Abstract

A convenience sample of 242 community organizations involved in environmental health issues was surveyed regarding each group's goals, activities, and problems. The 110 groups that replied identified 153 health-threatening hazards including toxic waste dumps, pesticide spraying, and air or water pollution. The most common health conditions which respondents attributed to these hazards were cancer, respiratory problems, birth defects, and reproductive difficulties. The goal identified most frequently was the correction of the specific hazard facing their community. To achieve this aim, groups engaged in a variety of activities including research, public education, demonstrations, lobbying, and legal action. Most groups reported extensive and helpful interactions with scientists or health professionals. Respondents reported problems in obtaining information from local health officials, other government agencies, and industry. A majority of the groups rated their efforts at environmental health protection as being very or somewhat successful. The implications of these findings for local health officials are discussed.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.