-1, which did not differ significantly from the WHO and ZINWA threshold of nil at p<0.05. The quality of water in the river varied from site to site in direct relation to the intensity and type of human activities along the river course. Levels of all the water quality indicators increased after discharge from the Firle sewage treatment plant at site 6 with the exception of temperature and pH. Sewage effluents, agricultural runoff and industrial effluents were found to be responsible for the high nutrient levels and high metal concentrations in the river which in turn reduced DO levels and increased BOD / College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences / M. Sc. (Environmental Science)

Bien que les impacts des changements climatiques se ressentent de plus en plus, une réponse concertée tarde à voir le jour à l’international. Pour surmonter ces impasses diplomatiques, plusieurs considèrent que la mobilisation de la population pourrait être la clé. C’est pourquoi un nombre croissant de chercheurs se penchent sur l’étude des cadrages des changements climatiques. Ces études suggèrent qu'il serait effectivement possible d'influencer la volonté d'agir des citoyens selon la présentation de l’information. Cependant, peu d'études expérimentales ont été menées, notamment au Canada. Pour combler cette lacune, la présente étude visait à identifier les meilleures façons de communiquer au sujet des changements climatiques actuellement au Québec afin de favoriser l'engagement de la population. Plus précisément, nous souhaitions voir si le fait d'informer la population des impacts sanitaires locaux des changements climatiques augmenterait son soutien aux politiques climatiques, et ce, en diminuant la distance psychologique des changements climatiques. Nous avons donc mené un sondage expérimental en utilisant un échantillon par quotas d'adultes québécois (n = 3 900). Les participants ont été répartis au hasard, soit dans un groupe contrôle qui n'a reçu aucune information, soit dans l'un des groupes de traitement qui a lu un bref essai sur les impacts économiques ou sanitaires des changements climatiques au Québec attribué à l'un des messagers suivants : médecin, économiste, climatologue ou écologiste. Les participants devaient répondre à des questions avant et immédiatement après la lecture de chaque essai. En analysant les différents groupes, nous avons observé que, même si l'exposition au cadrage santé n'a pas augmenté le soutien aux politiques climatiques dans notre échantillon, elle a diminué la distance psychologique des changements climatiques (β = -0.036; IC 95 % -0.060,-0.012; p<0.01). Ce résultat est prometteur, car la diminution de la distance psychologique des changements climatiques pourrait effectivement favoriser l'engagement de la population. / Although our knowledge of the impacts of climate change is growing, a concerted international response is slow to emerge. According to many, we could overcome these diplomatic impasses by increasing political pressure through public engagement. Researchers are now studying how to frame climate change to influence citizens' beliefs and willingness to take action. However, few experimental studies have been conducted, particularly in Canada. To fill this gap, this study aimed to identify the best ways of communicating climate change currently in Quebec to foster greater engagement among the general population. More precisely, we wanted to see if informing the population on the local health impacts of climate change would increase their support for climate policies by diminishing the psychological distance of climate change. Hence, we conducted an experimental survey using a quota sample of Quebec adults (n = 3 900). Participants were randomly assigned to either a control group that received no additional information or to one of the treatment groups that read a brief essay on the economic or health impacts of climate change in Quebec that was attributed to one of the following messengers: a doctor, economist, climate scientist, or environmentalist. Participants answered questions before and immediately after reading their assigned treatment. In the regression analysis, we found that, even though exposure to a health message did not increase climate policy support, it did decrease the psychological distance of climate change (β = -0.036; 95 % CI -0.060,-0.012; p<0.01). This result is promising as diminishing the psychological distance of climate change could indeed foster greater public engagement.

Polyzyklische aromatische Kohlenwasserstoffe (PAK) sind eine Klasse krebserregender Schadstoffe. Aufgrund ihres weit verbreiteten Vorkommens und der toxischen Risiken für die menschliche Gesundheit und das Ökosystem ist es unerlässlich, durch systematische Forschung wirksame Minderungsstrategien auf verschiedenen Ebenen zu etablieren. In dieser Dissertation wurden Quellenzuordnung, Multimedia-Schicksal, Schlüsselemis-sionssektoren und globale gesundheitliche Auswirkungen von PAK-Belastungen unter-sucht. Diese Forschung wurde durchgeführt, um Daten zur Verfügung zu stellen, die po-tenzielle Minderungsstrategien unterstützen, um PAK-Verschmutzungen und damit ver-bundene gesundheitliche Auswirkungen auf regionaler, nationaler und globaler Ebene zu reduzieren. Zunächst wurde die Quellenzuordnung von Langzeit-PAH in acht Flüssen untersucht. Diese Studie untersuchte systematisch die zeitlichen und saisonalen Trends, die peri-odische Oszillation, die Quellenzuordnung und die Risikobewertung von PAKs für die menschliche Gesundheit in acht Flüssen, die eine quellenorientierte PAK-Minderung in der Region unterstützen können. Zweitens ist das Multimedia-Schicksal von PAKs entscheidend für eine bessere Umwelt-politik. Diese Studie bewertete systematisch die räumlich-zeitliche Verteilung, die Quellenzuordnung, den multimedialen Transport und den Verbleib von PAK, die an Schwebstaub (SPM) in Rhein und Elbe adsorbiert sind, was die Stadtplanung unterstützen kann, um PAK in den Regionen zu lindern. Drittens wurden in dieser Studie die wichtigsten Emissionssektoren von PAK bestimmt, indem die langfristigen verkörperten und ermöglichten PAK-Emissionen in verschiedenen Sektoren abgeschätzt und die Beiträge sozioökonomischer Determinanten quantifiziert wurden. Die Ergebnisse können wirksame Strategien zur Verringerung der PAK-Emissionen in verschiedenen Sektoren aus der Perspektive des Endverbrauchs und des primären Inputverhaltens auf nationaler Ebene unterstützen. Schließlich wurden in dieser Studie die globalen Triebkräfte der gesundheitlichen Auswir-kungen von PAH untersucht, indem ein integrierender Rahmen angewendet wurde, der das globale PAH-Emissionsinventar, das um die Umwelt erweiterte multiregionale Input-Output-Modell, das GEOS-Chem-Chemikalientransportmodell und das lebenslange Lung-enkrebsrisiko verknüpfte Bewertung und Analyse der Strukturzerlegung. Die Ergebnisse können politische Entscheidungen zur Optimierung von Minderungsstrategien aus verschiedenen Perspektiven unterstützen, um PAK-Emissionen und gesundheitliche Aus-wirkungen weltweit effektiv zu reduzieren. / Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a class of carcinogenic pollutants. Due to their widespread occurrence and toxic risks to human health and ecosystem, it is essen-tial to establish effective mitigation strategies at different scales through systematic re-search. In this dissertation, source apportionment, multimedia fate, key emission sectors and global health impacts of PAH pollutions have been investigated. This research was conducted to provide data to assist potential mitigation strategies to reduce PAH pollu-tions and related health impacts at regional, national, and global scales. Firstly, the source apportionment of long-term PAHs in eight rivers were investigated. This study systematically investigated the temporal and seasonal trends, periodic oscilla-tion, source apportionment, and human health risk assessment of PAHs in eight rivers, which can assist source-oriented PAH mitigation in the region. Secondly, the multimedia fate of PAHs is critical for achieving better environmental poli-cies. This study systematically evaluated the spatiotemporal distribution, source appor-tionment, multimedia transport and fate of PAHs adsorbed on suspended particulate matter (SPM) in Rhine and Elbe Rivers, which can assist urban planning to alleviate PAHs in the regions. Thirdly, the key emission sectors of PAHs were determined in this study through estimat-ing the long-term embodied and enabled PAH emissions in various sectors and quantify-ing the contributions of socioeconomic determinants. The results can assist effective strategies for mitigating PAH emissions in different sectors from the perspectives of final consumption and primary input behaviors at a national scale. Finally, the global driving forces of PAH health impacts were investigated in this study through applying an integrating framework, linking global PAH emission inventory, envi-ronmentally extended multi-regional input-output model, GEOS-Chem chemical transport model, lifetime lung cancer risk assessment, and structure decomposition analysis. The results can assist policy decisions to optimize mitigation strategies from different per-spectives for effectively reducing PAH emissions and health impacts in the world.

Many serious illnesses are linked to everyday exposures to toxic chemicals. In the U.S., most chemical exposure comes from common consumer products such as pesticides, fragranced products, cleaning supplies, and building materials--products so widely used that people consider them "safe." As the links between everyday toxic exposures and potential health effects become better understood, evidence increasingly shows that reducing exposures can create a healthier society. Although some individuals may choose to build a healthy home and maintain a healthy household, they are still exposed to pollutants at their residences from the actions of others, such as to pesticides that are used by neighbors, businesses, and governments. They need healthy residential developments in environmentally healthy communities. This research investigates "healthy residential developments," defined as a property that aims to reduce pollutant exposures to the extent required by vulnerable populations, which for this research are individuals with multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS). Through a case study approach, this research investigates two exemplars of healthy residential developments, and explains how and why they form and continue. It also examines their implementation methods, and implications for planning and policy. Primary data collection methods included in-person interviews, telephone interviews, and site visits. Research strategies included the analysis of interview data, and categorical aggregation using thematic categories within and across cases. The categories focused on factors of formation and continuation for the two healthy residential developments. Findings include the challenges of people disabled with MCS to find safe housing; the importance of planning to address these challenges; the role of individuals, funding, and zoning in the formation of healthy residential developments; the role of funding, safe maintenance, and property management in their continuation; and, the need for affordable and safe housing for vulnerable populations. Future research can address the need to develop methods to create and sustain healthy residential developments, understand and reduce sources of exposure that initiate and trigger chemical sensitivity, and investigate experiences and implementation strategies in other countries.