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THE ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH ATLAS FOR ENGLAND AND WALES
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2013
Year
Health AtlasHealthy CityHealth GeographyEnvironmental HealthRural HealthHealth Risk AssessmentInternational HealthEnvironmental EpidemiologySpatial DistributionEcological Risk AssessmentHealth OutcomesEnvironmental DiseaseEnvironmental HazardsSocial SciencesDisease MappingPublic HealthSpatial EpidemiologyEpidemiology
Background The Small Area Health Statistics Unit is nearing completion of an Environment and Health Atlas for England and Wales. The Atlas provides a high quality, comprehensive, collection of over 120 maps of contextual information, common environmental hazards and diseases of public health importance at a local level. Aim The aim is to provide information on geographic patterns of disease and selected environmental hazards to help with the development of hypotheses and research into health risks that may relate to environmental exposures. Method The Atlas is divided into two sections, (i) patterns of spatial distribution for six selected environmental hazards across England and Wales and (ii) fourteen selected health outcomes at ward level in England and Wales (1985-2009). Interpretations are provided based on a review of the evidence in relation to major risk factors and major environmental risk factors, with particular reference to international and governmental advisory bodies (e.g. WHO, IARC), systematic reviews and key studies in the field. These include geographical variation, risk factors and time trends. All chapters have undergone peer review. Communicating findings appropriately is important. We have identified four potential audiences for the atlas: academics in environmental health, experts in other fields (e.g. clinicians), policy makers and the public. We have been working with Sense About Science, a charity whose aim is to promote public understanding of science, to help develop appropriate formats and levels of information for each of these audiences. This has involved both meetings, lay panel reviews and piloting of the interactive version of the Atlas. Conclusion The Atlas provides readers with maps of spatial variations over the last 25 years for fourteen health outcomes and six environmental hazards across England and Wales. The two different formats (print and online interactive) provide a unique opportunity to engage with a wide range of audiences.