World Health Organization Publication : Year 2003 ; Issue 9241545801 Chapter 1: Chapter 1 ; Introduction

By World Health Organization

Book Id: WPLBN0000173269
Format Type: PDF eBook
File Size: 0.2 MB
Reproduction Date: 2005

Title:	World Health Organization Publication : Year 2003 ; Issue 9241545801 Chapter 1: Chapter 1 ; Introduction
Author:	World Health Organization
Volume:
Language:	English
Subject:	Health., Public health, Wellness programs
Collections:	Medical Library Collection, World Health Collection
Historic Publication Date:
Publisher:	World Health Organization


Citation APA MLA Chicago Organization, W. H. (n.d.). World Health Organization Publication : Year 2003 ; Issue 9241545801 Chapter 1. Retrieved from http://gutenberg.us/

Description
Medical Reference Publication

Excerpt
This volume of the Guidelines for Safe Recreational Water Environments describes the present state of knowledge regarding the possible adverse impact of the recreational use of coastal and freshwater environments upon the health of users. It also outlines monitoring, control and prevention strategies relating to the hazards associated with these environments. Any possible adverse impacts must be weighed against the enormous benefits to health and well-being associated with the use of recreational water environments. Recreational uses of inland and marine waters are increasing in many countries worldwide. These uses range from whole-body water contact sports, such as swimming, surfing and slalom canoeing, to non-contact sports, such as fishing, walking, birdwatching and picnicking. The hazards that are encountered in recreational water environments vary from site to site, as do the nature and extent of exposure. Most available information relates to health outcomes arising from exposure through swimming and ingestion of water. In the development of these Guidelines, all available information was taken into consideration, accounting for the different routes of exposure as much as possible. In order to properly interpret and apply the Guidelines in a manner appropriate to local conditions, it will be necessary to take into account social, cultural, environmental and economic characteristics of the site, alongside knowledge of activities undertaken, routes of exposure and the nature and severity of hazards. In doing so, local, national and international standard-setting bodies may develop standards that differ between regions and within regions according to differences in these factors. National and local agencies working in the area of recreational water use have a responsibility to promote and ensure a safe environment. Recreational water areas may be under some form of ownership or associated with a provider of facilities or services. Owners or service providers and their personnel are key players in the control of hazards to human health and in some jurisdictions may have a legal obligation to execute continued “due diligence” relative to the safety of water or beaches. Rural or undeveloped recreational water areas often have different management arrangements and priorities. In all cases, considerable capacity to limit health risks is in the hands of the user, who should assume a degree of responsibility when engaged in recreational activities. Nongovernmental organizations and special interest groups also have an important role to play.

Table of Contents
NA