Environment & Health

Because of the permanent interaction between man and his environment, our health is to a considerable extent determined by the environmental quality. As a consequence, environment and health are closely related.

The environment in which we live, work and relax, is determining for our health and well-being. Physical, as well as chemical and micro(biological) factors in the environment can have repercussions on our health, both physically and mentally.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) definition of health emphasizes the physical, mental and social well-being: "Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the abscence of disease or infirmity". Health is considered as an overall concept reaching beyond the absence of illness and ailments.

Well-being and quality of life are subject to an impressive number of factors, including psychological, social and environment-related aspects. In addition to positive influences such as green belts and entertainment areas, it is also important to identify the negative factors, such as noise, odour and light nuisance.

However, the relation between environment and health is extremely complex. Although many health problems are tought to be associated with environmental pollution, it is difficult to assess the seriousness, extent and causes of environment-related diseases. Besides environmental-related causes, there are other factors which can directly or indirectly lead to the same health problems.

Moreover, a causal connection between health effects and e.g. distribution of specific substances in the environment is often hardly or not demonstrable. The specific contribution of each of the different causes of health problems is difficult to determine.

Broader definition of "environment"

Our health is to a large extent determined by the quality of our environment, both indoor as outdoor.

The impact on our health not only involves the consequences of air, ground and water pollution, but also other factors, such as genetic susceptibility, food contamination, radiation, life style and life quality.

When analysing relations between environment and health, it is of vital importance to consider a broader definition of "environment": not only the quality of the air, water and ground, but also indoor air quality, food and the living and working environment need to be taken into account.

Environmental disruptions, such as dispersion of dangerous substances, acidification, overfertilization, photochemical air pollution, climate change, ground pollution and nuisance have impact on human health. Aspects of environmental quality and life style that are not voluntarily chosen (e.g. passive smoking, noise nuisance, stress) are also important. A basic principle of environmental policy is to limit the negative influence of these disruptions on human health to non-harmful levels.

Integrated approach

In Belgium, the competences of environment and health are divided between the communities, the regions and the federal government. First and foremost an integrated approach is necessary in order to better fine-tune environmental policy and health policy.

To achieve a closer collaboration between the environmental and the health policy area in Flanders, in 2002 the cell Environment and Health was established within the former AMINAL (the current Environment, Nature and Energy department (Leefmilieu, Natuur en Energie, LNE)). In the framework of BBB (Better Administrative Policy) this cell was transformed into the Environment & Health service under the division 'Air, Nuisance, Risk Management, Environment & Health' of the Environment, Nature and Energy department.

The Environment & Health service provides a good cooperation between the environmental and the health policy area. It is responsible for structuring, preparing and implementing a policy directed towards avoiding the negative health effects of environmental pollution. Particular attention is given to vulnerable groups, such as children and elderly people.