The World Health Organization and European Union have for quite some time drawn attention to the relationship between environment and health, the environmental risks responsible for a part of disease burden and the role of primary prevention in eliminating these risks. The above international organisms have identified objectives, strategies and actions for promoting and safeguarding health through protection and improvement of the environment but these have not been considered in the planning and regulatory processes regarding primary prevention strategies in Italy. The aims of this session are to highlight political and institutional weaknesses in this regard, demonstrate the efficacy of "good practices" and their feasibility if adequate and dedicated resources are made available, and call for investments for the environment and health.