Study Programmes 2015-2016
ENVT0885-1  
Health and environment
  • Environmental pollution
  • Quantitative evaluation of environmental toxicology risks
  • Environmental modifications and public health
  • Medical and psychosocial approach to environmental pathologies
Duration :
Environmental pollution : 15h Th
Quantitative evaluation of environmental toxicology risks : 20h Th
Environmental modifications and public health : 10h Th
Medical and psychosocial approach to environmental pathologies : 15h Th
Number of credits :
Master in public health (120 ECTS)7
Lecturer :
Environmental pollution : Philippe Mairiaux
Quantitative evaluation of environmental toxicology risks : Corinne Charlier
Environmental modifications and public health : Pierre Ozer
Medical and psychosocial approach to environmental pathologies : Jean Pauluis
Coordinator :
Philippe Mairiaux
Language(s) of instruction :
French language
Organisation and examination :
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite :
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Course contents :
./.
Environmental pollution
1. Noise
2. Thermal environment
3. Electromagnetic fields
Quantitative evaluation of environmental toxicology risks
First common environmental pollutants will be discussed. Then several techniques of exposure measurements will be taught.
Medical and psychosocial approach to environmental pathologies
- On the basis of precise documentation, presentation of a real case study: the Mellery case (1989-2013)
  • Gradual understanding (barriers and incentives)
  • The role of various actors (residents, politicians, scientists, the media, economists, etc.) - Two documents are provided at the end of the presentation, which will provide food for thought for the following class. * The first of these is from a lawyer on the evolution of the principle of responsibility and the precautionary principle. The concept of the collective management of risk. * The second is from a doctor (public health) on the need to train the medical profession on the 'pedagogy of risk' and collating information on 'consequences' in terms of environmental exposure.
- Reading and discussion of the two articles.
  • Definition of environmental medicine and environmental health. - Understanding of gaps in knowledge.
  • Risks: definition, estimation, management. Concept of global, local, familial (indoor pollution) and individual risks.
  • Role of doctors (and the medical profession in general) in terms of communicating risk (legal and ethical obligations). Difficulties in communicating risk.
  • Communication tools. - The Aarhus Convention. - 'Gerico': demonstration of a possible tool for creating multidisciplinary expertise and the communication of risk.
- The environmental health context in Belgium and in Europe.
  • In Belgium, competences are dispersed.
  • Nehap 2008-2013.
  • European changes in terms of environmental health, Cimes...
  • Definition and explanation of SCALE. - Environmental health priorities promoted by various working groups within SCALE.
  • A few brief economic concepts on negative external factors (chronic illnesses) caused by lifestyle.
  • Demonstration of a geo-referencing tool based on digital medical files.
- Levels of global, local and indoor pollution.
  • Global: a few brief examples.
  • Local: the problem of particles (effects, detection, tools).
  • Indoor pollution (physical, chemical, biological). - Tools and their operation ('ambulances vertes' (green ambulances)).
- A few more philosophical concepts on the 'risk society' and vigilance mechanisms.
Learning outcomes of the course :
./.
Environmental pollution
To give to the graduate in public health basic diagnostic and managing abilities concerning the physical environment : noise, thermal conditions, illumination, non-ionising radiations, electromagnetic fields.
Quantitative evaluation of environmental toxicology risks
To improve knowledge in : A. Common environmental pollutants 1. Pesticides 2. Heavy metals 3. Toxic gas 4. Solvents 5. Manufactured fibres 6. Tobacco 7. Radon 8. Fine dust 9. PAH 10. Normative values and notification file B. Techniques of exposure measurements 1. Introduction 2. Material and sampling 3. Analysis and techniques 4. Quality assurance
Medical and psychosocial approach to environmental pathologies
Objective:
  • to show students the complexity and multidisciplinarity of the subject of environmental health.
  • to raise awareness of the lack of preparation in the scientific world, and in the medical profession in particular.
  • to raise awareness of the pressure to create expertise and resulting delays.
  • to encourage critical thinking among students.
  • to encourage the necessary cross-cutting, and hence multidisciplinary, thinking.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills :
./.
Quantitative evaluation of environmental toxicology risks
Having had success in the "toxicology" lecture of the former academic year.
Medical and psychosocial approach to environmental pathologies
No prerequisites. Complex concepts will be simplified and explained. (e.g. endocrine disruptors)
Planned learning activities and teaching methods :
./.
Environmental pollution
7 sessions of 2h teaching + half a day of practical mesurements in a working environment.
Medical and psychosocial approach to environmental pathologies
- PowerPoint - Reading articles for the following class. - 'Live' demonstration of IT tools.
  • Risk communication.
  • Geo-referencing of symptoms.
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :
./.
Environmental pollution
Face-to-face
Quantitative evaluation of environmental toxicology risks
2 hours per week (10 weeks)
Medical and psychosocial approach to environmental pathologies
In class. Active and critical participation from students is encouraged.
Recommended or required readings :
./.
Environmental pollution
Course written supports via MyUlg
Recommended reading :
Ph. Mairiaux, J. Malchaire, Le travail en ambiance chaude. Masson éd, Paris 1990
Quantitative evaluation of environmental toxicology risks
Copy of slides
Medical and psychosocial approach to environmental pathologies
- Obligatory:
  • PowerPoint slides presented in class.
  • A few documents.
- Recommendations depending on areas of interest.
  • A more complete list of documents, sites and books will be provided.
Assessment methods and criteria :
./.
Environmental pollution
Oral examination after a period of preparation of written questions selected at random
Quantitative evaluation of environmental toxicology risks
Oral examination in January
Medical and psychosocial approach to environmental pathologies
- Students will be provided with a general question. - Written preparation of around 15 minutes plus an oral presentation. - Students are assessed on their ability to:
  • summarise the issue
  • produce theories
  • highlight barriers and incentives
  • take an overall, cross-cutting and multidisciplinary approach
Work placement(s) :
./.
Medical and psychosocial approach to environmental pathologies
None.
Organizational remarks :
./.
Medical and psychosocial approach to environmental pathologies
Students are often confused at the start of my course. The pieces of the puzzle will (I hope) gradually fall into place by the end of the course.
I am not always aware of their level of knowledge of a specific area (e.g. ecotoxicology, environmental law, etc.)
Contacts :
./.
Environmental pollution
Philippe MAIRIAUX, Santé au Travail et Education pour la Santé Tour de Pathologie (bât. B23), Sart Tilman, B-4000 Liège e-mail: ph.mairiaux@ulg.ac.be

Secretary: Mme ESCHWEILER Tél. 04 366 25 03 Fax 04 366 28 89 e-mail: stes@ulg.ac.be
Quantitative evaluation of environmental toxicology risks
Professeur Corinne CHARLIER Clinical, Forensic and Environmental Toxicology laboratory CHU B35 Sart-Tilman, B4000 Liège Tél. 04/3667683 Fax 04/3668889 e-mail : C.Charlier@chu.ulg.ac.be
Medical and psychosocial approach to environmental pathologies
I have a wide range of contacts.
Depending on areas of interest, reference persons may be suggested.