Istanbul is expected to experience an earthquake in the near future, but individuals show limited interest in preparing for it. This study aims to identify the factors associated with taking action to prepare for an earthquake and mitigate its effects at the individual level. A field survey was carried out in 2007 in two districts of Istanbul with different levels of earthquake risk. Within these districts, three socioeconomic levels were considered. A total of 1,123 people were interviewed face to face. Analysis indicated that the educational level of the respondents was the leading factor associated with taking at least three measures, followed by living in a higher earthquake risk area, having participated in rescue and solidarity activities in previous earthquakes, a higher level of knowledge about earthquakes, home ownership, a higher score for action-stimulating attitudes, being younger, and a higher general safety score, in that order. The findings pointed to the role of knowledge about earthquakes and possible mitigation/preparedness measures, and thus the importance of developing effective awareness programs. Such programs should also consider the characteristics of different groups in the population. Motivated individuals, such as those who have participated in rescue and solidarity activities in previous earthquakes, could be involved in reaching other people.

This study investigated the process of taking action to mitigate damage and prepare for an earthquake at the individual level. Its specific aim was to identify the factors that promote or inhibit individuals in this process. The study was conducted in Istanbul, Turkey--where an earthquake is expected soon--in May and June 2006 using qualitative methods. Within our conceptual framework, three different patterns emerged among the study subjects. Outcome expectancy, helplessness, a low socioeconomic level, a culture of negligence, a lack of trust, onset time/poor predictability, and normalisation bias inhibit individuals in this process, while location, direct personal experience, a higher education level, and social interaction promote them. Drawing on these findings, the paper details key points for better disaster communication, including whom to mobilise to reach target populations, such as individuals with direct earthquake experience and women.

Awareness and perception of risk are among the most crucial steps in the process of taking precautions at individual level for various hazards. In this study, we investigated the factors affecting better knowledge and greater risk perception about earthquakes among residents of Istanbul. A field survey was carried out, and a total of 1,123 people were interviewed in two districts of Istanbul with different seismic risk levels and from three (low, moderate and high) socio-economic levels (SEL). The findings showed that although the level of knowledge regarding earthquakes and preparedness for them was promising, it could be improved. The results indicated that future preparedness programmes should target people with lower educational and socio-economic levels. The media were the leading source of information among the respondents. Location of the home was a strong influence on individuals having above average earthquake knowledge and even more on high risk perception. Socio-economic parameters (educational level, economic status, SEL of the sub-district and tenure of the home), gender and attitude score were other factors influencing greater risk perception with regard to earthquakes.

Lead concentration in whole blood of a representative sample of 471 subjects aged 20 to 74 years and living in Basle was determined in 1989/90 by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The participants in the cross-sectional study filled in a questionnaire on demographic factors, nutrition and drinking habits. The age-adjusted geometrical mean blood lead level was 0.38 +/- 0.19 mumol/litre of whole blood for males, and 0.29 +/- 0.17 mumol/litre for females. The average lead burden was about 30% below the mean concentration found in a comparable population in Western Switzerland five years earlier. Lead emissions in Switzerland decreased by about 40% from 1984 to 1990 through restriction of lead in petrol. This offers the most plausible explanation for the low blood lead levels found in Basle. Sex, age, occupation (employment in painting or printing, construction or the metal processing industry), smoking and alcohol intake (especially wine consumption) were identified as independent blood lead predictors in a multiple linear regression analysis. Participants who consumed alcohol daily had blood lead concentrations on average 12% higher than those of abstinent subjects. Regular smokers had an unconfounded average blood lead level 8% above that of people who never smoked. Place of residence and hourly frequency of cars in that area were not identified as independent predictors in the model. The analysis of 99 different wines on the market in Basle showed an average lead concentration of 50 +/- 17 micrograms/litre wine. Compared to an estimated 25 micrograms daily nutritional intake of lead in Switzerland the value appeared to be high.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A large population-based study revealed several fungal taxa with inverse associations with childhood asthma. Molds produce a variety of bioactive compounds with detrimental but also beneficial immunoregulatory capacities, which renders them promising targets for further asthma research.