Editorial

Abstract

This number of Revista Brasileira de Epidemiologia introduces a major change. It is the first of a new editorial practice approved by ABRASCO's Epidemiology Commission: we will now begin a quarterly basis with four numbers per volume. In addition, the thematic lines will eventually be included into normal editions, in a special section with successive numbers until the original theme proposal is completed. The new practice does not affect Revista's editorial policy which will remain strictly the same. All articles published will be submitted to peer review, chosen by the Associated Editors, who are responsible for the final approval of articles. The Scientific Editor and the Joint Editors take good care of this editorial policy of the scientific community of the area, which was approved by the Epidemiology Commission when Revista was founded. The occasions on which the Editor and Joint Editors had to intervene with a casting vote during these almost six years were rare. There could not be a better time for these changes to take place: publishing the special number on the powerful Health and Environment theme, dealt with extraordinarily competently by the group of researchers responsible for the eight articles. The Board of Editors would like to acknowledge the effort of the Invited Editor, Volney Câmara, and hopes our readers will have the same satisfaction we had in reading these exceptionally qualified articles.