CHAPTER 34 ENVIRONMENTAL CAREERS Biosphere Decibel Ecosystem Hydrocarbon Mutagen Particulate Pesticide Pollution Journal question: What personal qualities might make a student a good candidate for a career in environmental health?

Chapter 34 Learning Objectives Define at least eight terms relating to environmental health care. Describe the function of the environmental health care team.

Chapter 34 Learning Objectives Specify the role of the environmental health care team members, including personal qualities, educational requirements, responsibilities, and credentialing requirements.

Environmental Health Careers Environmental careers create a supportive environment for patients. Support services (ancillary workers) maintain equipment and supplies needed for optimal care. Workers must know basic medical terminology and principles of asepsis.

Environmental Careers: Educational Cost and Earnings

Environmental Health Careers

Nutrition Services Dietitian Provides nutritional counseling and services Supervises food operations and manages the nutritional services of the health care system Education Bachelor’s degree in dietetic, nutrition, or food systems management, which includes an internship Master’s or doctoral degree is preferred.

Nutrition Services Dietary technician Plans menu Supervises production of food Education 2-year associate degree program Dietary assistant (food service worker) Prepares food and beverages Helps patient select a menu and processes the order Collects empty meal trays and washes dishes Training On-the-job training Refer students to Skill List 34-1 Planning Menus and to Skill List 34-2 Preparing the Dining Area.

Sample Meal Requisition FIGURE 34-2 Planned meal requisitions allow a variety of food choices within the limits of the individual diet.

Nutrition Services Weight reduction specialist Counsels patients to lose weight using dietary and activity guidelines Various qualifications Training by the organization Individuals who have gone through a weight loss program Licensing is under consideration in 31 states. Weight reduction specialists are also called nutritionists, dietary consultants, or weight counselors.

Nutrition Services Food scientist-technologist Evaluates safety of food processing and ingredients Develops new foods Develops methods for producing known foods Education Minimum of 2 years of college Bachelor’s degree in food technology is available.

Environmental Control Careers Pollution control engineer Analyzes contamination problems Establishes methods and equipment to prevent pollution Reviews data from potential sources of contamination Calculates the pollutants being produced May recommend denial of operating permits in plants Education Bachelor’s degree

Environmental Control Careers Environmental engineer Modifies facilities for environmental protection Responsibilities Recommending methods for insect and rodent control Recommending methods for safe disposal of radioactive waste materials Researches factors concerning population growth, industrial planning, and natural environments Education Master’s degree is recommended Environmental engineers also recommend equipment to meet standards set by the federal government.

Environmental Control Careers Industrial hygienist Conducts health programs in manufacturing plants and government agencies Identifies, controls, and eliminates health hazards and diseases in the workplace Responsibilities Collecting and analyzing dust, gasses, and other harmful substances Reporting and recommending actions to eliminate potential hazards Education Bachelor’s degree with master’s degree preferred

Environmental Control Careers Safety engineer Employed in all work environments Identifies existing and potential hazards in conditions and practices Develops, implements, and evaluates methods to control hazards Most safety engineers are employed by manufacturing , insurance, construction, or government agencies.

Environmental Control Careers Health and regulatory inspector Enforces laws and regulations concerning employment hazards Regulates consumer products Regulates quarantine for imported products Regulates quarantine for people from other countries Health and regulatory inspectors work for the local, state, or federal government.

Environmental Control Careers Radiation monitor Tests air, soil, water, floors, walls, and other areas of human contact for radiation Education At least 2-year degree or bachelor’s degree in nuclear technology Certification is available through the National Registry of Radiation Protection Technologists (NRRPT) Radiation monitors are also called health physics technicians.

Environmental Control Careers Ecologist Analyzes and regulates the quality of the environment Specialty areas Air pollution analysis Water quality analysis Forest ecology Aquatic ecology Plant ecology Animal ecology Education Bachelor’s degree in one of the major sciences Most ecologists are employed by the government or private industry, such as petrochemical companies.

Environmental Control Careers Sanitarian Plans, develops, and executes environmental health programs Work includes organizing waste disposal procedures Sets and enforces standards concerning food, sewage, and waste disposal Education Bachelor’s degree Sanitation engineers may be educated in civil engineering.

Environmental Control Careers Environmental health technician Collects and analyzes air and water samples Works under the supervision of a sanitarian Education Vocational programs or a community college associate degree Certification is available through the National Environmental Association (NEHA) Environmental health assistants learn on the job. Refer students to Figure 34-3, and discuss ways in which water is analyzed.

Water Analysis FIGURE 34-3 Water may be analyzed for its quality, bacterial content, or other pollutant content.

Environmental Control Careers Public health microbiologist Conducts tests and studies relationships of people to organisms that cause pollution, diseases, or epidemics Duties Testing food Monitoring the sludge from treatment plants Identifying organisms that cause widespread disease Education Minimum of bachelor’s degree in biology or life science Licensure required in some states Certification as a specialist in public health may be granted. Refer students to Skill List 34-3 Using the Epidemiologic Approach.

Summary The function of the environmental health care team is to create a supportive environment for the patient. The role of members of the environmental health care team includes providing nutrition and a clean environment.

Review Ecology is the study of: a. Living organisms and their relationship to the environment b. Air, water, and land c. Pollution d. Sewage treatment e. Organisms that cause disease

Review Ecology is the study of: a. Living organisms and their relationship to the environment b. Air, water, and land c. Pollution d. Sewage treatment e. Organisms that cause disease