The regulatory gap in chronic disease prevention: a historical perspective.
Experience shows that regulatory intervention can lead to substantial improvement in population health. The history of regulatory intervention in public health suggests that 'tipping points' necessary to catalyse regulatory change may be identified. We examine three areas in which governments have legislated to protect public health: sanitation, building standards, and vehicle emissions. We apply the lessons to regulatory reform addressing obesity and the chronic disease it causes.
School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia.
Helen L
HL
Walls
Kelvin L
KL
Walls
Bebe
B
Loff
D002028:Building Codes / Q000266:history* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000517:prevention & control*; D049668:History, 15th Century; D049670:History, 17th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D011634:Public Health / Q000266:history* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D012499:Sanitation / Q000266:history* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D001335:Vehicle Emissions
D001335:Vehicle Emissions