Comparing environmental health risks in Cairo, Egypt [volumes 1-3]

It represents the first application of comparative risk analysis (CRA) techniques in the Near East, techniques which have been used extensively since 1986 to help set environmental priorities in the United States. This CRA in Cairo is somewhat limited and experimental: it assesses risks, but does not discuss how they may best be managed; it evaluates the health impacts of environmental problems, but not their ecological or economic impacts. Findings regarding relative health risks are as follows: (1) higher risks: particulate matter air pollution; lead (in all media); and microbiological diseases from environmental causes; (2) middle risks: microbial food contamination; and ozone air pollution; (3) middle/lower risks: sulfur dioxide air pollution; carbon monoxide air pollution; indoor air pollution; drinking water contamination by chemicals; drinking water contamination by microbiological agents; and solid and hazardous wastes; (4) lower risks: toxic air pollutants; and other water pathways (direct contact, irrigation, fish consumption); and (5) uncertain risks: nitrogen oxides air pollution; metals in foods; and pesticides in foods (middle risk if available data are accurate, lesser risk if not). Volume I of this report presents the study, its findings, methodology, and suggestions for further CRA work in Egypt; Volume II contains technical appendices; and Volume III contains background reports prepared by Egyptian consultants. Includes references. (Author abstract, modified)