Irish Doctors Environmental Association website

Irish Doctors Environmental Association [IDEA]
Cumann Comhshaoil Dhoctúirí na hÉireann

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About IDEA

The Irish Doctors' Environmental Association (IDEA) is an Irish organisation established by health professionals seeking to promote the right to health and peaceful co-existence worldwide.

The main objective of the IDEA is to foster and promote, through education, publications and seminars, a concept of health as a state of physical, psychological and social well-being, which acknowledges the potential impact of environmental conditions, violent conflict, and inequalities within and between nations on that well-being.

Joining the IDEA

If you wish to join the Irish Doctors’ Environmental Association, you will find the IDEA Membership Application Form here. The form can be printed using File|Print in your browser. Please return the completed form to the Treasure, Dr. Patrick O’Sullivan (see form for details).

Latest News

Chairman’s Address IDEA Annual General Meeting 17th February 2008
ISDE Open letter to the first Executive Director of the new European Chemicals Agency in charge of the implementation of REACH - November 2007
What will new EU Chemicals Legislation deliver for public health? - REACH Article November 2007 [pdf 347KB]
"Children are not just small adults... Children are especially vulnerable and respond differently from adults when exposed to environmental factors, and this response may differ according to the different periods of development they are going through..." WHO report tackles children's environmental health - 27th July 2007
The Faroes Statement: Human Health Effects of Developmental Exposure to Chemicals in Our Environment - June 2007 [pdf 45KB]
"If planting of genetically engineered crops is allowed in Ireland, we will leave an irreversible legacy to future generations and will be guilty of a deliberate betrayal of their interests." Genetically modified food and health - a cause for concern?
International Society of Doctors for the Environment (ISDE) calls on governments to desist from the construction of new nuclear power facilities. ISDE Resolution on Nuclear Energy March 2007.
Synopses of papers presented at IDEA AGM/Public Meeting on 23 Feb 2007 in Dublin
Humanity is one of the members embedded in an ecosystem but its activity is fundamentally disturbing the web of life. ECOHEALTH: Using an Ecosystem Approach to Human Health
The IDEA endorses the Global Civil Society Committee statement on Chemicals Management and SAICM to the UNEP Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum, to be held in February 2007 in Nairobi, Kenya
A small-scale mercury survey highlights concerns of "child brain drain". IDEA Press Release on the mercury survey, Wednesday 10 January 2007
The Irish Doctors Environmental Association and the Health and Environment Alliance join forces to campaign for the reduction and elimination of mercury medical devices in health care settings. A National Initiative: Pilot Project for Mercury-free Healthcare in Ireland
Mercury is a persistent, bio-accumulative toxic substance used by all disciplines of doctors and is a significant public health threat and source of impairment to our nation's environment. A survey of mercury-related activities in Ireland
Proposed EU legislation to reduce chemical contamination is sabotaged by multinational chemical companies, aided by the US State Department, with the collusion of EU governments and MEPs. Chairman’s Address IDEA Annual Public meeting Feb 2006, NUI Maynooth
Press Release 17 October 2005: Doctors Oppose Release of GMO Seeds. Irish Doctors’ Environmental Association warns of GMO health risks. Call for immediate ban on Monsanto’s live GMO seeds.
Doctors Oppose Release of GMO Seeds
Download a PDF copy of the Press Release here [pdf 139KB].
Nature’s concept of Zero Waste is the only sustainable way forward. Recycling of Household Waste: IDEA Submission to the Joint Oireactas Committee, Aug 2005
Participants in a descriptive study in Ireland relate mobile phone base stations, mobile phones and power lines to symptoms that include becoming fatigued, increasingly lethargic, increasingly clumsy, feeling dizzy, experiencing confusion, tingling and buzzing. Research on Sensitivity to Non-Ionising Radiation in Ireland
"The voluntary exposure of the brain to microwaves from hand-held mobile phones by one-fourth of the world's population has been called the largest human biologic experiment ever undertaken". Electro-Magnetic Radiation: Report by Dr Elizabeth Cullen to the Joint Oireachtas Committee, Dail Eireann, Feb 2005
A list of research studies done on Microwave Radiation
"Incineration transforms municipal waste into hazardous waste." IDEA Position on Incineration.
The Stockholm Convention (ratified in May 2004) is the first global, legally binding instrument aimed at controlling toxic chemical pollutants at the source. But some groups/elements are attempting to reduce it's effects. Open Letter by Environmental NGOs to the members of the BAT/BEP Expert Group.
"The fact that corporations continue to choose to produce commodities and waste that generate such a potential threat is a sign of their disregard for life that can only be equated with ordinary acts of crime such as robberies, muggings, assaults, and homicides." Toxic Crimes - Examining corporate victimization of the general public.
"Article 3: As our own health, that of our children and future generations, is under threat, the Human race itself is in serious danger." The Paris Appeal - International Declaration on diseases due to chemical pollution.
An increasing number of people in Ireland are complaining of symptoms which can be demonstrated to be clearly related to exposure to electro-magnetic radiation (EMR). IDEA position on Electro-Magnetic Radiation.
IDEA say that "Climate change is causing and will cause more and more hardship for people world-wide, most notably in poorer countries, where people have done least to cause this phenomenon". Climate Change and its Health Effects.
The Irish Doctors' Environmental Association is concerned that genetically engineered food has not been tested adequately for possible adverse health effects. IDEA position on Genetically Modified Foods.
IDEA oppose the fluoridation of water supplies in Ireland. Adding fluoride (a potentially toxic chemical) to drinking water contravenes the EU Drinking Water Directive (98/83/EC). IDEA position on Fluoridation of Water Supply in Ireland.