18 - 4 Flashcards
Noise Pollution
Loud and persistent noise in the environment
—Focus on two areas, hearing loss and stress
Prolonged exposure to sound about 80-85db can cause permanent hearing loss
Regular exposure of 1 minute at 100db can cause hearing loss
Children may suffer damage to their hearing at lower noise levels
Common areas of excessive noise are sporting events and a noisy workplace
Ways to reduce exposure to excessive noise
Wear hearing protection around noisy machinery
Do not listen to music especially while using earbuds too loud
Do not push earbuds in too far
Keep the volume lower than you think
Do not stand next to speakers at a concert or club
Consider wearing ear plugs at such events
Avoid exposure to painfully loud sounds
Children should use “over the ear” headphones with a sound filter or limiter
You and the Environment
Making simple changes in your life can combat the confusing array of complex environmental issues:
Share what you learn about environmental issues with friends and family
Join or support organizations working on environmental issues that are important to you
Contact your elected representatives and communicate your concerns
Environmental health encompasses all the interactions of humans with their environment and the health consequences of those interactions.
The world’s population is increasing rapidly, especially in the developing world.
Factors that may eventually limit human population are food, availability of land and water, energy, and minimum acceptable standard of living.
Increased amounts of air pollutants are dangerous for children, older adults and those with respiratory problems
Factors include smog, hot weather, heavy motor vehicle traffic and stagnant air
Carbon dioxide and other natural gases contribute to the greenhouse effect
Concerns with water quality focus on pathogenic organisms and hazardous chemicals from industry and households, as well as on water shortages.
Sewage treatment prevents pathogens from contaminating drinking water; it often must also deal with heavy metals and hazardous chemicals.
The amount of garbage is growing all the time; organic waste from kitchens and yards is the biggest component.
Reusing, reducing, and recycling can help reduce solid waste-disposal problems.
Potentially hazardous chemical pollutants include asbestos, lead, pesticides, mercury, and many household products. Proper handling and disposal are critical.
Radiation can cause radiation sickness, chromosome damage, and cancer, among other health problems
Loud or persistent noise can lead to hearing loss and stress; two common sources of excessive noise are the workplace and music concerts.
