Together We Live

It is now generally acknowledged that the global climate is changing, as the earth becomes warmer. This change has the potential to affect human health in a number of ways, for instance by altering the geographic range and seasonality of certain infectious diseases, disturbing food-producing ecosystems, and increasing the frequency of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes.




Air pollution is contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere. Household combustion devices, motor vehicles, industrial facilities and forest fires are common sources of air pollution. Pollutants of major public health concern include particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide. Outdoor and indoor air pollution cause respiratory and other diseases, which can be fatal.



A radiation accident involves a non-routine overexposure to ionizing radiation, as a result either of dispersal of radioactive material or of being too close to a radioactive source. This could occur, for example, following a major accident at a nuclear facility, in industrial or medical settings because of lack of appropriate occupational or patient safety, following loss or theft of radioactive material, or as a result of a deliberate malicious act. Exposure to ionizing radiation can pose a substantial health risk, with the type and level of risk depending on the duration and amount of exposure.

In many parts of the world, drinking alcoholic beverages is a common feature of social gatherings. Nevertheless, the consumption of alcohol carries a risk of adverse health and social consequences related to its intoxicating, toxic and dependence-producing properties.

In addition to the chronic diseases that may develop in those who drink large amounts of alcohol over a number of years, alcohol use is also associated with an increased risk of acute health conditions, such as injuries, including from traffic accidents.

An ecosystem is a naturally occurring community of organisms, such as plants and animals, together with their environment, functioning as a unit. Disruption of ecosystems – whether as a result of human activities or natural phenomena – can have severe and unpredictable effects on human health.

Blood safety encompasses actions aimed at ensuring that everyone has access to blood and blood products that are as safe as possible, available at reasonable cost, adequate to meet the needs of patients, transfused only when necessary, and provided as part of a sustainable blood programme within the existing health care system.

 An electromagnetic field is the force field generated around an electric current, equivalent to an electric field and a magnetic field at right angles to each other. Common sources of electromagnetic fields include power lines, household electrical wiring, motor-driven instruments, computer screens, telecommunications and broadcasting facilities, and mobile telephones.

Child maltreatment, sometimes referred to as child abuse and neglect, includes all forms of physical and emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect, and exploitation that results in actual or potential harm to the child’s health, development or dignity. Within this broad definition, five sub-types can be distinguished – physical abuse; sexual abuse; neglect and negligent treatment; emotional abuse; and exploitation.