English Abstract In the framework of an UN Inter-Agency Project, a visit
was made to Ventspils, Latvia. Objective of this visit was to determine the
influence of environmental pollution on the health of the population.
Concern had arisen about e.g. a rise in congenital abnormalities. Results:
The general population of Ventspils does not seem to be exposed to high
concentrations of chemicals in the environment. Figures on health status,
disease frequency or mortality of the population in Latvia are not very
reliable; the same can be said about e.g. the figures on congenital
abnormalities. There is a great lack of epidemiological knowledge in
Latvia. Recommendations: The data on congenital abnormalities in Ventspils
have to be assembled and investigated in a different way, taking into
account confounding factors. Training is needed, locally as well as on a
governmental level in (environmental) epidemiology.
