Perspectives in Public Health

THIS REVIEW covers the occurrence of alumi nium in soil, air, water and food. In addition, aluminium levels in body tissues and its move ment within the body have been considered. The adverse effects of aluminium that have been reported in recent years include Alzheimer's disease, dementia and hyperactivity and learning disorders in children.

The toxicity of 1, 2-Dichloroethane, DCE, toxicity was measured in an Electron-Microscopy (EM) preparation laboratory by Gas Chromatography. Although the personal exposure of the worker to DCE has not exceeded the occupational exposure limits, the exposure level was quite close to the short-term exposure limit. Owing to the carcinogenic potential and low exposure limits of DCE, it is suggested that a closed controlled-environment would be useful in reducing the exposure level of DCE.

PEPTIDE-NUCLEIC acid solution* which had previously been reported to show in vivo efficacy in several viral infections (i.e. influenza, hepati tis, mumps, encephalitis, etc) was tested in three independent laboratories, including the US National Institutes of Health by specific in vitro methods for HIV and Influenza A. The results of these studies demonstrated significant anti-viral activity of the peptide-nucleic acid solution against the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and the Influenza A virus.

FREE RADICALS and other reactive oxygen species are constantly formed in the human body. Many of them serve useful physiological func tions, but they can be toxic when generated in excess and this toxicity is often aggravated by the presence of ions of such transition metals as iron or copper. Excess generation of reactive oxygen species within tissues can damage DNA, lipids, proteins and carbohydrates. Which of these is the most important target of damage depends upon the cell type subjected to the oxidative stress and upon how it is imposed.

ROTEIN-ENERGY-malnutrition (PEM) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in young children in Africa. In South Africa, in 1987, to help combating and preventing PEM in the rural black population, the Gold Fields Nutrition Unit was inaugu rated at the Medical University of Southern Africa. In 1987-9, 442 patients (rural/peri-urban) plus their mothers or child carers were admitted, and 406 attended as outpatients. Average age was 15.4 ± 7.6 months, weight 7.0 ± 1.6kg, stay in hospital, 12 ± 10.8 days, and daily weight gain during treatment was 31 ± 48g. Mothers mainly were young and unmarried. Primary causative factors were infections, ignorance, and insufficiency of food. Since results from rehabili tation are usually poor, mothers and carers were taught how best to prepare meals using local foodstuffs. The interventions included teaching and demonstrations of how to grow vegetables, maintain an orchard, a fowl-run, and improve kitchen and laundry facilities. In 1990, in a follow-up of 73 patients, no deaths had occurred within a 12 month period. This far better than usual outcome is being furthered by setting up satellite nutrition clinics.

THE HISTORY of the Nigerian political arena, has vindicated the great political impact made by Nigerian women. This Nigerian 'Women Impact Continuum' did not terminate with the achievement of political independence 30 years ago. The inclusion of Nigerian women in what was hitherto men's special profession has already begun to yield tremendous fruitful socio-economic development dividends. Con temporary Nigeria is witnessing the emergence of a spectrum of women achievers who have excelled in their various professions. Women in the Environmental Health Profession may not be an exception.

The paper opines that if the current 'women impact continuum' permeates the Environmental Health Pro fession female sanitarians could justify their inclusion in the Profession, if: (i) there is strength in their number; (ii) the Federal Government grants the Environmental Health Profession a statutory Regula tory Board; (iii) Women Sanitarians are given oppor tunities for in-service training; and (iv) the women's wing of the Association is recognized and integrated into the National Council of Women's Societies (NCWS) of Nigeria and shown a sense of belonging by the Better Life Programme for Rural Women (BELPRW).

POLICY IS firmly set at diverting mentally dis turbed offenders from the Criminal Justice System and into the care of the health or social services. Projects and research are in place designed to facilitate this with improved arrangements for psychia ric assessments.

Co-existence of the agencies involved in the treatment of mentally disturbed offenders implies readiness of each to accept patients whose security needs are downgraded. This would be facilitated by a review of medium security and long term provision. Meanwhile, th e Prison Service must seek to do what it can to care for those placed in its charge.