Abstract

Indicator code: RPG3_Air_Ex2

This fact sheet provides an estimate of the Czech population exposed to particulate matter in concentrations exceeding air quality limits.

Data from the records of over 50% of the 81 urban monitoring stations involved in the Environment and Health Monitoring System show that at least one criterion for air quality was met (40 μg/m3 annual average and 50 μg/m3 daily average, which should not be exceeded more than 35 days), however almost 80% of the inhabitants in those cities have been living under environmental conditions where PM10 limits were exceeded. Air pollution is localized in heavy industrialized areas such as Ostrava- Karviná or Ústí n. L., as well as in large city agglomerations (Prague, Brno, Ostrava). In connection with a widespread increase of traffic intensity in Czech Republic, significantly burdened areas are also found in other cities. Together with consumption of solid fuels by households due to rising energy costs, an increasing burden is also apparent in small municipalities.

The information is based on data from 19 Czech cities with a total of 3.36 million inhabitants, collected and processed using the framework of the national Environmental Health Monitoring System of the Czech Republic. Particulate matter air pollution is a substantial problem in the Czech Republic, namely in large urban agglomerations as well as in several industrial areas. Epidemiological studies provide evidence about the health effects caused by PM10 air pollution in children as well as in the adult population.

In 2002, the “Health 21” long-term programme was adopted to improve public health. Its goal 10 requires “to reduce population exposures to health risks related to water, air and soil pollution…” and to “monitor and evaluate air quality indicators as well as health indicators.” A new national programme of emissions reduction was approved by Government resolution no. 630/2007 Coll, to deal with the unsatisfactory air quality in the Czech Republic, and also to fulfil an obligation resulting from the implementation of the Thematic Strategy on Air Pollution. The programme focuses on the two major sources of PM10: heating and traffic.

Abstract

Indicator code: RPG3_Air_E1

This fact sheet provides an estimate of the asthma and allergies prevalence in 5-, 9-, 13- and 17-year old children in 18 Czech cities, based on a periodical survey carried out within the national Environmental Health Monitoring System.

According to recent observations, the allergy prevalence is on the rise in the Czech Republic as well as in Europe as a whole. There are various reasons for that, for example increased exposure to all-season acting allergens, lifestyle changes including shift in nutrition, changes in immunological responsiveness due to enhanced hygiene or antibiotics misuse. Environmental factors such as outdoor and indoor pollutants and allergens also have a share.

Based on periodic prevalence studies of asthma and allergies in 18 Czech cities in the years 1996, 2001 and 2006, a 15% increase in doctor-diagnosed allergy diseases was detected, from 17% in 1996 to 32% in 2006. The number of asthmatic children has been growing as well: from less that 4% in 1996 to 8% in 2006. The prevalence of asthma symptoms reported by parents went from 9% in 2001 to 14% in 2006. According to the Asthma Control Test within the 2006 study, optimal asthma control was found in almost half of 13- and 17-year-old children with asthma. Insufficient control (persistent asthma symptoms) was detected in 15%. A positive finding was that out of the group of children with life-long asthma (8%), only a half had had symptoms of the disease in the preceding 12 months.

Early diagnosis and successive medical care are crucial for the life quality of allergic children. Also, public awareness of allergic diseases is important for its effective abatement. The “Czech initiative for asthma” was established in 1996 as a reaction to the international initiative GINA. This initiative is targeted on education activities and one of its results is the reduction of the numbers of children requiring immediate treatment. The initiative also reinforced the pollen information service in the Czech Republic.

Abstract

Indicator code: RPG4_Chem_Ex1

This fact sheet provides information on levels and time trends of the blood lead levels in children aged 8-10 years and in the adult population, based on data from selected Czech cities. Comparing data for the decade 1996-2006, blood lead levels have decreased in both children and adults.

A decreasing trend of blood lead levels in Czech children was observed since 1996, when 15% children had blood lead concentrations exceeding 50 μg/l. In 2006 this proportion had dropped to 2%, and no child was found to have blood lead level of 100 μg/l. Nevertheless, it is necessary to take into account that school children were the target group, in which a gradual reduction in blood lead levels occurs.

The number of persons in each population group was about 400 for each year. The data has been collected and processed for the period 1996-2006. Human biomonitoring has been carried out within the national Environmental Health Monitoring System in the Czech Republic.

The effects of a long-term chronic exposure to low environmental lead concentrations are known, especially in children. There is evidence of negative influence on neurobehavioral functions primarily. Studies indicate that for each increase of blood lead level by 10 μg/dl, the IQ is reduced by 1–3 points.

The Czech Republic has been involved in specific European Union activities such as the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM), and the consequent implementation of the new EU chemicals policy REACH, a new system for chemicals management and control aiming to ensure their safe use. The Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety (IFCS) also contributes to the implementation of SAICM through the development of strategies and the provision of policy guidance. In 2006, the Budapest Statement on Mercury, Lead and Cadmium was released, calling IFCS participants to initiate actions to address the health and the environmental impact of these heavy metals.

Please retrieve the full fact sheets in national language from:

SZU - National Institute of Public Health, Czech Republic