CH 8: Environmental Health Related to Nursing Flashcards
is essential for optimal health and health care.
healthy environment
what types of exposures do we see in the environment and how do they affect us
chemical, biological, and radiological exposures that affect our health in the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, and the products we use
environmental exposures rarely limited to:
one location or once source
nurses role in environmental health
Nurses need to know how to assess for environmental health risks and develop educational and other preventive interventions to help individuals, families, and communities understand and, where possible, decrease the risks
the chapter explores basic competencies from what sources
Institute of Medicine’s (IOM) General Environmental Health Competencies of Nurses (Box 8.1)
ANA Scope and Standards for Environmental Health (2007)
the basic science that studies the health effects associated with chemical exposure
toxicology
the science that helps us understand the strength of the association between exposures and health effects in human populations
epidemiology
epidemiology triangle**
agent
host
environment
Geographic information systems (GIS)
multidisciplinary approaches including nursing competencies
-In addition to toxicology and epidemiology, some earth sciences help explain how pollutants travel in air, water, and soil.
-Geologists, meteorologists, and chemists all contribute information to help understand how and when humans may be exposed to hazardous chemicals, radiation (such as radon), and biological contaminants.
-The public health field also depends on food safety specialists, sanitarians, radiation specialists, and industrial hygienists.
-The nature of environmental health requires a multidisciplinary approach to assess and decrease environmental health risks.
how the environment effects our health:
air pollution
inadequate water sanitation
chemicals
radiation ‘community noise
occupational rises
agricultural practices
built environments
climate change
sources of mercury exposures
air
water
fish
amalgam fillings
cosmetics, lotions, and fragrances
vaccines (US Vaccines no longer carry thimerosal unless used in multidose flu vaccines)
mercury thermometers
batteries
light bulbs
electronics
sources of lead exposure
paint
water
cosmetics
some jewlery/toys
wildfire smoke
lead poisoning effects on children
-damage to the brain and nervous system
-slowed growth and development
-learning and behavior problems
-hearing and speech problems
the effects of lead poising on children can cause:
-lower IQ
-decreased ability to pay attention (ADHD)
-underperformance at school
-impulsiveness
-behavior regulation
lead poising on adults can cause
CV disease
liver/kidney disease
pregnancy complications
amount of lead normal in children
Should be less than 3.5 μg/dL
indoor air quality problems in rental property issues
allergens
roaches
mice
mold
carbon monoxide
air quality issue with the outdoors
near factories