Environmental Health Monitoring Helen Casstles Centre for Public Health Liverpool John Moores University

Environmental health …those aspects of human health, including quality of life, that are determined by physical, chemical, biological, social and psychosocial factors in the environment.

Environmental health …also refers to the theory and practice of assessing, correcting and preventing those factors in the environment that can potentially affect adversely the health of present and future generations.

Environmental Health Enforcement based in local authorities statutory responsibilities, e.g. –food safety –pollution control / local air quality management –noise –occupational health and safety only in specific premises

EH monitoring monitoring for compliance –subjective –objective compliance Line monitoring for effectiveness –evaluation responsibility

Data collection internal database (e.g. FLARE) –questions regarding consistency between officers between organisations reporting mechanisms –e.g. HSE / FSA returns

Monitoring for compliance Health Act 2006 –Smoke-free (Premises and Enforcement) Regs –Smoke-free (Signs) Regs –Smoke-free (Penalties and Discounted Amounts) Regs –Smoke-free (Exemptions and Vehicles) Regs –Smoke-free (Vehicle Operators and Penalty Notices) Regs

Subjective assessment are the premises subject to the Act? which of the regulations apply? enforcement policy

Compliant? is the premises smoke free? –evidence correct signage?

Compliant? are shelters provided? designated rooms? vehicles?

Consistency lead authority partnership political influences risk assessment –out of hours work self regulation [Code of Practice]

Compliance Line number of calls number of alleged breaches passed to EH depts follow up? –MOU –record keeping

Objective assessment LA or National level Standard protocols –methods –equipment Short term –indoor air quality (pre and post legislation) –cotinine levels

Monitoring for effectiveness longer term –are improvements in air quality maintained? –is self regulation effective? –unexpected outcomes?

Has the health of workers improved as a consequence of this legislation?

Contact details Helen Casstles Centre for Public Health Liverpool John Moores University