Environmental Health In Emergencies And Disasters

Emergencies and disasters can occur anywhere in the world, affecting human health, people’s lives and the infrastructure built to support them. Environmental health problems arising from emergencies and disasters are connected to their effects on the physical, biological and social environment that pose a threat to human health, well-being and survival: shelter, water, sanitation, disease vectors, pollution, etc.

WHO’s work concerns not only effective response to emergencies derived from disasters but also reducing the vulnerability of communities to hazards and increasing their ability to withstand disruption and to recover rapidly.

Frequently asked questions in case of emergency

This list of questions and answers provides answers to some of the issues that come up most frequently in relation to water and sanitation in emergency situations. They are divided into four categories—Health risks linked to drinking-water and sanitation; health risks due to stagnant water; and immediate actions in respect of water, sanitation and hygiene.