Emerging effects of industrialisation on health and environment in developing countries

Abstract

Developing countries are being impacted by development ofindustries which formerly were sited in industrialised countries. The relocation of industries to developing countries is increasingly becoming common because of the cheap labour and lack of occupational and en vironmental regulatory mechanisms. While industrialisation has both positive and negative economic impacts, from the public health point of view, tbe negative impacts are of great concern, because they cause the degradation of environment, accidents, injuries and chronic health effects. Consequently, it is desirable for the governments in developing countries to provide a framework for industrial development, compatible with, and capable of promoting and sustaining a clean environment. Indeed, there is need for United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Industry and Environment Programme Activity Centre (UNEP lEI PAC), International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the relevant non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to support these countries' efforts in order to have industries whose activities have minimal negative impact on environment and health.