Even so, one can safely assume that lower risk generally translates into better health. Nor do these indicators capture variations in risks within countries, which are known to be substantial, as will be discussed later in this chapter. Shortcomings aside, the developing world indicator does serve as a rough guide to the severity and types of potentially harmful environmental exposures people face in various countries. Many of these exposures and their adverse effects can be prevented through policy actions at the local, national, or international level. As the indicator suggests, countries need not be wealthy to reduce environmental threats to health.
Many actions can improve both environmental quality and public health for relatively low cost.
These and other preventive policies are the focus of Improving Health Through Environmental Action .