The primary outcome of this research is a new approach to assessing risk of Cadmium contamination of rice based systems. The project resulted in the protection of public health and long-term livelihoods of cadmium exposed communities in North western Thailand, increased regional awareness of cadmium contamination issues and significant contributions to the emerging paradigm of cadmium risk assessment. This outcome was achieved through a combination of activities and outputs namely
The development and implementation of a cadmium hazard mapping methodology and rice plant cadmium uptake models
Continuous technical assistance and capacity building activities of Thai Partner Organizations
Policy brief submitted to the Senate Environment Committee of the Royal Thai Government
Interviews and media coverage including a TV documentary
Annual project reports and Final Project Report presented and disseminated to Thai Partner Organizations and key stakeholders including communities representatives and local industries.
Regional awareness building and contribution to the emerging paradigm of Cd risk assessment was achieved through peer reviewed journal articles and conference presentations including a discussion paper submitted upon request to WHO SEARO and an invited conference presentation at an inter-regional WHO conference. The outputs were linked to MTP Project 5 Output (from the 2004-2006 MTP).
In Thailand, the research outputs were adopted by the Royal Thai Government through the Land Development Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives and the Bureau of Occupational and Environmental Disease, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health. Those influenced by the research outputs included policy level decision makers including members of the Thai Government, the Governor of Tak Province as well as researchers at Thai Universities and partner organizations. Those primarily affected were the communities in Mae Sot no longer dietarily exposed to Cd contaminated rice.
The research outputs were used by the media to lobby the Royal Thai Government to take affirmative action to address the cadmium contamination issue.
