Water and Sanitation-Related Diseases and the Environment: Challenges, Interventions, and PreventiveMeasures

“All of them, in particular those who were used to externalize health effects from their approaches, will significantly benefit from this well documented book, that provides the reader an information-rich and structured view on the water-environmental health nexus.” (International Journal of Environment and pollution, 1 November 2012)

“This comprehensive book advises treatment of conditions responsible for water and sanitation-related diseases . . . Few books could claim a title as broad and embracing as this one. It posits a way forward for the cornerstone for global development. It is a primer for organizations as diverse as the World Bank, the United Nations, and the U.S. Agency for International Development. However sobering, it is worth any concerned person’s time.” (Doody’s, 16 November 2012)

“…it is wonderful how much you have included and how valuable this should be to people working in so many disciplines. And I loved your DVDs—great stories and well produced. Most of all, I think people all over the world will be able to relate to them.”
David Ellis, Ph.D., President Emeritus, Museum of Science, Boston

“This is a truly interdisciplinary book and reflects really well the need to work across scientific boundaries, and I think shows what can be achieved through collaboration.” (Society for General Microbiology, 15 May 2012)

“This book will promote integrated studies/research on water, sanitation-related diseases and the environment and will contribute to theoretical and practical respects of interventions and preventive measures, and therefore lead to a better life quality – for millions.” (Yaqian Zhao, 2011 Centre for Water Resources Research, University College Dublin , 1 December 2011)

“Written by experts from the fields of public health, medicine, epidemiology, environmental health, climate change, environmental engineering, and population research, this authoritative volume provides a thorough understanding of the interconnection among many factors linked to water related diseases, sanitation, and hygiene.” (Miss Eco Glam, 1 October 2011)

“In 2010, the United Nations recognised the human right to water and sanitation. Janine Selendy has produced a critical tool to help us take the next step forward in understanding the nature and causes of water and sanitation related diseases and in finding real solutions. The human right to water and sanitation is only as good as its implementation. This book leads the way.” (Maude Barlow, Senior advisor on water to the 63rd president of the United Nations general assembly 2008-09, January 2012)

The single authoritative resource on the causes of and successful interventions for water and sanitation-related diseases

This book presents the most complete treatment possible of the conditions responsible for water and sanitation-related diseases, the pathogens involved and their biology, the morbidity and mortality resulting from lack of safe water and sanitation, the distribution of these diseases, and the conditions that must be met to reduce or eradicate them. Written by experts from the fields of public health, medicine, epidemiology, environmental health, climate change, environmental engineering, and population research, this authoritative volume provides a thorough understanding of the interconnection among many factors linked to water-related diseases, sanitation, and hygiene.

Divided into eight comprehensive sections that address the concerns from an international perspective, this volume covers:

• The significance of the close relationships between water access and quality, lack of adequate sanitation and hygiene, and the relationship of human activity to the diseases

• Means of accessing clean water and preventing contamination of water

• The range of sanitation and hygiene measures available to reduce disease

• The broad extent, variety, and ramifications of environmental factors

• Ameliorating conditions and preventive measures to reduce pollutants found in ground and surface waters

• The adverse health impacts of water pollution, dam construction, irrigation development, and flood control

Preventive measures and innovative, successful solutions are presented throughout, as well as featured in more detail in a special section at the end of the book. This section highlights examples from a diversity of locations in both developed and developing countries, focusing on what has been achieved in the control of water-related diseases—and what can be accomplished if the multi-factorial approach in this book is followed. The accompanying DVD, as well as a companion website, includes this vital information in the form of case studies and articles, providing guidance for possible action on local and national as well as international levels.

This timely text is an essential resource for all graduate students and postdoctoral scholars as well as for professionals in infectious diseases, public health and medicine, chemical and environmental engineering, international affairs, disease prevention, and public policy.