A Healthier Environment 19 A Healthier Environment

The Environment and Your Health With absolute certainty, the world’s climate is changing in significant ways and will continue to do so in the foreseeable future Reported by the United Nations’ International Panel on Climate Change

Global Warming Figure 19.1. The Greenhouse Effect

Global Warming (cont’d.) 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

The Environment and Your Health (cont’d.) Direct Effects of natural disasters such as: Heat waves Hurricanes Floods, tsunamis Indirect Changing patterns of infectious disease Depletion of fresh water Food availability

The Impact of Pollution Allergy and Asthma Headaches Dizziness and Nausea Heart Disease Chest Pain Birth defects Reproductive problems Higher mortality from strokes Vomiting Eye irritation Impaired vision Sore throat Stomach Cancer Cough

The Air You Breathe Lung Heart Children Destroy cilia Chronic bronchitis Emphysema Heart Increase atherosclerosis Death due to heart disease Children Impair lung development

The Air You Breathe (cont’d.) Ozone Form of oxygen that is harmful when in the lower atmosphere Impact Most 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

The Air You Breathe (cont’d.) Particle Pollution Small 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 Risk Live within 1/3 mile of highway Spending time in heavy traffic

Working Toward Sustainability Use of as little as possible of resources that cannot be renewed Three Parts Precycle – consider before purchase Recycle – reusing materials that would be considered trash Composting – turning organic material into rich soil

The Water You Drink No scientific reason to recommend bottled water over tap water Disposable bottles pose risk to environment Reusable bottles reduce waste Glass is safest and eco-friendly Metal Hard plastic

Indoor Pollutants: The Inside Story Tobacco smoke Formaldehyde Radon Pesticides Molds Asbestos Household Products Lead

Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Smoke burning from end of pipe, cigarette or cigar or exhaled from smoker’s mouth Types Second-hand – passive smoking Third-hand – 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 Radon Effects Prevent Exposure From breakdown of uranium in rocks, soil and water Effects No immediate symptoms Increased risk of lung cancer Prevent Exposure Do-it-yourself test kit Radon contractors can help

Molds and Other Biological Contaminants Types Bacteria, 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

Molds and Other Biological Contaminants (cont’d.) Steps to reduce exposure 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 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

Household Products (cont’d.) Effects of pollution Eye, nose, throat irritation Headaches Loss of coordination Nausea Damage to liver, kidney, central nervous system Lower estrogen Cancer

Household Products (cont’d.) Steps to reduce exposure Follow instructions carefully Use one product at a time Throw away old chemicals Buy smaller quantities Minimize methylene chloride

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

Formaldehyde (cont’d.) Health effects of formaldehyde Watery eyes Burning sensation in eyes and throat Nausea Difficulty breathing Possibly cancer

Formaldehyde (cont’d.) 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 Sources Health Effects Effects Products used to kill pests, or treat lawn and garden Health Effects Headaches, dizziness, nausea Muscle twitching Weakness and tingling sensations Effects No immediate symptoms Increased risk of lung cancer

Pesticides (cont’d.) 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 Sources Health Effects Steps Deteriorating, damaged or disturbed insulation, fireproofing, acoustical material and floor tiles Health Effects Too small to be immediately visible Lung cancer Asbestosis Mesothelioma Steps Use contractors for jobs that may disturb asbestos Follow procedures for replacing gaskets that may contain asbestos

Lead Sources Effects Lead-based paint Contaminated soil, dust and water Effects All body systems affected Convulsions, coma, and even death Central nervous system functioning Kidney and blood cell effects Pregnant women – high blood pressure

Lead (cont’d.) 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 Dioxide Colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly Can come from unvented space heaters, leaking chimneys and furnaces, gas stoves, automobile exhaust Effects include fatigue, chest pain, impaired vision and coordination, headaches, dizziness, confusion, and nausea Most at risk are chronically ill, elderly, pregnant women, and infants

Carbon Monoxide and Nitrogen Dioxide (cont’d.) Gas that can lead to respiratory illness Can come from kerosene heaters, and unvented gas stoves and heaters Effects include eye, nose, and throat irritation, impaired lung function and increased respiratory infections

Carbon Monoxide and Nitrogen Dioxide (cont’d.) To reduce both carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide Keep appliances properly adjusted Open flues when fireplaces are in use Do not idle a car inside a garage

Chemical Risks Chemicals can pose a cancer threat Agricultural pesticides (including chlorinated hydrocarbons and organophosphates) Chemical weapons Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) – no agreed upon definition and no medical test for it

Invisible Threats 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

Invisible Threats (cont’d.) 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 for patients

Your Hearing Health Loudness Harmful Sounds Medication 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 (cont’d.) Signs of Hearing Loss Noticeable Difficulty understanding speech Tinnitus Unnoticeable Long exposure to low level damaging sounds may cause gradual loss

Chapter Summary Name List Define Discuss Direct and indirect health issues associated with climate change List Types and effects of pollution on your health Define Sustainability and ways to promote it Discuss Aspects of hearing health