Environmental and Occupational Health: The Asia – Pacific Region

Abstract

The Asia‐Pacific Region is the fastest growing area of the world in economic terms. Unfortunately, it has also suffered from several environmental and occupational health problems largely as a result of this rapid growth without attendant safeguards. Highlights problems such as environmental pollution, those relating to sanitation, cigarette smoking, traffic accidents, poisoning from industrial and agricultural chemicals, noise, health of women workers and other psychosocial problems, and recent trends in the health education and environmental improvements. Concludes with a plea for more attention to and collaboration concerning a clean environment.

Current problems in occupational and environmental health: overview

“…A collaborative study conducted in four such countries showed reported rates per 1,000 agricultural workers as 13.3 for Indonesia, 132.8 for Malaysia, 45.7 for Sri Lanka and 81.3 for Thailand. Organophosphate compounds were the most frequently responsible pesticides in Indonesia, Malaysia and Sri Lanka (Phoon, 1993).…”

The role of professional bodies in occupational and environmental health in the Asia‐Pacific region

“…Four countries, Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Indonesia, participated. The third research project focused on small-scale industries in the Philippines, Korea, Hong Kong and Singapore (Phoon, 1992).…”