SYTTY - Aims

FINNISH RESEARCH PROGRAMME
ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
SYTTY

AIMS

The aims of the research programme are

to generate information for the assessment of connections between the environment and human health,
to develope procedures, methods and techniques for the promotion of environmental health,
to create and improve cooperation among the research teams,
to promote training of researchers and experts in environmental health research and
to promote and raise the quality of the research on environment health in Finland.

WHO's definition for 'environmental health' is:

Environmental health comprises those aspects of human health and disease that are determined by factors in the environment. It also refers to the theory and practice of assessing and controlling factors in the environment that can potentially affect health.

The importance of a multidisciplinary approach is emphasized. The reaserch programme will encompass both the direct impacts of chemicals, radiation, particles and certain biological factors, and the indirect impacts of the physical, mental and social environment on health and well-being.

The research programme will emphasize in particular the themes stated below. Also other areas within the definition of environmental health are financed.

Health impacts of indoor air, especially the impacts of mouldy houses,
health risks of environmental and occupational chemicals,
exposure through food and drinking water, and their health risks,
health impacts of fine particles in urban air and
social aspects of environmental health.