Medical imaging devices (MRI), trains, and television sets are examples of man-made equipment that can generate static magnetic or electric fields. In some areas of research and medical imaging, stronger and stronger static magnetic fields are being used. What is known so far about potential health consequences? Non-specialists can find answers to such questions in GreenFacts’ Three-Level Summary of the “Environmental Health Criteria 232 Static Fields” of the WHO (World Health Organization), a leading scientific report produced in 2005 by a large international panel of scientists.

Alcohol is linked with connotations of pleasure and sociability in the minds of many, but its use also has harmful consequences. What are the impacts of alcohol consumption on human health and society? The “Global Status Report on Alcohol 2004″ of the WHO (World Health Organization) has now been summarized by GreenFacts in its readerfriendly Three-Level, bringing it to the reach of a much wider audience.

Phthalates are additives that are widely used in plastics and other materials, mainly to make them soft and flexible. They have applications in industry, in medicine and in consumer products. There is public concern about phthalates because of their widespread use and occurrence in the environment. What is known about possible effects on environment and health? To date in the European Union, possible effects of three of the five of the most widely used phthalates
(DBP, DINP, and DIDP) have been assessed by the European Chemicals Bureau (ECB). The findings are now made available to non-specialists in a GreenFacts Three-Level Summary.

Respiratory diseases are a leading cause of mortality in developing countries, and one of the most common causes of illness in children of developed countries. Furthermore, asthma and allergies are increasing in a number of European countries. How can genetic and environmental factors affect a child’s likelihood to develop these diseases? GreenFacts has summarised the Baseline Report on Respiratory Health drawn up by a group of scientific experts under the EU Environment & Health strategy (summary available in English, Spanish and French).

Read the GreenFacts summary on Respiratory diseases in children