Environmental Health Status and Health Concerns of Pata Rat Romani

The Roma are the largest minority and by far the most marginalized group of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) with the highest number residing in Romania. Research on the Roma's environmental health status and their specific health concerns is insufficient and lacks their input. Building on long-standing collaborations with University of Northern Iowa faculty and students, the Family Aid Foundation, and health professionals in Cluj Napoca, Romania, interviews were conducted in Dallas/Pata Rat, a Roma community of approximately 600, who live and work as scavengers off Cluj-Napoca's municipal landfill. In May 2009, participants from 31 households shared their views and experiences through semi-structured interviews and conversations regarding recent illness, perceived health problems, and community health concerns for both children and adults.

Residents on average lived more than 10 years in “Pata Rat” with more than five family members per household. The most common self-reported health problems were; blood pressure, heart and stomach problems, ear, eye and skin infections and asthma/bronchitis. When asked to identify community causes for health problems, the most respondents answered ‘misery' followed by dirt, sewage, solid waste, dust, heat, hygiene and rats. When asked how often they worry about personal safety, food, economic, housing security, and access to medical care, there was a high degree of worry expressed in all categories.

Conclusions from this study address both social and environmental justice issues and discuss basic human rights violations. Recommendations are made by both researchers and participants in the areas of environmental and occupational health.