| Popis: |
The Inspectorate of the Netherlands Ministry of Spatial Planning, Housing and the Environment (VROM) endeavours to set priorities for law enforcement based on the impact that target groups and activities have on public health. To be able to set these priorities the Inspectorate requested the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) to systematically overview all activities or policy topics influencing public health for which the Ministry is accountable. Data reflected the estimated or measured health effects on a national scale, the target groups and activities associated with health problems and the legal enforcement possibilities for the VROM Inspectorate. Evaluation of potential health effects was based on scientific reviews and recent health impact assessments of exposure to pollutants at national levels. Results were expressed in number of persons exposed, number of people affected (mortality, morbidity, annoyance and perception) and trends in exposure or disease. The resulting factsheets described the roles given to national policy, laws and regulations, the role of the National Inspectorate in the law enforcement and the effects on public health. On the national scale, it was not always possible to locate the right data. This was due partly to lack of knowledge on the effects, such as with genetically modified organisms and partly because few studies on this scale have taken place, for example, soil contamination and pesticides. |
