This chapter introduces key themes from the book, reflecting the topics of the 'Awareness of the Health Impacts of Waste Management Policies' Seminar, in Kos, Greece. November, 1998. The waste management and health scene is introduced by an outline of concems relating to persistent organic pollutants, as well as through perspectives from Less Developed Countries and from industry. An overview of policy lines for waste management includes an assessment of recent proposals by the European Commission, as well as selected examples from European countries and the USA. Descriptions of developments...

Until recently, it was believed that the toxicological effects of air polluting particles could be eliminated by decreasing the mass of particles in the air. Recent epidemiological studies have proved this to be untrue. It may be that very small particles present in the air have more significance for toxic effects than the total mass of particles present. Studies in partical toxicology have undergone significant changes over the past 5 years, and Particulate Matter provides an up-to-date and comprehensive account of current knowledge in this area. It reviews physical and chemical properties...