Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement)

Welcome address

Vít M.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S3  

Editorial

Volf J.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S4  

Foreword

Šlachtová H.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S5  

Welcome Address

Šteflová A.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S5  

Introductory Notes: Environmental Epidemiology, Present Chances and Challenges for Future

Bencko V.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S6-S8  

Ragweed Pollen Load and Sensitisation in Hungary

Páldy A., Nékám K., Bobvos J., Bitay Z., Csajbók V., Kelemen A., Major T., Apatini D., Józsa E., Novák E., Replyuk E.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S13-S14  

Background: In Hungary the most important ambient aero-allergic pollutant is ragweed. There is a slight increasing tendency in the areas covered by this invasive weed in the country. Objective: To show the changes and tendency of pollen concentration in ambient air measured by the Aerobiological Network of the Public Health Service. To present the data of sensitisation of allergic patients in four areas of the country with different ragweed load. Material and methods: Ambient air concentration of ragweed was monitored by Hungarian Aerobiological Network. The concentration of pollen is measured by applying standard sampling method: Hirst type Burkard...

Studies of NA, MNA, NAD Compounds Influence on Radio-susceptibility and DNA Repair in Humans Lymphocytes

Cebulska-Wasilewska A., Panek A., Gębicki J.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S18  

Introduction: NA, MNA and NAD+ compounds participate in many biological processes, including the regulation of energy metabolism, signal transduction and DNA repair. Nicotynamide (NA) is one of the two primary forms of vitamin B3 (niacin). This compound is principal substrate in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) synthesis. Third investigated compound, methylnicotinamide (MNA) is metabolite of nicotynamide.Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the pre-treatment with NA, MNA and NAD+ on the radiation induced DNA damage levels as well as on the DNA repair.Methods: Thawed lymphocytes were incubated with...

Response of Human Body to Irregular Radiation Load

Bernatíková Š., Jirák Z., Jokl M.V., Tomášková H., Rosypal J., Šebesta D., Malý S.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S24  

Introduction: The aim of this study was to verify the response of heart frequency, body temperature and skin temperature on irregular thermal load in the course of mental work during experimental conditions in climatic chamber.Methods: Experiments were held in climate chamber in a group of 20 students (10 men and 10 women). Experimental persons (EPs) were dressed in uniform suit with thermal resistance 0.7 clo. The experiments were divided into three phases according to air velocity: I. va=0.25 m.s-1, II. va=0.5 m.s-1 and III. va=1.0 m.s-1. The resultant temperature of the globe thermometer (tg) was convenient with optimal conditions for mental...

Individual Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields: Preliminary Results from QUALIFEX

Frei P., Braun-Fahrländer C., Bürgi A., Egger M., Fröhlich J., Joos N., Neubauer G., Theis G., Röösli M.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S27-S28  

Objectives: Exposure to various sources of radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF) is common in industrialized settings, for example from mobile phones or broadcast transmitters. We assessed exposure to RF EMF in volunteers to gain a better understanding of exposure levels and to quantify the contributions of different sources.Methods: Exposure was assessed using the EME SPY 120 personal exposure meter (Antennessa, Brest, France), which allows separate measurements of the following frequency bands of RF EMF: radio transmitters, television transmitters, TETRA (radio communication for authorities), mobile phone handsets (uplink), mobile...

Long-term Effects of Outdoor Air Pollution

Hoek G.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S9  

Numerous studies from Europe and elsewhere suggest that current levels of air pollution trigger a broad range of acute health effects among susceptible people of all ages. There is less information on the health effects related to long-term exposure to air pollution. Several prospective cohort studies have documented that long-term exposure to particulate matter was associated with increased mortality rates. Most of these studies were conducted in the United States. European cohort studies have found associations between nitrogen dioxide (marker for traffic emissions) and increased mortality. Effect estimates in the cohort studies were substantially...

Health Impact of Climate Change - Major Challenge of the 21st Century

Páldy A.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S9  

The 4th Assessment Report of the International Panel on Climate Change emphasised that recent studies produced more confident assessment of the relationship between observed warming and its impact than was made in the Third Assessment. It is well known that the average global air temperature rose by around 0.6 oC over the twentieth century and the 1990s was the warmest decade in the last 100 years.Projected climate change-related exposures are likely to affect the health status of millions of people, particularly those with low adaptive capacity, through: * increases in malnutrition and consequent disorders, with implications for child growth and...

Development of Environmental Health Information System (EHIS) in Central and Eastern Europe

Dalbokova D.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S9-S10  

Objective: Through series of multinational collaborative projects WHO has developed a methodology for indicator-based assessment and reporting on environmental health situation and relevant policies in Europe. A significant outcome is the baseline assessment of the children's health and the environment with regards to four regional priority goals of CEHAPE (Children's Environment and Health Action Plan for Europe).Methods: A set of 26 indicators encompasses children's health and most relevant environmental risks of water-borne diseases and unsafe sanitation, injuries, respiratory health and air quality, hazardous chemicals and radiation. They were...

WHO Cooperation in Child Injury Prevention in the Czech Republic

Šteflová A.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S10  

Introduction: The Czech Republic counts among countries with the high injury mortality and morbidity level. Injuries are the third most common cause of death in the population and the leading cause of death of children and youth. Child injury prevention in the past could be characterized by existence of many activities of many bodies, but these activities were not systematic, not interesectoral linked and coordinated and thus not effective enough. The WHO Regional Committee Resolution RC55/R9 on preventing injuries in the European Region has helped to raise priority of the policy of injuries preventions in the Czech Republic.Material and methods:...

Health Policy of the Liberec Region

Valenta V.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S10  

The Liberec Regional Assembly, as the first among other regions in the Czech Republic, being aware of high importance of health for long-term and sustainable social an economical development, approved the political and strategic document on health improvement through the resolution No. 11 from December 17th 2002. It comes out from the conviction, that health of population is one of the basic conditions of prosperity of region as well as the satisfaction of people. The Regional Assembly approved the draft of Health Policy and decided to propose to the member of the Regional Council managing the health sector an effective system promoting realisation...

Mendelian Randomization in Environmental Epidemiology

Bencko V., Novotný L.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S11  

Mendelian randomization principle (MRP) represents a chance for methodology of evaluation of the causal relations between external cause and disease. The use of the principle assumes the association between the disease and the genetic polymorphism studied reflects the biological relations between the suspected exposure and the disease, and is generally less prone to the phenomenon of confounding and reverse causation, which can impair the interpretation of results in conventional observational studies. Authors describe explanatory options of MRP using examples of isothiocyanate (ITC) versus lung carcinoma. Cruciferous vegetables (CV) - rich in ITCs,...

Air Pollution During Pregnancy and Low Birth Weight in Dorog, Hungary

Rudnai P., Varró M.J., Mácsik A., Szabó E., Vaskövi E., Szalkai M., Solti H., Lászlóné B.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S12  

Objectives: Low birth weight may have negative impact on the children's health in later life. Therefore risk factors contributing to low birth weight should be identified and eliminated. We studied the association between foetal exposure to some air pollutants and the frequency of low birth weight in a small industrial town of Hungary. Methods: Scrutinized were antenatal care documents of all pregnant women living in Dorog covering a 7-year-period between 2000-2006. Air pollution data (PM10, NO2, SO2, CO, O3) were provided by the local Air Monitoring Network. From the 24-hour concentrations, both weekly average and weekly maximum levels were calculated...

Indoor Air Sampling Strategy

Kotlík B., Mikešová M., Kazmarová H.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S12  

Introduction: Indoor air quality is an important factor affecting human health. The role of indoor air on total inhalation exposure is given by the time spent in a given environment and the concentration of substances therein. The majority of people spend 2-3 hours outdoors (12%) and the remainder of their time at home, at work, in public transport and other indoor environments. The significance of indoor air on inhalation exposure is not the same for all substances and changes in time via societal and lifestyle changes. Health protection and exposure assessment is dependent on identification of indoor environmental factors, evaluation of their risk...

Traffic Related Population Exposure to Benzene Levels in Bucharest: Airpeco-People Project

Niciu E.M., Perez-Ballesta P., Field R., De Saeger E., Militaru I.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S12-S13  

Objective: When the EC directive on air pollution by benzene, has come into force the PEOPLE project aimed to provide measurements of benzene levels to assess the relative influence of outdoor and indoor emission sources on human personal exposure levels to benzene and to ensure policy support to raise awareness of citizens regarding air pollution was implemented.Methods: The benzene measurement campaign consisted in 24 hours outdoor and indoor benzene measurements and in 12 hour personal monitoring of 150 selected volunteers simultaneously in the same day. Movement diaries for all volunteers ensured the correct assignment to specific study groups....

Analytical Dispersion Modelling Supercomputer System (ADMOS) - Plan of Air Quality Improvement for Ostrava City

Jančík P.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S13  

Expanding industrial and agricultural production and increasing intensity of traffic cause increasing pollutant emissions and thus negatively influence air quality. Respecting the limits of natural resources and environmental impact of air pollution has resulted in efforts focused on air quality management and minimizing side effects of human activities.Management of air quality is currently at the forefront of international environmental protection debates. Impaired air quality causes earth climate changes, biosphere damages and has a negative effect on human health. There are legal regulations which establish pollution limits for a number of...

Monitoring of Organohalogens Body Burdens of the Czech Population

Černá M., Grabic R., Batáriová A., Beneš B., Šmíd J., Bencko V.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S14  

Objective: Czech Republic belongs to the countries with a relative high body burden of PCBs due to their intensive industrial use in the past. A systematic program of sampling and analysis of human body fluids and tissues for selected persistent chlorinated organic compounds has been initiated in the Czech Republic in 1994 with the aim to establish the current extent and long-term trends in the body burden of the Czech population. Breast milk has been the preferred matrix to evaluate human background exposure and body burden. Though the declining trend in the level of PCBs in the human milk has been observed, the body burden of the Czech population...

Correlations between Mutagenic Potencial and Measured Pollutants in Ostravian Urban Air (Year 2006)

Kůsová J., Burdová J., Miturová H., Tomášková H.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S15  

Introduction: Air quality is frequently evaluated by comparison of contaminant's concentration with the legislative limit. However, real environmental air is a complex mixture of many together acting contaminants (both measured and unknown). The interactions among all of them are complicated not only on the chemical level. Resulting biological (mutagenic) effect is dependent on an ability of live organism to react to all together acting components of the complex mixture on the biological level (the real cells with the real genetic material).Objectives: The aim of the study was to find correlations between measured pollutants and biological (mutagenic)...

Particulate Air Pollution and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Machová L., Horáková D., Kollárová H., Janoutová G., Čížek L., Janout V.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S15  

Objective: Suspended particles are listed among the main air pollutants in the Czech Republic. In some studies, an association between increased particulate concentrations and cardiovascular health outcomes was described. The objective of this study, therefore, was to present a critical review of recent literature dealing with the association between particulate air pollution and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.Material and methods: A literature search was conducted, using the combination of terms "air pollution" and "cardiovascular disease". Original articles written in English were included into further review. Quality of each study was...

Exposition Risks to Particulate Matters PM₁₀ in Some Urban Areas of the South Moravia Region

Pokorný B., Koláčný I., Krumlová A., Pejčoch M., Trnková M., Skeřil R., Rožnovský J., Adamec V., Pazourková J.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S15-S16  

Background: Air pollution poses one of the main problems in protection of public health and the environment. This poster concerns with aerosol PM10 (including toxic metal content - As, Cd, Ni and Pb) and its impact on public health. The project was focused on respiratory diseases and carcinogen risk assessment of the South Moravia Region population.Methods: The concentrations of PM10 were obtained from the Ambient Air Monitoring Network of 13 towns and villages of the South Moravia including urban areas with an increased PM10 concentration having been already reported previously. Monitoring net falls within authority of the Regional Institute of...

Evaluation of the Hungarian Situation of Indoor and Outdoor air Pollution and the Respiratory Diseases of Children by the Tools of the European Environment and Health Information System (ENHIS)

Málnási T., Páldy A.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S16  

Objective: One of the priority issues of the Children's Environment and Health Action Plan for Europe (CEHAPE) is "to prevent and reduce respiratory disease due to outdoor and indoor air pollution, thereby contributing to a reduction in the frequency of asthmatic attacks, and to ensure that children can live in an environment with clean air" (3rd Regional Priority Goal). The objective of the study was to assess the European and particularly the Hungarian situation of the children's respiratory diseases and the air pollution by means of the indicators of the European Environment and Health Information System (ENHIS).Material and methods: Data regarding...

Method of Predomant Source of Air Pollution Identification

Miturová H., Hanák M.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S16  

Introduction: Institute of Public Health in Ostrava carries out monitoring of environment. Monitoring of ambient air started in the year 1985 and has been continuing till now. The main program is: to find out the level of air pollution in different parts of the city and to indicate areas with pollutants exceeding limits. This project described quality of ambient air in locality Ostrava-Bartovice during four years (2003-2006) and analyzed in detail 2005 data. Annual concentrations of PM10, benzo(a)pyrene and arsenic exceed the limits. In the area of interest there is situated a lot of family houses. The main sources of air pollution are there local...

Children's Health and Air Pollution around Industrial Hot Spots in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Eberwein G., Wilhelm M., Hölzer J., Gladtke D., Angerer J., Kraft M., Marczynski B., Behrendt H., Ring J., Sugiri D., Ranft U.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S16-S17  

Objective: Evaluating exposure and health of children living in three highly industrialized districts ("hot-spots") in the Ruhr-Area and one rural community in North Rhine-Westphalia.Material and methods: Cross-sectional study comprising 968 preschool children was conducted in 2000. Exposure assessment based on ambient air quality data, small scale dispersion models and human biomonitoring, including measurement of PAH and heavy metals. Markers of early effects were DNA strand breaks measured by comet assay in lymphocytes. Health outcome were assessed by questionnaire, lung function and dermatological testing (RAST - radioallergosorbent test, patch,...

Biomarker studies in ionizing radiation and cytostatic exposure

Szendi K., Murányi E., Gerencser G., Varga C.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S17  

Objective: In Hungary, employer should perform risk assessment in case of occupational carcinogenic exposure, by the law. Biological monitoring provides opportunity to identify the high-risk group among medical personnel.Materials and methods: After giving detailed instructions to the employees of an oncology department under study several types of genotoxicity tests were carried out. A multi-endpoint monitoring panel was applied in biological samples of employees exposed to genotoxic agents (cytostatics, ionizing radiation) to assess the risk and its degree. Analyses of micronuclei (MN), sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) and in one case chromosome...

Occupational and Environmental Exposure to Lead and Indicators of its Biological Effect

Fat L., Gyorffy L., Ghiurca M.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S17-S18  

Objectives: The medical literature shows that both occupational and environmental exposure to lead affect the human health. Once in organism, lead initial produce the physiological absorption state, then the high absorption state that can be diagnosticated using toxicological investigations. Clinical manifestations appear when the absorbed lead is higher than the eliminated lead, generating the acute or chronic intoxication. The transition from one state to another depends on the exposure time and noxes concentration. The aim of this study is to analyze comparative, using some specific and precocious affected biological indicators, two groups of people...

δ-aminolevulinic Acid Dehydratase in Blood as a Biomarker for Low-level Lead Exposure

Asadauskaite R., Naginiene R., Abdrachmanovas O.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S18  

Introduction: Lead (Pb) poisoning at both low and high concentrations adversely affects haematopoietic, vascular, nervous, renal, and reproductive systems. Recent research has indicated that even blood Pb concentrations below 10 μg/dl (0.48 μmol/l) may be associated with negative health outcomes especially in children. Determination of lead in blood, serum/plasma, urine, hair, bone, teeth, nail, milk etc., is used in epidemiological studies. However, not all mentioned indicators equally reflect exposure/dose and internal dose/effects relationship.Objective: The aim of our research was to review recent literature related with studies of δ-aminolevulinic...

Oxidative and Immune Response in Experimental Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields

Surcel D., Dabala D., Szanto C., Botoc M., Toader S.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S18-S19  

Introduction: Although the physical techniques for measuring the electromagnetic fields (EMF) are well developed, adequate characterization of the biological effects induced by EMF is subject of discussion yet. Many scientific studies have been devoted to assessing what health risks are associated with EMF exposure. Data from the recent experiments suggest that EMF are associated with the iron-mediated free radical generation, that can cause damage in the biologic molecules such as lipids, proteins and can profoundly affect cellular homeostasis.Objective: The aim of this study was to show the effects of the chronic exposure to EMF on the immune...

Comparison of Various Methods for Assessment of Body Fat

Zavadilová V., Vlčková J., Tomášková H., Bužga M., Jirák Z., Horáková D., Janout V.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S19  

Introduction: Body composition is an important indicator of men's nutrition and health status. It depends on many factors. Nutrition and physical activity are the main determinants of body composition except heredity and hormonal aspects. We can use different methods for assessment of body composition. Some of them are more accurate, more exacting and more expensive than the others. Methods: The aim of this study was to compare selected methods for measurement of body composition especially of the body fat. In year 2006 the body composition was assessed in the group of 57 overweight adults (9 men and 48 women). They were included in two year interventional...

Railway Noise Annoyance and Hypertension Risk in Population Living around Train Station

Tamaian L.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S19-S20  

Aims: Some studies have suggested an association between noise exposure and hypertension. The hypothesis that prolonged exposure to train traffic noise causes high blood pressure was tested in a 4 years follow-up cohort study in population living in a dense traffic area, near a train station.Method: The study comprised two random samples of individuals aged 35-49 years. Study group included residents in the vicinity of train station (150 men) and 143 men from a quieter area of the same town. There was a continuous noise (level under 60 dB) and impulse interrupted noise exceeding 60 dB. Data were collected by use of a questionnaire and subjects...

The Acoustic Environment and Health Risks in Hospitals

Sobotová L., Jurkovičová J., Štefániková Z., Ševčíková L., Ághová Ľ.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S20  

Background: The increase of outdoor noise pollution in the environment arise the problem of indoor noise pollution, particularly in health care facilities. Noise exposure represents load for patients in the state of higher psycho-vegetative excitability and for the personnel as well. The aim was to investigate the status of noise pollution in different hospital environments, to measure and describe hospital noise and to improve noise awareness of the staff.Material and methods: Using an integrated sound level meter and an octave band analyzer, recordings were made in various hospital environments (e.g. orthopaedic operating theatre), during various...

Annoyance Analysis of Population Affected by Railway Noise - EU Strategic Noise Mapping

Michalík J., Šlachtová H., Šnajdr K.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S20  

Introduction: The EU member states are obliged to elaborate Strategic noise maps (SNM) till June 2007. This duty was given them by the Directive 2002/49/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 June 2002 relating to the assessment and management of environmental noise. Member States should apply the noise indicators Lden (overall annoyance) and Lnight (10 p.m.-6 a.m.) for the preparation and revision of strategic noise mapping. Until the use of common assessment methods for the determination of Lden (Lden - day-evening-night noise indicator - shall mean the noise indicator for overall annoyance), and Lnight is made obligatory, existing...

Risk Assessment in Nurses Occupationally Exposed to Antineoplastic Drugs

Surcel D., Stoica L., Mocan A., Butan M., Ghitulescu R.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S21  

Introduction: Cytostatic antineoplastic drugs are known as carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic risk factors for health care workers who are occupationally exposed during the preparation and administration of such drugs.Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the occupational exposure and biological monitoring of the personnel handling antineoplastic agents.Material and methods: Forty two subjects, all women, nonsmokers, with the mean age 33 years and the duration of the exposure to the cyclophosfamide (CP), ranging from 1 to 27 years were investigated. Twenty two subjects, all women, nonsmokers, with the age ranging...

Risk Assessment of Cardiovascular Disturbances in Miners Exposed to Vibration

Tamaian L.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S21  

Objectives: We intended to clarify the effect of professional exposure to vibration on cardiovascular system of miners. Methods: 374 miners, working in an ore mining area, were investigated to evaluate the prevalence of ischemic heart disease, the high blood pressure and parodontitis. They were assigned to three groups: 174 subjects exposed to vibration, with signs of Raynaud's phenomenon (group A), 100 with similar exposure, without Raynaud's phenomenon (group B), and the other 100, who were not exposed, representing the control group (C). The three groups were similar in respect of age, years of working, smoking habits, and hereditary risk factors...

Influence of Combined Operation of Radiation and Convection Heat on Reliability of Professional Performance

Malý S., Hladký A., Jokl M., Jirák Z., Bernatíková Š., Pražáková M., Maclová I., Malčíková K.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S21-S22  

Objective: The results of both field research and experiments prove that under unfavourable microclimatic conditions physical and psychological efficiency drops, whereas error rate increases and overall performance reliability falls. Nevertheless, practice shows that error rate also increases under relatively favourable microclimatic conditions, to be admissible under pertinent binding legal regulations and standards. Yet, it has been consented that owing to existence of a great number of variable physical settings (or conditions) the issue has not been devoted much attention to and has not been elucidated. Therefore, it stands to reason that opportunities...

Assessment of Risks of Ionized Radiation Exposure to Geophysics Expedition Employees

Kazimov M.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S22  

In accordance with high increase of oil production in Azerbaijan probability of adverse influence of ionized radiation in geophysics expedition employees during nuclear-geophysics researches in technologies of oil prospecting and producing increases. In connection with it the purpose of the study was to measure and assess hygienic levels of ionized emanation dose staff is exposed to while applying traditional and new methods of nucleargeophysics. The annual emanation dose exposure experienced by expedition employees is defined by radiometric, individual dissymmetric and calculation methods. During study it was determined that, while calibration of...

Causes of Death and Social Classes in Romania

Fat L., Drugan T.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S22  

Introduction: The special literature shows the existence of the morbidity and mortality differences between social classes in all the European countries. In each country for which data are available, chances of premature death were found to be higher among people with a lower educational level, a lower income or a lower social position. In Romania such studies were difficult to be done until now because there was insufficient information on the occupation. In this study we tried to analyse the relations between different social classes and specific causes of death and to evaluate the contribution of these causes in mortality of the different social...

Ethnic and Social Differences in Childhood Obesity - Roma and Non-Roma Groups in Slovakia

Rimárová K., Rimár V.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S22-S23  

Background: Childhood obesity is associated with significant morbidity and mortality and poses one of the major cardiovascular risk in adulthood. Prevalence of obesity has globally worldwide increasing trend among schoolchildren and youths. Central and Eastern European countries are dealing with social, political, cultural and health status difference of Roma (Gypsies) ethnic.Material and methods: In the cross-sectional anthropometrical study subjects were 1,172 school children aged 6-11 years, 420 Roma and 752 non-Roma. Overall prevalence of overweight has been evaluated as >95th percentile BMI for age.Results: Prevalence of overweight...

Obesity as Determinant of Health - Intervention Individual Reduction Programme of Weight for Patients with Overweight and Obesity

Vlčková J., Zavadilová V., Jirák Z., Tomášková H., Horáková D.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S23  

Introduction: Obesity influences health status of the individual especially metabolic indicators, cardiovascular and loco-motor system. One aim of this study is evaluation of results of intervention weight reduction programme based on the evaluation of the change of basic anthropometric data, biochemical indicators and results of ergo-metric investigation.Methods: Sample of 51 persons with different degree of overweight, including 7 men and 44 women, was for the first time investigated as a part of the project in period 2006-2007. In all monitored persons entry investigation was conducted at the Department of physiotherapy, Vítkovice Hospital,...

Relations between Health of Population, Life Style and Socio-economic Factors

Žejglicová K., Malý M., Kratěnová J., Kubínová R.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S23-S24  

Objective: To describe the relation between socio-economic factors, life style factors and the health of middle-age urban population in the Czech Republic.Methods: During 2004 and 2005, a questionnaire survey was made in 25 Czech towns to investigate the health of population called Study HELEN - Health, Life Style and Environment. The study was conducted within the framework of the System of Monitoring the Health of Population in Relation to Environment. 800 persons (400 males and 400 females) at the age from 45 to 54 years were selected in each town by a systematic random selection to ensure the adequate sample. Both the distribution and collection...

Use of Globe Stereo Thermometer for Evaluation of Irregular Radiation Load

Jirák Z., Jokl M.V., Šebesta D., Tomášková H., Bernatíková Š., Malý S.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S24-S25  

Introduction: The aim of this study was to verify globe stereo thermometer as appropriate indicator of irregular radiation load and to develop criteria for evaluation of irregular radiation load in environmental and occupational settings.Methods: Experiments were held in climate chamber in a group of 20 (10 men and 10 women). Experimental persons (EPs) were dressed in uniform suit with thermal resistance 0.7 clo. The resultant temperature of globe thermometer (tg) at the height of head was convenient in all experiments with optimal conditions for mental work in sitting position i.e. 24 °C. The difference between radiation temperature in direction...

Hygienic Assessment of Solid Wastes of Oil Production

Kazimov M.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S25  

Introduction: In spite of the steadily developing engineering processes and equipments oil production remains as one of the important sources of the environmental pollution with solid wastes that contains toxic and hazardous agents. Among solid wastes oil sludge that is formed throughout all stages of the complex technologies of oil production is the most dangerous waste. The complex chemical composition of oil sludge complicates the hygienic assessment of its impact on environment and population health.Objective: The aim of the study was to identify quantitative and qualitative characteristics of oil sludge that would help to develop on the scientific...

Lung cancer risk in workers exposed to silica in the Czech Republic

Tomášková H., Jirák Z., Šplíchalová A., Lehocká H., Zavadilová V.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S25  

Objective: In 1997 the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) evaluated dust containing crystalline silica and its thermal modifications, cristobalite and tridymite, as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1). The results of a great number of epidemiological studies confirm a statistically significant increase of lung cancer in the workers from various production areas with the risk of silicosis. The possibility of the increased risk of lung cancer in black-coal miners cannot be explicitly, according to the present knowledge, either confirmed or eliminated. Epidemiological investigation on silica exposure and lung cancer risk is the goal of two...

Implementation of the Environmental Health Information System in the Czech Republic

Kubínová R., Puklová V.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S26  

Objective: The project of Establishing the Environmental Health Information System Supporting Policy (ENHIS) in Europe, coordinated by WHO European Centre for Environment and Health and supported by EC, aims to set up and start the operation of a comprehensive information and knowledge system that generate and analyse environmental health information to facilitate relevant policies in Europe, focusing on those addressing children. The EH Information System is based on a set of indicators developed and updated by the project and is using health impact assessment methods. Implementing the EH Information System in European countries on the national levels...

The Problems of Ecology Monitoring and Environmental Informational Management Systems (EIMS) in Central Asia

Isobaev M.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S33  

The questions of rational use and safety of the natural resources remain a key parameter in the region with prevailing agricultural production. In former Soviet Union monoculture cotton production in Central Asian countries like Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan brought about many ecological problems. Among others the Aral Sea problem is of major interest as it could be recognized as crucial. These days we can observe the results of careless policy of USSR Government in the form of deficit of water in the basin of Aral Sea. Secondly, there are many other problems like air pollution, land degradation, and waste management...

Meat Products Microbiological Contamination and Nutritional Quality Monitoring Network Developed for Romania

Lupsa I.R., Neamtiu I., Goia A., Ostafe V., Popovici E.D., Tulhina D.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S33-S34  

Introduction: The main goal of WHO global food safety strategy is reduction of health and social burden of foodborne diseases by use of surveillance systems. In this regard the Ministry of Public Health in Romania initiated national programs aiming to protect the population and prevent outbreaks of diseases related to environmental risk factors, by developing surveillance methodologies.Objective: The goal of the pilot study (2001-2004) conducted by the Institute of Public Health in Timisoara (IPHT) was to develop a monitoring system for meat products as regards the nutritional quality, microbiological contamination and diseases risk, in order to...

An Association between Renal Damage and Urinary Cadmium and Lead Levels in Young Russian Children: Analytical Epidemiology and Intervention

Katsnelson B.A., Kireyeva E.P., Privalova L.I., Kuzmin S.V., Khrushcheva N.A., Beikin J.B., Postnikova T.V., Zhuravleva N.S., Makarenko N.P., Degtyareva T.D., Porovitsina A.V.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S34  

Objectives: The aim of the study was to find out whether a sub-clinical renal damage in children of urban areas in an industrial region could be associated with the combined toxicity of cadmium and lead.Material and methods: In 2004-2005 we examined 3-7 yearold preschool children from four towns in the Middle Urals, three towns being polluted by the copper industry. Only children who had no known renal disease were included into the studied groups. Urinary concentrations of Cd, Pb, and β-2-microglobulin (β2u), along with standard clinical indices, were measured in 184 children in the 2004 cohort, and 89 in the 2005 cohort. A case control...

Occupation and Risk of Gastric Cancer in Lithuania

Strumylaite L., Zickute J., Dudzevicius J., Dregval L.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S34  

Objective: Aim of the study was to evaluate associations between risk of gastric cancer and occupation as well as some environmental factors at workplace.Methods: A case-control study included 379 cases with diagnose of gastric cancer and 1,137 controls that were cancer and gastric diseases free. Controls were matched to cases by gender and age (±5yr.). Ratio of case and controls was 1:3. A questionnaire used to collect information on occupation and employment duration, exposure to dust, chemicals, radiation, stress at workplace and other possible risk factors related to lifestyle. The odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) estimated...

Prevalence of Allergy Diseases in Children in the Czech Republic in 2006 Cross-sectional Study

Kubínová R., Kratěnová J., Malý M., Žejglicová K.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S34-S35  

Objectives: Monitoring of occurrence of allergy diseases has been organized by the National Institute of Public Health in the framework of the System of Monitoring the Health of Population in Relation to Environment since 1996. The main purpose of the study was to evaluate both the present occurrence of allergy diseases in children and the development of morbidity trends since 1996.Methods: The study was conducted on population of children of 5, 9, 13 and 17 years of age in 18 towns of the Czech Republic during 2006. Both the size of towns and their environmental condition were taken into account during their selection. The study followed similar...

Relevant, Biased or Confounded Results? - Associations of Environmental Noise and Respiratory Symptoms in the National Children's Respiratory Survey (OGYELF), Hungary, 2005

Varró M.J., Lang Z., Páldy A., Bényi M., Nádor G., Martin J., Tulipánt G., Mácsik A., Szabó E., Rudnai P.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S35  

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine associations of environmental noise and respiratory symptoms among children in a nationwide questionnaire survey.Material and methods: In fall 2005, the National Institute of Environmental Health performed a survey among 8-9-year-old pupils in Hungary. The anonymous questionnaires asked for demographical data, perinatal circumstances, respiratory/other symptoms, housing environmental, lifestyle and social factors. 100,333 standardised questionnaires were sent into 2,726 schools. After voluntary, parental completition, from 2,160 schools (79.2%) 62,711 questionnaires were sent back (76.4%) by post...

Detection of Chromosomal Translocation in Prostate Cancer and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia by Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH)

Cebulska-Wasilewska A., Miszczyk J., Dobrowolska B., Dobrowolski Z.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S35-S36  

Prostate cancer is one of the most common males' cancers worldwide and it ranks third in Poland. It is believed that prostate cancer is the result of an accumulation of mutations. Genetics predisposition (polymorphisms) and alterations on multiple chromosomes, in particular on chromosome 1, are considered as possible causes of increased risk of diseases. In addition to this prostate cancer risk might be strongly influenced by familial history and environmental factors for example: tabacco smoking, marital status, diet, exposure to cadmium, zinc, selenium. In this study we have chosen chromosome 1 to compare the chromosomal translocation frequencies...

Pollution of Waters by Heavy Metals and Effects on the Population Health in Places of Waste Water Dump from the Mining Enterprises of Tajikistan

Korsakova I.A., Vakhobova R.U., Daburov K.N.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S36  

Tajikistan has the large stocks of poly-metal ores, which basic deposits are concentrated on Pamir, in Central and Northern Tajikistan. In case rich ore deposits are located in places of a mass settlement of the people, the enterprises of a mining industry represent in the certain sense "a bomb of the slowed down action" as at normal work of ore dressing enterprise the huge amounts of industrial wastes with high content of heavy metals in ores are formed, the part of which together with waste water regularly contaminates sources of drinking water. Such metals according to an industrial structure of ore dressing combines are mercury, lead, cadmium,...

Thermodynamic Behaviour and the Breakthrough Capacity on the Removal of Brilliant Green from Aqueous Solution by Peels of Prunus Amygdalus: Characterization and Kinetic Study

Usmani S.Q., Mondal P.K.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S36  

The almond peels (AP) have been employed as adsorbents for the removal of typical dyes. The ability of AP to remove brilliant green (BG), light green (LG), patent blue vf (PBVF), Metanil yellow (MY) from aqueous solution by adsorption process was in the order of BG >PBVF >MY >LG. The nature of possible adsorbent and dye interaction was examined by the FTIR and SEM technique. The equilibrium was attained in 3 hrs. The extent of removal of BG was found to be dependent on adsorbent dose, initial dyes concentration, temperatures, times and particles size. The Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) isotherm models were applied to the...

Response to the Challenging Dose of X-rays in Lymphocytes of Prostate Cancer Patients and Healthy Donors

Cebulska-Wasilewska A., Dobrowolski Z., Rudek Z., Panek A., Krzysiek M.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S27  

Introduction: An individual's genetic constitution and lifestyle, e.g., diet and levels of physical activity, can affect the body's response to various exogenous agents including therapeutic treatment. There is a strong need to combine studies on variability in a cellular response to the challenging dose of x-rays with predisposition of the patient to diseases development and healing.Objective: In this research study on the variation in a response to challenging dose of X-rays in lymphocytes from healthy donors and prostate cancer patients before the treatment on the molecular and mitotic level was performed.Methods: Blood was collected from...

Studies on Public Awareness about the Occupational Risk on Cancer

Cebulska-Wasilewska A., Drąg Z., Karwacki P., Krzysiek M., Stefaniak J.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S28  

Objectives: Electronic Trans-European Network (TEN) programmes, conducted in European Union countries aim to diminish differences in life quality among participating countries. To improve life quality they want to implement some informational services/portals to provide easy access to important information. Methods: The example of such project is EWS (EuroWorkSafe) - a website which aims to inform about cancer risk in working environment and its prevention. As research conducted in Western Europe has shown, very often the ordinary citizen is not aware of all the risk he is exposed to. The EuroWorkSafe date metabase is divided into categories helpful...

Poisoning with Pesticides: Profile of Cases Admitted to Ataturk Research and Training Hospital's Intensive Care Unit

Soysal A., Soysal D., Karakus V., Giray H., Yildiz B.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S28  

Objective: The aim was to evaluate patients with pesticide poisoning admitted to the intensive care unit in Ataturk Research and Training Hospital in Izmir, Turkey's third largest city, between 2005-2006.Material and method: There were 23 cases admitted to Ataturk Research and Training Hospital during the 2005-2006 period and all were diagnosed with the same descriptive qualities pesticide poisoning. All cases were taken into consideration. Information regarding the patients was obtained from their registration and case files. The research included the patient's age, sex, residential area, work, social security status, how they were exposed and...

Evaluation of Enviromental Health in Izmir's Kemalpasa County Primary Schools

Sevken S., Soysal A., Giray H.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S29  

Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the Environmental Health situation of Izmir's Kemalpaşa county primary school. Material and methods: The investigation of environment quality was performed in of 46 primary schools found in Kemalpasa. Appraisal was completed on the surrounding conditions, toilet hygiene, waste materials, food and water purity. The questionnaires requesting the necessary data were distributed to the school's administrators and they were asked to permit the researchers to observe the premises and subsequently some modifications were adopted.Findings: Of the 46 primary schools found in Izmir's Kemalpasa county, 9 were...

Globe Stereo Thermometer - a New Device for Measurement of Irregular Radiation Load in the Environment and Occupational Settings

Jirák Z., Jokl M.V., Vajner L., Tomášková H., Bernatíková Š., Rosypal J., Lehocká H., Kilián L., Malý S.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S29  

Introduction: Irregular radiation load influences well-being at work and work efficiency. The essentials for measurement and assessment are contained in EN ISO 7730:2005 Standard. This research work was aimed at verification of the Jokl-Jirák globe stereo thermometer produced by SIPOCH Prague, for assessment of irregular thermal load. The globe thermometer with a sphere mean of 15 cm, a metal coating of which is created by six collaterally separated identical segments fixed on a non-conducting core. The core composition prevents from heat transmission by conveyance and radiation among adjacent and opposite segments. Temperature of individual segments...

History and Environmental Health: Longterm Consequences of WWI with Special Reference to the Carpathian Basin

Varga C., Ember I., Kiss I.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S30  

National minorities are often subjects of environmental injustice. These minorities are primarily products of political and governmental changes in the 20th century, when millions of people suddenly found themselves living in a different country while still in their own homes, depending on the interests of great powers. That is, because the region where they lived was absorbed by another country, the residents frequently became second class citizens of their new state. This has been a common occurrence (both as enclaves and as compact zones along the borders) from the Baltic Sea to the Balkan. The recent problems of Carpathian Basin provide good examples...

Selection of SES Factors for Construction of Socio-economic Deprivation Index in the Czech Republic

Šlachtová H., Tomášková H., Polaufová P., Šplíchalová A.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S30  

Objective: In the Czech Republic (CR) any socio-economic deprivation index (SESDI) has been constructed for the use in ecological studies yet. The aim of this study was selection of SES factors for construction the SESDI. The study was financed by the grant agency of the Czech MoH (Project NR 8480-3).Material and methods: The SESDI components were selected from the census data (2001) that are routinely collected at the level of 77 districts in the CR. The pilot study was provided using the census data of the Moravian region (6 districts) and for verification of selected components the census enumeration districts (ED) data were used. The goal of...

Socio-economic Deprivation Index of the Czech Republic - Construction

Tomášková H., Šlachtová H., Polaufová P., Šplíchalová A.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S30-S31  

Objective: Results of epidemiological studies confirm association between socio-economic deprivation and health. In the Czech Republic any socio-economic deprivation index (SESDI) has been constructed for the use in ecological studies yet. The aim of this study financed by the grant agency of the Czech MoH was to create such SESDI.Material and methods: The SESDI was based on census data (2001) on the level of census enumeration districts (ED). The total area of detail analysis was 5,555 km2, this being divided into 5,114 ED (maximum 140 flats or 400 inhabitants) in six Moravian districts. In total population of 1,253 thousands inhabitants and more...

Analysis of Mortality in the Czech Republic Using the Newly Constructed Socio-economic Deprivation Index

Šplíchalová A., Šlachtová H., Tomášková H., Polaufová P.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S31  

Objective: Progressive increase of mortality by the level of deprivation is a serious social health problem in many countries. The aim of the study was the analysis of total and specific mortality in the Czech Republic using by authors newly constructed socio-economic deprivation index.Material and methods: Two indicators were constructed to indicate the level of deprivation in 77 districts of the Czech Republic - INDEX1 was created according to the methodology of Towsend index and INDEX2 was based on the methodology of indices MATDEP and SOCDEP. The socioeconomic characteristics of districts were based on 2001 Census data. Five material (ownership...

Pregnancy and Newborn Outcomes in Roma and Non-Roma Populations

Rimárová K., Ostro A.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S31-S32  

Introduction: The health parameters of the Roma minority appear to differ significantly from other population groups. Information about the health of Roma is only available from a few scientific studies, because in general the indication of ethnicity is not allowed to be entered in governmental health statistics.Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the reproductive parameters of Roma and non-Roma populations when controlling for mother's age and socio-economic status.Material and methods: The data from cross-sectional study (947 Roma and 2,713 Non-Roma) were derived from maternal and newborn obstetrics reports and personal mother's...

Physical Development and Body Proportionality of Children and Adolescents in Relation to Socio-economic Level of Family

Ševčíková L., Nováková J., Hamade J., Štefániková Z., Jurkovičová J., Sobotová L., Ághová Ľ.

Cent Eur J Public Health 2007, 15(Supplement):S32  

Objective: The life conditions are closely linked to social position of a family and its impact on physical development of children and adolescents. The purpose of the study has been to evaluate the growth and body proportionality of children and adolescents in relation to parent education and occupation.Material and methods: Parameters of height, weight and body mass index have been analyzed on the basis of the 6th Slovak nation-wide cross-sectional anthropometric survey (2001), which was realized on representative samples (17,800 boys and 17,400 girls) from all ages (0-18 years). The overweight has been evaluated as BMI over 90 and 97th percentile...