environmental health (422 E3) Flashcards
what is environment
The environment is everything around us- the air we breathe, the water we drink and use, and the food we consume. It’s also the chemicals, radiation, microbes, and physical forces with which we come into contact. Our interactions with the environment are complex and are not always healthy
what is environmental health: WHO
The aspect of human health determined by physical, chemical, biological and psychosocial factors in the environment
what is environmental health: NEHA
“The science and practice of preventing human injury and illness and promoting well-being by:
-Identifying and evaluating environmental sources and hazardous agents
-Limiting exposures to hazardous physical, chemical, and biological agents in air, water, soil, food, and other environmental media or settings that may adversely affect human health”
requirements for a healthy environment
Clean Air
Safe & Sufficient Water
Adequate and Safe Food
Safe and Peaceful Settlements
Stable Global Environment
precautionary principal
help guides public health nursing
Social responsibility to protect the public from exposure to harm when scientific investigation has found a plausible risk. The precautions can be relaxed only if further scientific findings emerge that provide sound evidence that no harm will result
prevent rather then treat
roles of nurses in environmental health
-Education, prevention, and treatment
-Community involvement
-Individual and population risk assessment
-Risk communication
-Epidemiological investigation
-Policy advocacy & development
environmental health hazards
Any environmental substance or situation that has the ability to cause an adverse health event
ex:
Pesticides
Chemicals in consumer products
Radiation
Flood waters
asbestos, radon, cigarette smoke can affect which organ system
respiratory
mercury, arsenic, lead, vinyl chloride, noise can affect which organ system
neuro
arsenic, benzene, nitrates, radiation can affect which organ system
hematologic
dioxin, nickel, arsenic, mercury can affect which organ system
skim
lead, ethylene dibromide, PFAscan affect which organ system
reproductive
children and environmental health hazards
-pound for pound, eat/drink/breath more than adults
-explore the ground and put things in mouth
-protective body systems not fully developed
-still growing
agency for toxic substances and disease registry
Protects communities from harmful health effects related to exposure to natural and man-made hazardous substances
methods of surveillance / assessing
Toxicology studies
Epidemiologic studies
Environmental monitoring
Biological monitoring
Ex. Cotinine as a biomarker for ETS
Product surveillance
hazard contro strategies
at the source: (ex: person in quarantine)
along the path (ex: social distancing & barriers)
at the level of the person: (ex: wearing PPE)
secondary prevention: (ex: covid testing)
The Exposome
the totality of exposure individuals experience from conception until death and its impact on chronic disease
review built environment sides & home environment & water quality & air quality
re read
what pollutants pose the greatest risk to public health
1) carbon monoxide
2) lead
3) nitrogen dioxide
4) ozone
5) particulate matter
6) sulfur dioxide
particular matter
PM10:inhalableparticles,with diameters that are generally 10 micrometers and smaller;
&
PM2.5:fine inhalable particles,with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller
environmental justice
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies
environmental justice: populations of special concern
Pregnant women
Children
Elderly
Individuals with disabilities
Vulnerable populations
Workers
greenhouse gas effect
Earth gets heat from the sun
In the atmosphere, green house gases like carbon dioxide, trap the heat and keep it from escaping back to outer space
Trapping some of this heat is a good thing because it keeps the planet warm enough for us to live
When we add extra carbon dioxide (e.g., burning fossil fuels) it traps more heat in the atmosphere, making the earth warmer
what can we for climate change
Generate electricity from clean sources (e.g., solar, wind)
Drive less (e.g., walk; bike; public transportation)
Reduce beef consumption
Recycle, reuse
Use water efficiently
Turn off lights, computer, TV when not in use
Plant community gardens
Plant trees
Advocate
