Recent epidemiological studies have increased public awareness of the harmful effects of pollution on human health. In order to evaluate the importance of these effects, and thus the benefits associated with their reduction, various methodologies have been applied. The results of studies undertaken using such methodologies – and most particularly cost-benefit analyses – has brought more clearly into focus the social importance of these adverse health impacts.

It was decided to focus on:

• The valuation of children's health
• The co-ordination of environment and health policies

Children are particularly vulnerable to the impact of environmental pollution. They are not exposed to the same environmental risks and in the same ways as adults are. In addition, estimates of the effects of policy interventions on social welfare are required to inform on efficient policies or reforms. Reliable estimates of the values of environmental impacts on children’s health are thus a key input for cost-benefit analyses and other economic evaluation of environmental policies. Children-specific economic values are thus necessary. More ...

Indeed, environmental pollution has many effects on human health. Environmental policies are designed partly in order to reduce the health impacts of environmental pollution. However, there is a concern that decisions concerning the Ministries of Health and Environment are taken “individually”, although a “whole-of-government” approach would be preferable for environmental health issues and would probably result in improved health and environmental policies. To this end, the OECD has undertaken a project on improving the co-ordination between environmental and health policies. More …