Environmental Health Chapter 24. 2 Environmental Health Planet supplies us with: food, water, air, and everything that sustains our life. Encompassing.

Environmental Health

Chapter 24

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Environmental Health

Planet supplies us with: food, water, air, and everything that sustains our life.Encompassing all the interactions of humans with their environment and the health consequences of these interactions.

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Classic Environmental Health Concern

Grew out of the efforts to control communicable diseases.Pathogens which can be transferred via sewage, drinking water and food.U.S. has a complex health system devoted to control such health issues.

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Clean Water

Water Contamination and Treatment.

FluoridationWater-treatment plants

Water shortages

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Protecting the Water Supply

ShowerSink faucet aeratorsFix leaky faucetsUse organic versus chemical fertilizersDon’t pour toxins down the drainGardening issues

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Waste Disposal

Humans generate large amounts of waste.

Sewage• Septic system• Heavy metal• Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)

Solid waste• Garbage• Sanitary landfill

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Waste DisposalWhat You Can Do to Reduce Garbage

Products with least amount of packagingProducts made of recycled paper or recyclable productsAvoid using foam or paper cupsStore food in glass jars and reusable plastic containersRecycle newspapers, glass, cans, paper, and any other recyclablesStart a compost pileStop junk mail

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Food Inspection

Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Overall the food distribution in the U.S. is safe and efficient.

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Insect and Rodent Control

Great number of illnesses are associated with animal and insect contact.

EncephalitisLyme DiseaseRocky Mountain spotted feverBubonic plagueWest Nile virus

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Population Growth

World’s population currently estimated at 6.1 billion

Increasing by 78 million per yearTo exceed 9 billion by 2050

How Many People Can the World Hold?FoodAvailable land and waterEnergyMinimum acceptable standard of living

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World Population

Factors That Contribute to Population Growth

High fertility ratesLack of family planning resourcesLower death rates

Population

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Pollution

Air pollutionAir quality and smogAir quality index (AQI)• Carbon monoxide• Sulfur dioxide• Nitrogen dioxide• Particulate matter (PM)• Ground-level ozone

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The Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming

ConsequencesIncreased rainfall and flooding or drought.Increased mortality from heat stress.A poleward shift of about 50-350 miles

Thinning of the Ozone LayerChlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

Acid precipitationEnergy Use and Air Pollution

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Indoor Air Pollution

Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS)Carbon monoxide and other combustion by-productsFormaldehyde gasBiological pollutants

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What You Can Do To Prevent Air Pollution

Cut back on drivingKeep your car tuned upBuy energy-efficient appliancesReplace incandescent bulbsHomes well insulatedPlant trees and shrubsProper disposal of ozone-depleting appliancesKeep house well ventilatedDon’t smokeClean and inspect chimneys, furnaces and other appliances

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Chemical PollutionAsbestosLeadPesticides

BiomagnificationMercuryWhat You Can Do to Prevent Chemical Pollution

Read labels of products purchasedProper disposal of house hold productsBuy organic produceLock-up pesticides Use licensed exterminators

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RadiationNuclear Weapons and Nuclear EnergyMedical Uses of RadiationRadiation in the Home and Workplace

RadonWhat You Can Do to Prevent Chemical Pollution

Only get X rays if really neededCheck local and state health department about radonFind out if there are radioactive sites in your area

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Noise PollutionDecibels

Sounds above 80-85Two common sources of excessive noise

• Workplace• Large gatherings of people at a concert or sporting event

The Occupational Safety and Health Administrations (OSHA) standardsWhat You Can Do to Prevent Chemical Pollution

Wear ear protectorsListen to music on a headset with a volume at or below 4Avoid loud musicAvoid exposure to painfully loud sounds 80 + decibels

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Healing the Environment

• Share what you learn about environmental issues with your family and friends

• Join, support, or volunteer with organizations working on environmental causes that are important to you

• Contact your elected representatives and communicate your concerns

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Thank You!