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Project Code [2003-PHD3-4]

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Project title

National Environmental Health Impact Assessment: The burden of disease attributable to environmental pollution in the Republic of Ireland

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

University College Dublin (UCD)

Lead Applicant

Anthony Staines

Project Abstract

The World Health Organisation (WHO) Environmental Burden of Disease (EBD) methodology was applied to estimate the burden of disease from exposure to lead outdoor air pollution and unsafe drinking water in Ireland. Disability-Adjusted Life Year (DALY) estimates indicate that the burden of disease from exposure to lead in Ireland is relatively low although there is uncertainty around potential exposures via drinking water. For outdoor air pollution despite relatively low exposures the proportional contribution was significant particularly for cardiopulmonary and lung cancer mortality. For exposure to unsafe drinking water while the mortality rate was low due to relatively high incidence rates and lost days of productivity associated costs may be significant.The assessment was useful in quantifying the health burden from these risk factors in a comparable and consistent way. The results facilitate the development of Environmental Health Indicators for Ireland as input to the Environmental Health Information System for Europe.

Grant Approved

�75,000.00

Research Hub

Healthy Environment

Research Theme

Environment and Human Health

Start Date

01/12/2003

Initial Projected Completion Date

n/a