Common Hazard Research Articles

Fats and oils contaminants: an analysis of EU RASFF notifications from 1999 to 2023

Between 1999 and 2023, an extensive analysis of 713 notifications from the EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) related to fats and oils was conducted. The analysis covered the most frequently reported products, associated hazards, countries of origin, notification classifications, risk decisions, and actions taken in response. The data demonstrate considerable variability in RASFF notifications throughout the studied period, with significant spikes and a recent upward trend. Of all notifications, 44.32 % were categorized as alerts, and 23.42 % as border rejections. In terms of risk decisions, 34.08 % were deemed serious and 60.59 % remained undecided. Palm oil emerged as the most frequently notified product, representing 37.87 % of all notifications, followed by olive oil at 15.71 % and sunflower oil at 11.36 %. The Sudan 4 dye was identified as the most common hazard, constituting 30.01 % of all fats and oils notifications. Other notable hazards included benzo(a)pyrene (26.65 %), glycidyl esters (6.03 %), and chlorpyrifos (3.37 %). The top three countries of origin for RASFF notifications on fats and oils were Ghana (22.30 %), Ukraine (13.18 %), and Italy (9.96 %). These findings could benefit further research and influence decision-making, thereby enhancing food safety protocols in the global production, processing, and distribution of fats and oils.

Numerical simulation of deposit-landslide instability induced by water level decrease: a case study of RS deposit in Lancang River

Changes in reservoir water level often trigger landslides along the reservoir banks, which are common geological hazards that significantly affect the construction and operation of hydropower projects. In this paper, the stability of the RS reservoir landslide in the southwestern region of China is investigated. A discrete element seepage analysis model is constructed based on the theory of changes in the infiltration surface of the deposit caused by water level drawdown. The model is then embedded into a continuous-discontinuous three-dimensional numerical simulation method to systematically investigate the influence of reservoir water level decrease on the stability of the RS deposit. The results indicate that, under the condition of a sudden drop in reservoir water level decrease, the deposit experiences destabilization failure. Its sliding velocities are mainly influenced by seepage forces and gravity, while sliding displacements are influenced by seepage forces and topographic conditions. The landslide process shows distinct stratification characteristics. The portion of the deposit that slides into the river channel is mainly distributed between an altitude of 2655 m and 2870 m. The research results provide a scientific basis for studying the mechanism of slope failure and landslide disaster chain under the condition of reservoir water level lowering.

Dental outpatient departments and patient safety: Priority for a safe care

Patient safety is an essential aspect of healthcare, including dentistry. Dental Outpatient Departments (OPDs) pose unique challenges, where the risk of infections, procedural errors, and patient discomfort can compromise safety. This review examines patient safety issues in dental OPDs, focusing on common hazards, preventive measures, and evolving strategies to ensure safer care. Infection control, medical emergencies, equipment sterilization, and patient data protection are key concerns. The complex interplay of patient management, dental procedures, and clinician awareness requires robust protocols to mitigate risks. Dental professionals must be vigilant in managing cross-contamination risks, such as through the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and strict hand hygiene practices. Moreover, regular staff training in handling medical emergencies, such as allergic reactions or fainting, is crucial for effective management.This article also explores the role of technological advancements in enhancing patient safety, such as digital record-keeping, which minimizes documentation errors, and advanced diagnostic tools that reduce invasive procedures. Additionally, patient-centered approaches, including improved communication and informed consent practices, foster trust and reduce misunderstandings. The implementation of evidence-based guidelines and adherence to professional standards further contribute to a culture of safety. By synthesizing current research, this review aims to highlight best practices for improving patient safety in dental OPDs and underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and improvement in these settings. Addressing these safety concerns is critical not only to improve patient outcomes but also to ensure that dental OPDs remain a safe and trusted environment for all.

Seaweed Farming in Tanzania: A Study of Working Practices and Geospatial Analysis of Occupational Hazards and Adverse Health Outcomes

ABSTRACT Objective Work in seafood harvesting and processing has been associated with a range of occupational hazards and associated health problems. However, limited information exists regarding the occupational health risks among workers engaged in seaweed handling. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted to map seaweed co-operatives (n = 45), assess working practices, and identify common work-related symptoms, occupational hazards, and interventions in seaweed farming sites (n = 24), across three regions of Zanzibar, Tanzania. Results Seaweed farming in Zanzibar primarily involves the cultivation of Eucheuma Spinosum, with the majority of workers being women. Common work-related symptoms identified include musculoskeletal symptoms, mainly affecting the wrist (87%), back (84%) and lower limbs (73%). Furthermore, a significant proportion of workers were reported to have skin problems (80%) as well as heat and asthma-related symptoms (51%). Walk-through hazard evaluations of work sites identified a range of occupational hazards, with ergonomic (58–68%), biological (50–63%) and chemical (55–65%) hazards obtaining higher scores across the three regions. Geospatial analysis revealed regional variations in occupational hazards and work-related symptom prevalence, with Unguja South having a statistically significant (p < .05) higher mean prevalence of skin symptoms (95%) and Mjini Magharibi region reporting a higher prevalence of lower limb pain (100%), back pain (100%), and heat-related symptoms (90%). Despite the high hazard scores, interventions were generally lacking across all regions. Conclusion Occupational health hazards and adverse health outcomes vary across seaweed farming and processing regions. Tailored interventions will be key to improving workplace health and safety of workers engaged in this sector.

Occupational Hazards Among the Agricultural Workers in a Rural Area of South India

Background: Agriculture is one of the most hazardous occupations, employing around 60% of India’s workforce. Agricultural workers face occupational hazards in the form of physical, chemical, biological, mechanical, ergonomic, psychosocial, and so on. This study assessed the physical, chemical, biological, and mechanical health hazards among agricultural workers.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 agricultural workers selected through multistage random sampling in a rural area to assess their occupational hazards.Results: Physical hazards were the most common hazards reported by 390 workers (97.5%), followed by mechanical hazards by 200(50%), and biological hazards by 79(19.7%). Chemical hazards were noted in 136(86.4%) out of 155 participants who used chemicals in the form of pesticides and insecticides.Conclusion: All agricultural workers experience one or the other types of occupational hazards. These hazards have a bearing on the quality of life among the agricultural workers who form the primary workforce in our country and contribute significantly to the economy. It is crucial to ensure a robust health information system to track down and respond to agricultural workers’ various health events, develop and implement a need-based intervention program through the formal healthcare system, and prevent and avert occupational health hazards in this group.

Multi-hazard, multidimensional disaster risk validation in selangor’s three urban districts, Malaysia

Considering the increasing impact of natural hazard-related disasters in Malaysia, understanding and evaluating integrated disaster risk must consider multi-hazard and multidimensional vulnerability at the local level, particularly in developing industrial nations like Malaysia. Therefore, this study proposes an improved methodology for conducting an integrated disaster risk assessment index (IDRI) mapping to measure disaster risk within local administrative boundaries in Malaysia. In this study, multi-hazard spatial overlapping combined two common hazards in Malaysia, which are floods and landslides. This study used multidimensional vulnerability, which encompasses six dimensions, 16 subdimensions, and 54 indicators. Researchers applied this approach in three urban districts of Selangor, Malaysia: Sepang, Kuala Langat, and Hulu Langat, which are located within the Langat River catchment and consist of 17 subdistricts. Overall, 32.9% of the total study area was found to be at risk, with 4.3% in the very high-risk area. In comparison with the latest flood events in 2021, the IDRI components were highly correlated with disaster impact. In conclusion, the contribution of this study provides a novel perspective on disaster risk assessment by addressing several types of hazards and multidimensional vulnerability, as compared to the previous methodology focusing on a single hazard and a physical vulnerability factor.

Predicting the spread of contamination in water distribution networks laid on sloping terrains

Contamination in domestic and drinking water during the conveyance process is one of the biggest health risks of all time. This is a very common hazard that is expected in the areas where water, sewer, and drainage pipes are laid in trenches near each other. The extent of the contamination spread in the case of intrusion through a pipe leak for water distribution networks (WDNs) laid on sloping terrain is not known. This article deals with the simulation and hydraulic analysis of organic contaminant intrusion in WDNs with significant consideration of the slope of the laid pipes. The source of organic contamination is considered to be the nearby leaking sewer water. The effects of sloping terrain on contaminant spread in the pipe network are studied in detail by injecting contaminant concentrations at eight different critical locations in the network. The results of contamination spread after a particular time at all nodes are compiled, and by using statistical techniques, a relation between the contaminant spread and pipe slope is proposed. The presented model is validated by comparing the actual values of the contaminant in water samples obtained at the site with the calculated ones, and it shows that the values deviate within the range of ±2% only, which is considered a good match. The research proves to be beneficial for the management of water distribution through pipe networks against contaminants to maintaining water quality and public health.

The importance of integrating flexible learning methods (audio-visual animation vs. visual pamphlet) to enhance awareness, perspectives, and practices in preventing lower back pain in nurses. A quasi-experimental study.

Nurses are highly susceptible to developing low back pain (LBP), which is considered a common occupational hazard. The present study investigated the efficacy of flexible learning methods on the nurses' awareness, perspectives, and practice regarding the prevention of LBP. In pre-test posttest quasi-experimental study conducted from June to December 2019, 153 eligible nurses working in three hospitals were participated. Researchers divided the hospitals into three groups with similar numbers of participants (around 55 each) using a random process. One group received an educational intervention using an audio-visual animation, another group got a visual pamphlet, and the last group served as a control with no intervention. All nurses completed a validated questionnaire designed by the researchers to assess their awareness, perspectives, and practices related to preventing lower back pain. The questionnaire was given three times: before the intervention, 1 week after, and 4 weeks after. The study found that participants in the audio-visual and visual pamphlet groups scored significantly higher on awareness, perspective, and practice measures compared to the control group. Interestingly, the visual pamphlet group showed even greater awareness and practice scores compared to the audio-visual group (p < 0.001). However, the audio-visual group achieved a higher perspective score compared to the visual pamphlet group (p < 0.001). Nurses' perspective, awareness, and practice towards LBP prevention can be improved by blending the visual pamphlet and audio-visual animation.

Streptomyces improves sugarcane drought tolerance by enhancing phenylalanine biosynthesis and optimizing the rhizosphere environment

Drought stress is a common hazard faced by sugarcane growth, and utilizing microorganisms to enhance plant tolerance to abiotic stress has become an important method for sustainable agricultural development. Several studies have demonstrated that Streptomyces chartreuses WZS021 improves sugarcane tolerance to drought stress. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying tolerance at the transcriptional and metabolomic levels remain unclear. We comprehensively evaluated the physiological and molecular mechanisms by which WZS021 enhances drought tolerance in sugarcane, by performing transcriptome sequencing and non-targeted metabolomics; and examining rhizosphere soil properties and plant tissue antioxidant capacity. WZS021 inoculation improved the rhizosphere nutritional environment (AP, ammonia, OM) of sugarcane and enhanced the antioxidant capacity of plant roots, stems, and leaves (POD, SOD, CAT). Comprehensive analyses of the transcriptome and metabolome revealed that WZS021 mainly affects plant drought tolerance through phenylalanine metabolism, plant hormone signal transduction, and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways. The drought tolerance signaling molecules mediated by WZS021 include petunidin, salicylic acid, α-Linoleic acid, auxin, geranylgeraniol and phenylalanine, as well as key genes related to plant hormone signaling transduction (YUCCA, amiE, AUX, CYPs, PAL, etc.). Interestingly, inoculation with WZS021 during regular watering induces a transcriptome-level response to biological stress in sugarcane plants. This study further elucidates a WZS021-dependent rhizosphere-mediated regulatory mechanism for improving sugarcane drought tolerance, providing a theoretical basis for increasing sugarcane production capacity.

Assessing Historical Landslide Risk Management Based on Trigger Magnitude and Consequences: A Case Study from the Rokko Mountains, Kobe, Japan

AbstractLandslides are a common hazard in mountainous regions, and many countries have implemented landslide risk management to mitigate their negative impacts. Assessing the effectiveness of those measures is important to improve technical and political decision-making and to enhance the selection and implementation of effective landslide risk management strategies. Here, we assessed effectiveness in landslide risk management based on the magnitude of rainfall characteristics that triggered landslides (inducing factor) and landslide consequences in the Rokko mountains, Kobe, Japan. The number of check dams was used as an indicator of progress in landslide risk management. For fatal landslide events in 1938 and 1967, rainfall characteristics that triggered landslides were estimated using the three-layer tank model, and their magnitude was quantified by the return period (RP). We then compared these rainfall magnitudes and landslide consequences (i.e., fatalities and completely collapsed houses) between the two events. The RP of the first tank storage layer value, which indicates rainfall characteristics triggering shallow landslides, was higher at landslides in 1967 than in 1938, whereas landslide consequences were less in 1967 than in 1938. 218 units of check dams were intensively constructed by landslide risk management from 1938 to 1967 and reduced the damage from landslides in 1967 that were triggered by higher magnitude rainfall than in 1938. This study also highlighted the importance of focusing on the magnitude of the inducing factor and landslide consequences to assess the effectiveness of landslide risk management at a local scale.

Use of E-Nose in inspecting the effect of processing type on the aroma of garlic (Allium Sativum L.): a critical hint in the quality assessment

Controlling the quality and health of foodstuffs is of great importance. The quality of foods like garlic is strongly influenced by the conditions of processing. Fungal infection is one of the most common hazards of garlic productivity that can affect its processing as well. This research aimed to use the E-Nose to investigate the aroma of garlic as a quality control factor influenced by different treatments such as type of processing, type of fungal infection, and time elapsed since the date of inoculation. The data was investigated and categorized through different methods such as principal component analysis (PCA), linear discriminant analysis (LDA), Support vector machine (SVM), and backpropagation neural network (BPNN). The Index of deterioration toughness increased during the monitoring period. In the analysis of the data related to the unprocessed whole (UW), dried slices (DS), garlic powder (PO), and garlic tablet (TA), the PCA included 55%, 75%, 47%, and 53% of the data, respectively. The LDA was able to classify the aroma of UW, DS, PO, and TA samples based on the TFI treatment with an accuracy of 90%, 93.33%, 88.89%, and 60%, respectively. Also, the BPNN classified the aromas of UW, DS, PO, and TA samples based on the TEI treatment with an accuracy of 90%, 95.6%, 72.2%, and 82.2%, respectively. The results revealed that the aroma alteration can be used as a comprehensive factor in the quality control of processed products. As well, the type of processing had significant effects on the severity of decay caused by fungal infection.Graphical

Flow characteristics of the rip current system adjacent to a coastal vertical structure for irregular waves

Rip currents are common hazards found on many beaches around the world. The present research examines the rip current flow features adjacent to a coastal vertical structure with total reflection function to the incident waves. The laboratory experiments were conducted over the planar beach for both regular and irregular waves to explore the specific phenomenon for the irregular waves, and a higher-order Boussinesq equation model was adopted in the simulations to analyze the formation mechanism of the flow features. The study results show that, the standing wave pattern for the irregular wave is much weaker than that for the regular wave with inducing only one apparent node rip at the first node line in the reflection wave area. Moreover, the specific “single-vortex” flow pattern was formed in the crossing wave field for the irregular wave tests. This specific flow pattern is found essentially induced by the larger wave reflection rate of the vertical structure, which leads to the strong lateral flow against the downstream longshore current. This specific flow pattern prefers to present for the smaller wave incident angles and larger wave heights and periods, and leads to the feeding flow volume rates discharged more in the form of lateral flow. The C-shaped lateral flow is found mainly induced by the longshore gradient of the wave set-up instead of the non-uniform wave radiation stress nearshore.

Numerical investigation of rip currents near a barred beach induced by irregular waves

Rip currents pose a common natural hazard at coastal tourist beaches, presenting a significant threat to the safety of beachgoers and beach management. To better understand the characteristics of rip currents, particularly those induced by irregular waves on a barred beach, this study utilized a Boussinesq-type, phase-resolving hydrodynamic model for numerical simulations. We investigated various factors, including significant wave height, peak period, incident angle, and bottom friction, to assess their impact on rip currents formation. The results of our research reveal some key insights. Firstly, an increase in significant wave height and peak period fosters the development of rip currents. However, beyond a certain threshold, the intensity of the rip currents decreases. Conversely, a larger incident angle tends to reduce the intensity of rip currents. Additionally, higher bottom friction leads to increased energy dissipation during wave propagation, consequently resulting in decreased rip currents intensity. In an effort to create a more precise representation of real sea conditions, multi-directional waves were employed as incident waves in this study. An analysis of different standard deviations of directional distributions revealed that as the directional spread of incident waves widens, the waves become more susceptible to breaking, ultimately leading to a reduction in the intensity of rip currents.

Influence of physical properties and shear rate on static liquefaction of saturated loess

Flow sliding instability of saturated loess slopes is a common geological hazard in loess areas of China. Previous studies have found that the occurrence of flow-slip loess landslides is closely related to static liquefaction and is controlled by physical characteristics and load conditions. In this work, we comprehensively study these influences of physical properties (i.e. initial pore structure, gradation, dry density) and shear rate on the static liquefaction of saturated loess through a series of consolidated undrained triaxial tests, and the effect mechanism of these related factors on the static liquefaction of saturated loess are also discussed. The results present that: (1) The peak deviator stress and the maximum pore pressure of the undisturbed loess are much greater than these of the remodeled one under each level of confining pressure (except 450 kPa). Further, the calculated liquefaction potential index (LPI) of undisturbed loess is much greater, indicating that undisturbed loess is more prone to static liquefaction due to the initial pore structure. (2) The lower the relative clay/silt content ratio of the saturated remodeled loess, the stronger the potential liquefaction ability. With the increase of the relative content of clay from 0.125 to 0.698, the stress-strain curve gradually transitions from strain softening to hardening. (3) The remodeled loess show the steady-state strength tends to continuously increase with the increase of dry density from 1.38 g/cm3 to 1.56 g/cm3, while the LPI increases first and then decreases, and the largest value appears when the dry density reaches to 1.44 g/cm3. The reason is that the value of 1.44 g/cm3 is the normal consolidated condition, which essentially reflects the potential liquefaction change during the transformation from under consolidated to over consolidated state.(4) The effect of shear rate on the stress-strain curve of remolded loess is not significant, but the peak strength and ultimate pore pressure show a trend of increasing and then decreasing with the increase of shear rate. There exists a “critical shear rate “of 0.1 mm/min reflecting the liquefaction of loess is more likely to occur when reaches to this critical value. (5) Based on the comparison of static liquefaction tests, the influencing factors of static liquefaction of saturated loess are: initial pore structure> gradation > dry density > shear rate. This study can provide a systematic evaluation for understanding the influencing factors of static liquefaction capacity of saturated loess (especially remolded one), and also has a reference for explaining the loess flow-sliding failure mechanism under disturbance conditions.

Assessment tools for evaluating the efficiency of practices to control food safety performance indicators in cereal-based small-medium scale food manufacturing establishments in Bangladesh

Safe production in small-medium enterprises (SMEs)-based food processing industries is a challenge in developing countries due to limited resources and inefficient process control activities. For the development of the situations, we first need to identify the context characteristics and control activities that have an impact on the safety of the finished products. In the present study, a comprehensive target-oriented tool was designed to evaluate the efficiency of control practices with respect to contextual factors to understand the likelihood of common hazards in cereal-based small and medium factories. The identified 18 control activities, based on previous studies, were assigned to three food safety performance indicators, such as allergen contamination, pesticide residue or heavy metal contamination, and fungal contamination. The performance level of activities is a marker of whether the control practices are able to control the food safety performance indicators in cereal-based SME manufacturers. A Venn diagram is used to visually present the efficiency of control activities. Moreover, among the 18 control practices, 7 for mitigating pesticide residues or heavy metal contamination, 9 for allergen control, and 13 control practices for fungal contamination were identified. As comparatively lower control practices (water source, raw material control, testing, etc.) are involved in mitigating pesticide residues or heavy metal contamination, which proves context factors (Good Agricultural Practices, contamination-free soil, etc.) are more important to minimize the risk. We inspected the implementation of the developed tool in 44 cereal-based small-medium manufacturers in Bangladesh and calculated 59.06% efficiency in controlling fungal contamination. Most of the cereal-based SMEs in Bangladesh operate from a poor to a basic level, which is an indication of the high likelihood of occurring hazards.

FLOOD INUNDATION MAPPING OF GODAVARI RIVER BY USING 2D HEC-RAS MODEL

Due to increasing urbanization, there are various drastic changes taking place in environment these changes are hazardous for human being as well as animal and environment. Effect of environmental degradation can create environmental issues such as flood, drought etc. Out of this flood is the most common and disastrous hazard in the world. Present study utilizes 2D Unsteady flow modelling for flood inundation mapping in the lower Godavari basin for a reach length of 70 km from Sambaigudem in Telanagana district of Ramanujavaram to Damaracherla in Andhra Pradesh district of Nalgonda. For analysis of this 2D flow modelling and inundation mapping 30m resolution DEM is used. From ancient time majority of cities are developed near or on the banks of the river and these cities were affected due to flood during rainy season or due to the high intensity rainfall. As India is among the most vulnerable to flooding because of its geographical features. Therefore, this study is performed to analyze the flood plain and the extent of the affected areas present on or near the bank of Godavari River and provide mitigation measures for it.

Child Home Safety in Hispanic and Rural Communities Along the Texas–Mexico Border: A Community Health Worker Intervention

Low-income children are among the most affected by unintentional injuries. Although these injuries are preventable, outreach to low-income families in Hispanic and rural communities can be challenging. Community Health Workers (CHWs) are effective partners in reaching these populations. This study sought to determine whether a CHW-led intervention would reduce common hazards that increase the risk of unintentional injuries in low-income rural Hispanic homes along the Texas–Mexico border. CHWs conducted home visits to assess for injury hazards and distribute safety devices to 47 families with children ages 0 to 5 in five low-income rural border communities. CHWs provided follow-up assessments and support 30 days later. Analyses examined changes in the proportion of hazards from visits 1 to 2, with relative risks estimating the impact of safety devices on hazard reduction. Findings showed a 26.2% reduction in the total number of common hazards present in homes from visit 1 to visit 2 ( p &lt; .001). There was a 70% reduction in the overall risk of a hazard being present at visit 2, relative to visit 1 ( relative risk = 0.30, 95% CI [0.28, 0.33], p &lt; .001). This study suggests that tailored CHW interventions can reduce home safety hazards. CHWs are well suited to inform hard-to-reach Hispanic and rural populations, addressing feelings of distrust and promoting acceptance of recommended environmental changes. More rigorous evaluations of this intervention strategy are needed.

Identifying assets exposed to physical climate risk: A decision-support methodology

Climate events are increasingly affecting supply chains, leading to frequent and costly impacts. Managers lack a systematic approach to evaluate risks to individual facilities and employees. We propose a decision support methodology to help quantify the exposure of both to ten most common climate hazards. Using both historical and scenario-based climate data, the methodology distinguishes three dimensions for understanding climate risk: anomaly, extreme variability, and acceleration, applied to each peril from historical to projected data. This approach allows for the isolation of the components of climate change by peril, facilitating a better understanding of each component. Furthermore, it enables the development of adaptative responses tailored to each of the climate dimensions. A case study of a logistics group with more than 200 warehouses across 181 locations in eight European countries illustrates the approach, demonstrating its practicality and effectiveness. Our methodology offers firms, large and small, the opportunity to reinforce their resilience in the face of multiple physical risks. The metrics and scores presented in this paper can be extended to assess the growing issues of climate risks as they apply to occupational health and safety as well as natural resources management.

Notifications Related to Fraud and Adulteration in the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) in 2000–2021

Fraudulent and adulterated food is produced mainly to reduce prices and attract consumers’ attention whilst threatening their economic interests, health, and safety. As such, this type of activity should be eliminated. This study’s aim was to identify the most common hazards related to food fraud and adulteration, reported in the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) between 2000 and 2021, taking into account the product category (including individual products), country of origin, and notification type. We used Microsoft Excel (filtering, vertical-searching, transposition, and pivot table functions) and Statistica 13.3 (two-way joining cluster analysis) to analyse similarities between the hazards identified throughout the research period. Notifications relating to food fraud and adulteration accounted for 18.7% of all RASFF notifications, fluctuating between 1000 and 1200 per year in recent years. These mainly included hazards related to composition and novel foods in dietetic foods, food supplements and fortified foods, sulphites in fruits and vegetables, colours in cereals and bakery products, or Sudan in herbs and spices. Dietetic foods, dietary supplements, and fortified foods were mainly reported as alerts and information notifications, meaning that they were already available on the common European internal market. The other products originated mainly from outside the European Union (Asia—Turkey, Uzbekistan, India and Africa—Ghana, Nigeria) and were submitted on the basis of border rejections. Therefore, it is necessary to continue closely monitoring imported products at the EU border to ensure food safety, avoiding fraud and adulteration and protecting consumers’ financial interests.

Governance strategies and tools towards the improvement of emergency management of natural disasters in transboundary areas

Cross-border emergency management is a pressing issue, especially in contexts where economic, social, infrastructural and natural interdependencies ignore political borders. Different legislative, administrative and organisational barriers can hinder the homogeneity, coordination and effectiveness of any emergency response to a common natural hazard. The GESTI.S.CO. project (Italian acronym for "Management of emergencies and disasters without borders"), co-funded under Grant Agreement No. 475062 of the Italy-Switzerland Interreg Cooperation Programme, has been designed to study and address this issue in the highly interconnected and densely populated border area between the Cantons of Ticino (Switzerland) and Lombardy (Italy). The main objective is to strengthen cross-border cooperation in the management of natural disasters through common solutions for the preparedness of local administrations on both sides of the border, in order to increase cooperation, coordination, integration and mutual assistance in case of need. The GESTI.S.CO. governance approach has produced many results: some of them have been included in the official procedures and tools of the institutions in charge of emergency planning and management in both countries; others, more informal, have helped to share knowledge and know-how and to improve the cooperation and response of stakeholders and local communities in the event of natural disasters. Some of these products have already been positively validated during some hydrogeological and wildfire events that occurred in the study area in 2021 and 2022. Such an approach may be useful for other transboundary areas where some results may be replicable under selected conditions.