Figure 4.

Driving force-Pressure-State-Exposure-Effect-Action framework (reproduced with permission from [14], published by WHO, 1999). The framework describes the environmental health chain through the following components: Driving force (anthropogenic)—factors that motivate and push the environmental process involved. Pressure (on the environment)—are normally expressed through human occupation or exploitation of the environment. State (of the environment)—status of the environment. Exposure (of humans i.e., interaction between the environment and humans)—take place when humans are exposed to environmental conditions. Effect (in humans)—health effects from exposure to the environmental hazard. Action—policies or interventions aimed at reducing or avoiding health effects, they can be aimed at any point in the framework.