Program duration: 04/01/2010 - 01/01/2013
Environmental and Occupational Health Program for the Region of Oinofyta
Oinofyta Health Observatory
A Health Observatory has been organized and is currently operating in the region of Oinofyta. The Observatory will record, analyze and monitor the health of all people living and/or working in the area.
This initiative aims to meet the demand of Oinofyta residents for an epidemiological study in order to investigate the effect of environmental pollution on their health. In addition, the Observatory will create the opportunity for various preventive actions and health promotion interventions, as well as for legislative recommendations that will aim to secure the quality of the environment.
Oinofyta and the broader area of Asopos are facing significant problems concerning environmental damage caused by pollution. Environmental pollution is likely to endanger the health of residents and workers in the region, as well as public health. The Observatory aims to offer scientific data on the effect of these factors on human health. Relevant facts have not been documented until now.
The Observatory aims to identify health needs of the served population and organize preventive programs. Thus, it will contribute significantly to primary care and become a model for other regions of the country to follow.
Among the program objectives are:
- To identify health problems of residents and workers in the area from early on
- To promote actions for their prevention and treatment
- To prevent the possible spread of the problem to the general population
For the Observatory to be successful, important prerequisites are the consent and participation of all those who are:
- Citizens of Oinofyta
- Permanent residents of the area
- Working in the area
- Immigrants living and working in the area
Epidemiological studies, many of which have been made by private initiative, have demonstrated the relationship between occupational exposure to vinyl chloride and liver cancer and asbestos and lung cancer and mesothelioma. Furthermore, similar international studies have proven the relationship between smoking and lung cancer. It should be mentioned that with documentation based on these studies, vinyl chloride and asbestos are chemical agents now considered proven human carcinogens. Epidemiological scientific evidence supporting the causative relationship among exposure to carcinogens and development of disease has led to legislation that has prevented disease and death worldwide.
Prof Athena Linos is the scientific coordinator of the epidemiological study funded by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (KEELPNO). Apart from the University of Athens, Harvard School of Public Health and Dartmouth Medical School are among the partners involved in the study.
Prolepsis’ scientific team contributes to the study voluntarily as part of its corporate social responsibility programs.
Contact information
Oinofyta:
Phone Number: 2221234111, 6936958432
(We are currently in contact with local organizations to create more branches)
Services: Environmental Health
Project partners
University of Athens
(Graduate Program entitled "Environmental and Occupational Health – Management and Economic Evaluation")
Harvard University, USA
(School of Public Health)
Dartmouth University, USA
(Medical School)