Skip to content

News Archives

  

Volume 4 No 46; 19 November 2010

Pan-European educational resource for schools upgraded

To complement various national public health educational campaigns, particularly those concerned with responsible use of antibiotics, a European Commission-funded facility for on-line delivery of teaching materials aimed at schools across Europe has been upgraded so as be directly accessible to school-children outside of the school environment [1].

The project aims to teach the essentials of microbiology and provide a consistent set of messages about prudent antibiotic use, and hygiene in general, that reinforce and sustain other health and educational campaigns in each country.

First launched in September 2009 in 10 “associate partner” member states (Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, France, Greece, Italy, Spain, Poland and Portugal), the e-Bug project [2] initially made available a range of microbiology and hygiene lesson plans (available in downloadable format) for use by teachers. In the newly upgraded version, the website (among other improvements) has been extended to include two new sets of pages for direct use by school children: a “junior” module for 9-11 year-olds, and a “senior” module for 12-15 year-olds. The materials allow children to have direct access to information on topics they may have been introduced to in school and range from lessons on basic microbiology to online games and quizzes.

The intention is to extend participation, from January 2011, to other EU member states, subject to local funding of translation costs being available.

The upgraded resource was launched to coincide with the European Antibiotic Awareness Day 2010 campaign [3].

References

1. “New web pages help children learn about bugs at home”, HPA press release, 18 November 2010.

2. E-Bug website: http://www.e-bug.eu/.

3. European awareness campaign focuses on antibiotic stewardship. HPR 4(45), 12 November 2010.

Reducing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning during winter months

To mark Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week (15-19 November), the Health Protection Agency has advised that fossil fuel- and wood-burning appliances - such as boilers, heaters and cookers - should be checked by an appropriately registered engineer before the start of winter [1].

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can cause sudden collapse, loss of consciousness and death; other symptoms include headaches, drowsiness, dizziness, chest pains nausea and vomiting.

In England and Wales, around 50 people die from accidental exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide each year, many between November and February due to faulty fossil fuel- and wood-burning appliances or blocked flues.

To lower the risk, HPA recommends that these appliances should be regularly checked by an appropriately registered engineer and flues regularly checked for blockages. To minimise the risks, checks should be carried out before the start of winter.

The HPA also recommends that British Standards Kitemarked, audible CO alarms - available from most DIY retailers - should be fitted in homes. However, the installation of an alarm should not replace regular inspections by a registered engineer [2].

References

1. "Reducing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning over winter", HPA press notice, 15 November 2010.

2. See also Health and Safety Executive website for relevant statutory requirements: http://www.hse.gov.uk/gas/domestic/co/coawareweek.htm.