Environment Health Flashcards
Take home message
If we take care of the environement, it will take care of us
Environmental health
The collective interactions of humans with the environment and the short & long term consequences of these interactions
Anthropocene
A geological epoch that represents the beginning of human’s substantial impact on earth systems
- World’s increasing population strains limited resources
Factors that contribute to population growth
- Fertility rate
- Lower death rates (better medical care)
Environmental impacts of humans
- Air pollution & water pollution
- Climate change
- Toxic substance and hazardous waste management
- Ozone depletion
Brundtland Report (1987)
Highlights the importance of the global environement to our survival
Human Energy Consumption
Used to drive cars, light and heat homes, power industry
Non-renewables:
- Oil (41%), gas, coal, hydro-electric, nuclear
Renewable (17%):
- Solar, wind, water, bio fuels
Alternate fuels: Ethanol
Human Energy Consumption Health Impacts
- Pollutants
- De-forestration
- Waste products
- Sewage
- Eco-system impacts
- Greenhouse effect
Greenhouse effect
The warming of earth caused by a buildup of carbon dioxide and certain other gases
Global warming
An increase in Earth’s atmospheric temperature when averaged across seasons and geographical regions
Possible consequences of Global warming
Climate change impacts human health in many ways:
Increase in CVD, more allergies, mental health impacts, more diseases, etc.
Climate change affect on mental health
Ex. wildfire in 2016 gave evacuees PTSD
How to reduce energy consumption
- Use public transit, car pool
- Turn the heat down
- Turn off lights
- wash and dry dishes by hand
- Choose renewable energy sources
- Consider electronic vehicles
Land pollution
solid waste:
- average Canadian generates more than 700 kg of household waste yearly
Hazardous waste:
Nuclear, biological, chemical
Solid waste reduction
Choose products with less packaging
- Using recyclables is also a great option
Reduce, reuse, recycle
Air pollution
Air pollution weakens protective ozone layer.
- Build-up of gases increases the risk of cancer and pollutants contribute to acute respiratory illnesses
Also contributes to global warming
Types of air pollution
Hydrocarbons:
- product of fuel combustion
- Linked to respiratory illness
Particulate Matter:
- Ash, smoke, pollen, dust
- Linked to respiratory damage
Carbon Monoxide:
- Colourless, odorless, poisonous
- Linked to headaches, impaired visual perception, increased risk of CVD, death
Sulfur oxides:
-Main cause of acid rains
- produced by combustion of oil and other fuels
- linked to lung disease and CVD
Nitrogen oxides:
- component of acid rain
- produced by engine exhaust
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
- Destroy ozone layer
Indoor air pollution
- Computers, fax machines
- Carbon monoxide and other combustion by-products
- Biological pollutants such as mold
- Asbestos, lead, mercury
may contribute to “sick building syndrome”
- headaches, fatigue, decrease in work productivity
- Asthma in children is associated with indoor air pollution
How to reduce air pollution
- Less driving
- Plant trees
- Dont smoke
- Buy energy-efficient appliances
Water pollution
Sources:
- water delivery systems
- domestic, agricultural, industrial wastes
- Pharmaceutical chemicals
- Nanoplastics
Most water in Canada is purified in water-treatment plants (some indigenous communities do not)
some regons have water shortages in Summer
- 2.1 billion people do not have safe drinking water
- 4.5 billion people do not have access to baic sanitation
Protecting water supply
- Take showers not baths
- Fix leaks
- Dont pour toxic material or old medicines down the drain
- Dispose of wastes properly
Chemical pollution
Pesticides:
-sprayed, dusted, fogged, dumped into environment
linked to lung and bladder cancer, leukaemia, lymphoma
Asbestos:
- Formelry used as insulation in walls
Particles from it cause respiratory damage
Lead:
- paints were lead-based
- found in plumbing, vehicle emissions, tobacco smoke
Linked to CNS damage, mental impairment, coma, death
Chemical pollution continued
Mercury:
- can contaminate water sources and orgsnisms that live in water
- linked to brain damage, heart, kidneys
PCBs:
- polychlorinated biphenyls
- carcinogen, immune system damage
Trihalomethanes:
- synthetic chemical that forms when chlorine in water reacts with natural organic compounds in water
- associated with liver and kidney disorders, CNS problems, cancer
Preventing Chemical pollution
- Buy organic products
- Lock up pesticides
- Only use X-rays if necessary
Radiation
- Linked to cancer
Ex. cel phones, X-rays, ovens
Nuclear weapons and energy give of radiation
Noise pollution
Excessive noise in workplace, sporting events, concerts, etc.
Prolonged exposure to sounds > 80 - 85 decibels can cause permanent hearing loss
- Most hearing loss occurs within 2 hours of exposure
- Continued or repeated exposure makes damage permanent
How to reduce noise pollution
- Wear ear protectors in noisy environements (ear plugs)
- Listen to music at moderate volume
- Avoid exposure to painfully loud sounds
Light Pollution
occurs when we have too much artificial light that enters the night sky and reflects off airborne water droplets and dust particles
Effects:
- Disrupts sleep
- Decreases production of melatonin
- May increase risk of cancer
Others: Disrupts wildlife
Ex. flight path of birds
How to reduce impact of light pollution
- don’t use computer late at night
- Avoid long time exposure to artificial light
- Turn off lights
Environment & Health: What can we do?
Live as green as we can
- Choose organic
- conserve energy
- be environment consciously
- Reduce, reuse, recycle
Educate: Educate others about health impacts of glibal ecological issues
Research/Knowledge:
- Look for evidence of local ecological systems that are negatively effected and help
Advocate: Advocate for human and ecological health; become part of a larger environmentally conscious community
Build networks/coalitions:
- Join environmental groups
- establish coalitions with health organizations to address health implications of global ecological issues
