World Health Organization

Alcohol consumption and ethyl carbamate.

This reference draws on work from a 2007 meeting of the International Agency for Research on Cancer's (IARC's) Working Group on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans. It presents summaries, critical reviews, and evaluations of evidence on the carcinogenicity of alcohol and ethyl carbamate, drawing on published epidemiological studies, cancer bioassays in experimental animals, mechanistic data, and meta-analyses commissioned by IARC, plus data from government agency reports and doctoral theses. Section 1, on consumption of alcoholic beverages, begins with information on types of alcoholic beverages, production and trade, trends in consumption, sociodemographic factors, chemical composition of alcoholic beverages, and regulations on alcohol. The book then describes studies of cancer in humans focused on various body regions, and studies of cancer in experimental animals, reporting data on absorption and metabolism, toxic effects, and genetic effects. Section 2 presents similar information on ethyl carbamate, a probable carcinogen found in alcohol and other fermented foods. After background on chemical and physical data, production and use, occurrence and exposure, and regulation and preventive actions for mitigating the harm of ethyl carbamate, the book synthesizes the results of studies of cancer in humans and experimental animals. A glossary completes the book. (Annotation ©2011 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Global status report on noncommunicable diseases 2010.

This report reviews the current state of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) around the world, focusing on cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and obesity. Special attention is paid to conditions in low- and middle-income countries. Global, regional, and country-specific data are used to document the problem, assess factors that contribute to NCDs, and project future trends. The report recommends cost-effective interventions to be implemented within the framework of primary health care. The book includes tables, color maps, and margin facts, along with 70 pages of appendices (mainly data tables). (Annotation ©2011 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Guide to ship sanitation, 3d ed.

Since the plagues of the Middle Ages, ships have been shown to play a significant role in the global transmission of infectious diseases. In this update of the 1987 and 1967 editions, the World Health Organization presents its latest guidelines on health requirements for ship operations and control measures, such as for food safety and waste disposal. The guide includes a summary table of hazards, control measures, monitoring procedures, and corrective actions for the ship water supply system; glossary; and WHO publications and other references. This is the companion to International Medical Guide for Ships (WHO, 2007). (Annotation ©2011 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Health and environment in Europe; progress assessment.

Based on a survey conducted in 2009, this report describes progress made over the last 20 years by 42 WHO European Member States on the environmental and health issues arising from the four regional priority goals of the Children's Environment and Health Action Plan for Europe (CEHAPE). The indicators selected for the European Environment and Health Information System (ENHIS) are the main tool of the analysis given in this report. The report focuses on clean water and water-related health determinants, physical injuries and physical inactivity, clean air for health, and eliminating environmental hazards. A final section deals with implementing the Children's Environment and Health Action Plan for Europe (CEHAPE). The report includes color charts and tables, plus executive summaries in English, French, German, and Russian. Appendices offer data tables, fact sheets, and descriptions of methods for data collection and data analysis. There is no subject index. (Annotation ©2011 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Water safety in buildings.

Authors of this publication from the World Health Organization note that extensive experience indicates that poor design and management of water systems in buildings are responsible disease outbreaks. And, those health risks are preventable and can be relatively easily controlled. However, the evidence from outbreak detection seem to indicate an overall trend of increasing disease outbreaks as global urbanization increases and more people are exposed. WHO contends that cutting the risk of disease should be considered a public health priority, and recommends guidelines on how that can be done. Lead editor Cunliffe (South Australian Department of Health) and 32 co-editors and co-authors contributed to the publication. (Annotation ©2011 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

World report on disability.

This report examines the plight of disabled people around the world, describes measures to improve accessibility and equality of opportunity, and makes recommendations for action at national and international levels. The report begins with a discussion of interconnections between disability, human rights, and development, then reviews data on the global situation and access to health services for people with disabilities. Inclusive physical environments, as well as access to information and communication technology and virtual environments, are discussed. Education and employment are also explored. The report's layout offers boxes and tables in a two-color, two-column format. A glossary is included. The book's readership includes policy makers, service providers, and those who work with people with disabilities. (Annotation ©2011 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)