The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #74091

Trevor Hancock, MD, MHSc, BS, Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, 28 Napier Street, Kleinburg, ON LOJ ICO, Canada, (905)893-2808, dearry@niehs.nih.gov

Healthy communities must be both environmentally and socially sustainable, given that health depends on the quality of the built and natural environments, and that global change resulting from the industrial economy is affecting the web of life. Suburban sprawl wastes scarce resources and disproportionately places those resources in the hands of suburban dwellers. Urban areas can be made more environmentally sustainable, especially with respect to energy consumption, which will help reduce air pollution and climate change and contribute in other ways to improved health.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will
• recognize how elements of the built environment impact the public’s health, and
• understand how thinking in terms of biological, psychological and social sustainability can help mitigate these impacts.

Keywords: Urban Health, Environmental Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.