A call from 40 public health scientists for an end to the continuing humanitarian and environmental catastrophe in Gaza.

An under-recognised aspect of the current humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is the impact of the war on the environment and the associated risks for human health. This commentary contextualises these impacts against the background of human suffering produced by the overwhelming violence associated with the use of military force against the general population of Gaza. In calling for an immediate cessation to the violence, the authors draw attention to the urgent need to rebuild the health care system and restore the physical and human infrastructure that makes a liveable environment possible and promotes human health and well-being, especially for the most vulnerable in the population.

Patterns of pesticide usage in agriculture in rural Tanzania call for integrating agricultural and public health practices in managing insecticide-resistance in malaria vectors.

Background: Unrestricted use of pesticides in agriculture is likely to increase insecticide resistance in mosquito vectors. Unfortunately, strategies for managing insecticide resistance in agriculture and public health sectors lack integration. This study explored the types and usage of agricultural pesticides, and awareness and management practices among retailers and farmers in Ulanga and Kilombero districts in south-eastern Tanzania, where Anopheles mosquitoes are resistant to pyrethroids.

Dust Exposure, Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide and Respiratory Symptoms among Volcanic Rock Miners in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.

Unlabelled: Volcanic rock for use as building material is mined extensively in the North Eastern Region of Tanzania. Dust emitted from the rock may contain harmful elements such as crystalline silica, arsenic (As), cobalt (Co), boron (B) and mercury (Hg) which might contribute to severity and onset of health symptoms.

Objective: This study assessed respiratory symptoms and fractional exhaled nitric oxide as a marker for respiratory inflammation in relation to dust exposure among workers in different job sections in volcanic block mining.

The status of pesticide usage in East Africa.

A descriptive epidemiologic study using pretested questionnaires was conducted in East Africa in 1989/90 and looked at various types of pesticides in current usage in the region especially with regard to their procurement, distribution and utilization. Hospital records were examined for reported cases of pesticide poisoning as well as assessing the knowledge and the awareness of health care providers on the recognition and potential of pesticide poisoning. The main pesticide importers in the region were the Ministries of Agriculture whereas distribution was dominated by co-operative unions.