Reports on Environment and Urban Development for Alaverdy

GEO ALAVERDI: ENVIRONMENT AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

central parts of the leaves, as well as the edges, dry up and look damaged, the leaves become wrinkled. Diagram 4.4: Maximal and minimal quantities of sulfur in the plants growing in the ACP area in 1987 and in 2003-2005 12

Although the indicators shown in diagram 4.4 are relatively lower from those of the Soviet period (1987), however, they clearly prove the signi fi cant pollution levels in the technogenic zones.

2. Impacts on the quality of life and human health One of the most important factors that re fl ect the quality of life is system of social values, which is based on the security and reduction of risks. The safety of human life depends on personal, economic, sustainability and health factors. The security of life is probably one of the primary considerations, as it supposes the relative protection of the population from diseases and epidemics. The human health factor includes both the physical and mental health. The most important precondition for economic progress is the public health. In that regard, the analysis of 2004-2008 data fromAlaverdi health center gives a quite concerning picture on the condition of health of the urban population. 13

12 At the same place, p. 35: 13 Doctor Ruzanna Mirzoyan, Coordinator of Alaverdi Aarhus Center.

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CHAPTER 4. IMPACT OF THE STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Environmental Knowledge for Change