Environmental health and monitoring in Estonia

An assessment of environmental health and monitoring in Estonia after the dissolution of the Soviet Union has shown that the country suffered from neglect during the "cold war" after World War II, and efforts to improve the status quo have been slow since independence was gained in 1991. Conditions in Estonia are affected by the fifty-year long occupation. Industrial, military and agricultural activities have left a legacy of pollution and obsolete installations. The regulatory framework and life style attitudes from the Soviet era interfere with reform efforts. The current transition period holds risks that derive from a run-down infrastructure, a weak economy, and disruptions, inherent in the reorganization itself. Over the past few years a recession has further complicated the situation and the public health status has worsened. International assistance programmes as well as efforts by Estonians have led to some change and progress in environmental management since 1991, and lately ambitious environmental and public health sector programmes have been initiated by the government. Much work, however, still needs to be done. An examination of the recent history of this small country provides examples of environmental neglect and consequences, as well as recommended corrective measures.