The Alliance for a Clean Environment recognises the interconnectedness of life on the planet and the environment. The air we breathe, the food and water we consume and the quality of the environment in which we live, determines our survival. Therefore, the protection of our life support systems is vital for our future. Increasingly, these systems are under threat from climate change, deforestation, ecosystem destruction and loss of biodiversity, overpopulation and contamination of our food, water and air. Poor environmental health quality contributes 25-30% of global ill health. (WHO 2003)
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In Western Australia , environmental health impacts have become increasingly topical in the media and generally, in the minds of WA citizens. Air pollution has been identified as the second highest concern of WA citizens. Impacts on human health and the environment from industrial pollution sources such as those reported at Brookdale, Bellevue , Kwinana and Wagerup have brought the seriousness of environmental health protection to the forefront of public awareness and to the States political agenda.
ACE recognises that the quality of environmental health in the community, often reflects issues of poverty, equity and justice. Generally, less affluent communities face disproportionate environmental health impacts. In WA where our economy benefits greatly upon the mining and extractive industries, that inherently come with high environmental health costs, our government currently lacks environmental health protection policies and laws.
ACE is committed to recognising and speaking out on environmental justice impacts in WA. ACE played a leading role in facilitating the first Environmental Health Public Forum in WA that developed, through broad pro-active stakeholder engagement, WA's first Environmental Health Plan.
Articles
Title :
Protecting children from harmful chemical exposure
Excerpt / Description of article:
Since World War II, approximately 80,000 new synthetic chemicals have been manufactured and released into the environment, with 1500 new chemicals being introduced each year. The vast majority of these have not been adequately tested for their impacts on human health or their particular impacts on children and the developing foetus. There are no tests to assess the combined impacts of the 'chemical soup' we are all exposed too. Children are exposed to hazardous chemicals through residues in their food, indoor and outdoor air pollution, and through household products and contaminated house dust.
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Title :
Performing a community health assessment
Excerpt / Description of article:
Incineration, old electrical transformers, pesticides and factory waste have one thing in common. They contaminate the environment with chemicals known to harm animals and people. These chemicals, whether dioxins (various by-products of the incineration of paper and plastics, also resulting from some manufacturing processes), furans (a relative of dioxins), PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyl compounds used in electrical equipment, lubricants, plastics and many other home products) and assorted pesticides (chemicals placed on plants to control insects, fungus or weeds) share certain important characteristics.
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Title :
Environmental Health Foundation
Excerpt / Description of article:
Questions and Answers regarding the Environmental Health Foundation
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