Introduction and Environmental Health

Question 1

Environmental, occupational, clinical, and laboratory factors that contributed to the occurrence and severity of the histoplasmosis outbreak among tunnel cleaning workers in the Dominican Republic (or that could contribute to similar outbreaks)

Answer 1

• Environmental: Bat Guano, Not properly disposed of
• Occupational: Insufficient training, No protective Equipment
• Clinical and laboratory: Lacking necessary lab equipment and medication, low awareness from doctors

Question 2

Environmental, occupational, clinical, and laboratory recommendations to prevent similar histoplasmosis outbreaks in the Dominican Republic (or to prevent similar outbreaks of other diseases)

Answer 2

• Properly dispose of Bat Guano and keep public from areas of high concentration
• Provide and require protective Equipment
• Train all employees about safety and biohazards
• Procure or come to a sharing agreement for necessary lab equipment and medication
• Increase awareness for doctors and the general community

Question 3

Definition of environmental health

Answer 3

All the physical, chemical, and biological factors external to a person, and all the related factors impacting behaviors. It encompasses the assessment and control of those environmental factors that can potentially affect health

Question 4

Definition of ecology

Answer 4

The study of the interactions between the living and the non-living components of the environment.

Question 5

Definition of ecosystem

Answer 5

A complex of interdependent relationships among living organisms and their physical environment. Major world ecosystems include forests, mountains, deserts, freshwater wetlands, oceans, coral reefs, regional seas, mangroves and estuaries, and polar regions.

Question 6

Definition of sustainable development

Answer 6

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Question 7

Responsibility for stewardship over the earth

Answer 7

Gen 2:15 - And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and keep it.

D&C 59:16-20- Verily I say, that inasmuch as ye do this, the fulness of the earth is yours, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and that which climbeth upon the trees and walketh upon the earth;…Yea, all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart; …And it pleaseth God that he hath given all these things unto man; for unto this end were they made to be used, with judgment, not to excess, …

D&C 88:25-26- And again, verily I say unto you, the earth abideth the law of a celestial kingdom, for it filleth the measure of its creation, and transgresseth not the law; Wherefore, it shall be sanctified; yea, notwithstanding it shall die, it shall be quickened again, and shall abide the power by which it is quickened, and the righteous shall inherit it.

D&C 104:17- For the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare; yea, I prepared all things, and have given unto the children of men to be agents unto themselves.

Question 8

Basic requirements for a healthy environment

Answer 8

• Clean air
• Safe and sufficient water
• Adequate and safe food
• Safe and peaceful settlements
• Stable global environment