A Healthier Environment• Name some of the direct and indirect health risks associated

with climate change.• List the effects of ozone and particle pollution on lung health

and functioning.• Define sustainability and describe ways college campuses

can promote sustainability.• Discuss the risks of prolonged exposure to sounds over 85

decibels and how to protect their hearing.• Compare and contrast bottled and tap water.• Identify the major indoor pollutants.• List the key sources and health risks of electromagnetic

fields.• Evaluate their personal habits and identify ways they can

adopt behaviors that will support sustainability.

Chapter Learning Objectives

The Environment and Your Health

We cannot separate our individual health from that of the environment in which we live.• The World Health Organization (WHO) has

identified the three major environmental threats to health:

•Unsafe water, sanitation, and hygiene.•Indoor air pollution from solid fuel use.•Outdoor air pollution.• Climate Change•According to WHO, the world’s climate is changing in significant ways and will continue to do so in the foreseeable future.

Health Risks Of Climate Change

Direct

Effects of natural disasters such as:

Heat waves

Hurricanes

Floods, tsunamis

Indirect

Changing patterns of infectious disease

Depletion of fresh water

Food availability

“Your Health Action Plan for Protecting the Planet”

• Wash laundry in warm or cold water, not hot.

• Buy products sold in simple packaging.

• Carry a tote bag or recycle shopping bags.

• Switch from standard light bulbs to energy-efficient fluorescent ones.

• Set room thermostats lower in winter and higher in summer.

• Run dishwashers only when full.• Bike, carpool, or take mass transit

whenever possible.

Three Greenhouse Gases

Gas Source

Carbon Dioxide

Burning of fossil fuels and wood

Methane

Producing fossil fuels

Livestock

Decomposition of organic wastes

Nitrous Oxide

Agricultural and industrial processes

Temperature Effects of Greenhouse Gases

The Impact of Pollution: Definitions

• Pollutant• A substance or agent in the environment,

usually the byproduct of human industry or activity, that is injurious to human, animal, or plant life.

• Pollution• The presence of pollutants in the

environment.• Mutagen• An agent that causes alteration in the

genetic material (DNA) of living cells.

The Impact of Pollution: Definitions

• Carcinogen• A substance or agent that causes cancer.

• Teratogen• A mutagens that can crosses the placenta of a

pregnant woman and causes spontaneous abortion or birth defects in the fetus.

• Ozone • A form of oxygen that is a harmful component of air

pollution.

Health Problems Linked To Pollution

Allergy and Asthma Headaches

Dizziness and Nausea Heart Disease

Chest Pain Birth defects

Reproductive problemsHigher mortality from strokes

Vomiting Eye irritation

Impaired vision Sore throat

Stomach Cancer Cough

Air Pollution Effects

Lung

Destroy cilia

Chronic bronchitis

Emphysema

HeartIncrease atherosclerosis

Death due to heart disease

Children Impair lung development

Ozone Is The Primary Air Pollutant

DefinedForm of oxygen that is harmful when in the lower atmosphere

ImpactMost influence on young, senior citizens, outdoor enthusiasts and workers, those with respiratory disease

Effects

Premature death

Shortness of breath, wheezing

Chest pain on inhalation

Susceptibility to respiratory infections

Particle Pollution Is Most Dangerous

DefinedSmall particles in air which get trapped in lungs

Effects

Diminishes lung function in everyone

Increases number and severity of asthma attacks

Increased risk of heart attack and stroke in elderly and prior heart condition

Increased mortality of infants and young children

High RiskLive within 1/3 mile of highway

Spending time in heavy traffic

Sustainability Has Three Components

DefinedUse of as little as possible of resources that cannot be renewed

3 Parts

Precycle – consider before purchase

Recycle – reusing materials that would be considered trash

Composting – turning organic material into rich soil

Figure 19-2 p631

Greening Your Space

The Water You Drink

• According to CDC, each year, there are about 7,400 cases of illness related to water contamination.

• Sources of water contamination:

Parasites Lead Viruses

Bacteria Chemicals• Most consumer water filters can block certain

pathogens that can cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems.

Bottled Water or Tap Water?

No scientific reason to recommend bottled water over tap water

Disposable bottles pose risk to environment

30 million PET bottles require 17 million barrels of oil to make

Switching to reusable bottles reduces waste Glass is safest and eco-friendly Metal (aluminum or stainless steel) Hard plastic (polycarbonate)

Leading Pollutants Of Indoor Air

Tobacco smoke

Radon

Molds

Household Products

Formaldehyde

Pesticides

Asbestos

Lead

Indoor Pollutants

Nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke, including children, face increased risk of developing lung cancer and heart disease.

Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS)

ETSSmoke burning from end of pipe, cigarette or cigar or exhaled from smoker’s mouth

TypesSecondhand– passive smoking

Thirdhand – tobacco residue on surfaces and in dust

Effects

Irritation of eye, nose and throat

Headaches

Lung cancer and possibly heart disease

Children: lung and ear effects

Radon

RadonFrom breakdown of uranium in rocks, soil and water

EffectsNo immediate symptoms

Increased risk of lung cancer

Prevent Exposure

Do-it-yourself test kit

Radon contractors can help

Molds And Biological Contaminants

TypesBacteria, mildew, viruses, animal dander, cat saliva, dust mites, cockroaches, pollen, mold

Mold

Sources

Wet walls, ceilings, carpet, furniture

Faulty ventilation systems

Poorly maintained humidifiers

Effects

Irritation of eye, nose and throat

Dizziness, lethargy, fever

Digestive problems

Reduce Exposure To Molds

Vent fans to outdoors in kitchen and bath

Clean humidifiers and refill with clean water daily

Empty water trays in air conditioners, dehumidifiers and refrigerators

Keep living space clean

Household Products Pollute Your Home

Sources of pollution

Paint and paint strippers

Wood preservatives

Cleaners and disinfectants

Air fresheners and aerosol sprays

Stored fuels and automotive products

Hobby supplies

Dry-cleaned clothing

Health Effects Of Household Products

Effects

Eye, nose, throat irritation

Headaches

Loss of coordination

Nausea

Damage to liver, kidney, central nervous system

Lower estrogen

Cancer

Reduce Harmful Household Products

Steps to reduce exposure

Follow instructions carefully

Use one product at a time

Throw away old chemicals

Buy smaller quantities

Minimize methylene chloride (paint strippers, adhesive removers, and spray paints)

Formaldehyde

Sources of formaldehyde

Pressed wood products

Furniture made with pressed wood

Urea-formaldehyde foam insulation

Combustion sources

Environmental tobacco smoke

Durable press drapes and other textiles

Glue

Health Effects Of Formaldehyde

Effects of formaldehyde

Watery eyes

Burning sensation in eyes and throat

Nausea

Difficulty breathing

Possibly cancer

Reduce Exposure to Formaldehyde

Steps toward reducing exposure

Use exterior grade pressed wood

Air conditioning and humidifiers to maintain moderate temperatures

Increase ventilation

Always ask about formaldehyde before buying wood

Pesticides

SourcesProducts used to kill pests, or treat lawn and garden

Health Effects

Headaches, dizziness, nausea

Muscle twitching

Weakness and tingling sensations

EffectsNo immediate symptoms

Increased risk of lung cancer

Reduce Exposure To Pesticides

Take these steps to reduce risk

Follow instructions on package

Use approved products in specified amounts

Take plants and pets outside to apply product

Dispose according to package directions

Use nonchemical methods when possible

Ventilate

Minimize exposure to moth repellants

Asbestos

SourcesDeteriorating, damaged or disturbed insulation, fireproofing, acoustical material and floor tiles

Health Effects

Too small to be immediately visible Lung cancer Asbestosis Mesothelioma

Effects

Use contractors for jobs that may disturb asbestos

Follow procedures for replacing gaskets that may contain asbestos

Lead

SourcesLead-based paint

Contaminated soil, dust and water

Effects

All body systems affected

Convulsions, coma, and even death Central Nervous System effects Kidney and blood cell effects Pregnant women – high blood pressure

Reduce Lead Exposure

Take these steps to reduce risk

Keep areas where children play as dust-free as possible

Leave lead-based paint undisturbed

Keep lead dust and paint out of your home

Eat a balanced diet

Carbon Monoxide and Nitrogen Oxide

Sources

Gas and Kerosene heaters/stoves

Automobile engines

Coal burning

Effects

Fatigue at low concentrations

At higher concentrations: impaired vision and coordination headaches, dizziness, confusion death

Reduce CO and NO Exposure

Take these steps to reduce risk

Keep appliances properly adjusted

Open flues when fireplaces are in use

Do not idle car inside the garage

Support sustainable energy sources

Chemical Risks

• Various chemicals, including benzene, asbestos, and arsenic, have been shown to cause cancer in humans.

• Endocrine Disruptors: are chemicals that act as or interfere with human hormones.

• Exposure to toxic chemicals causes about 3 percent of developmental defects.

• Many are chemicals found household products that are shown to be 2 to 5 times more concentrated inside the home than outside

Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Risk

Electromagnetic fields are produced by a conductor and extensively present inside and outside homes

Experts disagree about the effects of EMF:

Risk of cancer and other human disease from EMF around power lines is ‘weak’

EMF exposure ‘cannot be recognized as entirely safe’

Researchers have also documented increased cancer rates, miscarriage and more

Other Sources Of Concern

Microwaves No evidence of health risk

Cell Phones No definite answer regarding risk

Ionizing Radiation

Danger is in amount, frequency and duration of exposure

Constant in environment

Typical exposure is not health risk

Diagnostic X-rays

Doctor’s should reduce the number of x-rays patients are exposed to

Hearing Is Affected By Sound And Medication

Loudness

Measured in decibels (dB) If someone can hear music from your headphones 2-3 feet away, it’s too loud

Harmful Sounds

Prolonged exposure over 85 dB Power mower or food blender

Short, loud sharp sounds

Rock concerts 110-140 dB

Medication Over-the-counter pain killers (aspirin)

Your Hearing Health

Signs Of Hearing Loss

NoticeableDifficulty understanding speech

Tinnitus

UnnoticeableLong exposure to low level damaging sounds may cause gradual loss

Should You Have Your Hearing Checked?

• Do you frequently have to ask people to repeat themselves?

• Do you have difficulty hearing when someone speaks in a whisper?

• Do people complain that you turn up the volume too much when watching television or listening to music?

• Do you have difficulty following conversation in a noisy environment?

• Do you avoid groups of people because of hearing difficulty?

• Have your friends or family suggested you might have hearing loss?

Taking Care of Mother Earth

• Plant a tree.• Precycle.

• Limit your driving.• Save the juice (electricity).

• Integrate a new “green” habit into your life every week.

• Be water wise.• Avoid disposables.

• Recycle.• Cancel junk mail.• Spare the seas.