Week 6: Environmental Influences on Health Flashcards
climate change
Long term weather patterns altered
climate change cause
rising CO2 levels (highest in 4M yrs) b/c:
Fossil fuel burning (coal, oil, gas); agriculture; industry; +++ people
Forrest destruction (for agriculture; urban use)
consequences of climate change
Global temps rising
Ice melting (Greenland; Arctic sea ice)
Rising sea levels
Extreme weather
human health env. impact
injuries/deaths
thermal stress
infectious diseases
malnutrition
mental stresses
conflict, drugs, etc
floods risk to health
water polluted
damages to property
mental health (PTSD)
injuries and deaths
- drowning
droughts risk to health
more bugs
food production decrease
wildfires
soil erozion and salinization
what human factors contribute to climate change
agriculture
deforestation
habitat fragmentation
sprawl
water control
what populations are most at risk
women
children
elderly
poor
environmental racism
Leads to greater risk of health problems since they are exposed to more pollutants
achieved systemically
RNAO’S position Statement Healthy Energy
Reduce consumption through conservation.
Increased reliance on renewable energy such as community-based, appropriately located and scaled water, wind, solar and bioenergy.
Strategic use of natural gas to meet peak needs.
Cancel plans to construct new risky expensive nuclear plants.
Immediate closure of all remaining coal plants (this one actually happened!!)
nursing interventions environmental impact on health
Explain relationship b/w harmful enviro exposures and health
Guide in risk reduction at individual/local/community/global level
Advocacy to develop policies that improve enviro health
Work with community partners: advocate, inform, consult, involve in risk-reduction
Individual/population risk assessment
Risk communication
Epidemiological investigation
Reducing environmental health risks
Prevention is less costly than fixing
Education is primary preventive strategy
Risk management - Selection/implementation of risk-reducing strategies - Eg. 4 R’s in Environmental Pollution: Reduce Reuse Recycle Recover
