WHO publications

World Heolth • SOth Yeor, No. 5, September-October 1997 31 WHO publications Publications con be ordered from Distribution and Sales, WHO, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland. Screening workers exposed to mineral dust Exposure to mineral dust at work causes disability, illness and even death. Pneumoconiosis - the reaction of the lungs to a build-up of dust - is one of the main causes of debilitation. Other health problems include chronic bronchitis, airflow limitation, pleural fibrosis, emphysema, some cancers and an increased risk of tuberculosis. These diseases may go undiagnosed and untreated, especially in developing countries, and preventive measures are not taken because people do not recognize the problem. Screening and surveillance of workers exposed to mineral dusts describes how to screen workers, how to monitor their health, how to treat those who are affected and how to prevent exposure to dust in future. The book focuses particularly on asbestos, crystalline silica and dust from coal mines. It should be of practical value to occupational physicians and nurses, and indeed to all who are concerned with protecting the health of workers. Screening and surveillance of workers exposed to mineral dusts (ISBN 92 4 154498 8) costs Sw.fr. 24 -/US $21.60 (Sw fr 16.80 in developing countries). Coming soon: Training in diagnostic ultrasound he use of ultrasound is a great help in diagnosing medical problems but its effectiveness depends very much on the skills of the operator. Without correct skills, patients may be examined unnecessarily and misdiagnosis may occur. Training in this technology is, therefore, very important. A report to be published shortly by WHO sets out international guidelines for training ultrasound operators. The book covers the rationale for training and continuing education, and looks particularly at how to train ultrasound users to carry out and interpret examinations that are commonly required in different settings. It includes recommended ultrasonography training curricula for medical students and practising physicians, as well as a general curriculum for sonographers. The training standards used in the book reflect the consensus of an international group of experts. Professional societies such as the World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology also contributed advice. Training in diagnostic ultrasound will be published by WHO in 1998. Finding out about oral health Conducting an oral health survey is a reliable way to find out the state of oral health of a population and to see what future needs are. A survey makes it possible to monitor changes in people's oral health and patterns of oral diseases. Oral health surveys: basic methods is a guide to carrying out surveys of this kind. Since the first edition appeared in 1971 the manual has been used by more than 130 health authorities. Their surveys have revealed striking changes in oral health and disease, due in large part to new treatment techniques and ageing of the population. Now in its fourth edition, the 66-page manual builds on experience that has been gained in past surveys in various countries. It also reflects recent developments in dental care and other aspects of oral health care. It includes an updated version of the WHO oral health assessment form. The manual is illustrated with explanatory drawings and colour plates. Oral health surveys: basic methods (4th edition) (ISBN 92 4 154493 7) costs Sw. fr. 19-/US $ 17 I O (Swfr. 13. 30 in developing countries} Do you have something to say? If you have comments, ideas or suggestions on any of the topics cove red in this issue, please wr ite to the Editor, World Health , World Hea lth Organization, 12 1 1 Geneva 27 , Switzer land . Letters shou ld be not more than 250 words in length. Letters wi ll not necessari ly be acknowledged. The Editor reserves the right to edit material selected for publication . In the next issue Did you enjoy this issue? Why nol toke out o subscription to World Health ond enjoy reading oboul the world's mojor health issues six times o yeor. 1997 subscription prices ore listed below. Two-way communication between health services and the people is esssential for the improvement of health and embodies the eighth princ iple of the W HO Constitution. The N ovember- December 1997 issue of World . Health will show w hat hea lth professionals and the public can do to maintain an active dialogue w ith the aim of raising the heaith status of people worldwide. • WHO also offers its popular "Health Horizons" subscription, a combined subscription (al a reduced role) to World Health and the quarterly World Health Forum. Order form D World Health ( 1997 subscription) at Sw. fr. 30-/US $25.00 D Health Horizons ( 1997 subscription) al Sw. fr. 90.-/US $72.00 D Payment enclosed D Please charge lo my credit cord D Visa D American Express D Eurocord/Mostercord/ Access Cord number _________ _ Expiry dote ___ Dote of order __ _ Signature _________ _ Nome __________ _ Address ____ _ _ _ ___ _ World Health Organization, Distribution and Soles, 121 l Geneva 27, Switzerland. Printed in Great Britain by GreenShires Print limited, Kettering, Northamptonshire, England.