Differentiate between the different types of environmental health hazards

Environmental Protection Agency Government Agency Makes laws and regulations to protect U.S. citizens from environmental health hazards. What types of health hazards might this include? 1 min

Environmental Health Hazards Conservation (water, soil, endangered species) Air (Global warming, UV rays, acid rain, pollution) Waste and Recycling (Hazardous/solid waste) Water (Drinking, oceans, ground) Ecosystems (Forests, Habitats, Wetlands) Health and Safety (Mold, Pesticides, Asthma, sun) 3 min

Type of EPA HazardSummary Conservation -Saving and preserving the animals, plants, land, energy, and water, so future generations can enjoy what we have. Air -Preventing air pollution to reduce ozone gasses, prevent climate change, and keep the air we breathe clean. Waste and Recycling- Preventing chemicals & other harmful wastes from being thrown away, since they can spill and harm people. Reducing waste. Water -Protecting oceans, lakes, and streams to save wildlife; monitoring our drinking water & ground water so humans don’t get sick. Ecosystems -Protecting animals & plants on land and in the water. Monitoring habitats & helping wildlife. Health & Safety -Protecting & preventing against indoor pollutants like smoke, radon, mercury, lead, e-coli in food.

Implement the problem solving process used to diagnose bacterial infections (biological hazards)

Problem Solving Process Overview Problem Solving Process Overview Ask Patient Rectal Exam

Analyze CAUSES, EFFECTS, SOLUTIONS to pesticides, environmental tobacco smoke, & lead (Chemical hazards)

Lead

Environmental Tobacco Smoke

Mercury

Pesticides

Radiation & Radon

Analyze the causes, solutions, and effects of ultraviolet radiation and ozone depletion & global warming.

Analyze data about U.S. occupational hazards; Draw conclusions about occupational hazards.

Group 1: Occupational Disease vs. Injury Occupational Disease-abnormal condition, other than injury, caused by an exposure to environmental factors associated with employment. (illnesses from ingesting, absorbing, inhaling toxins) Occupational Injury-results from exposure to a single incident in the work environment (cut, fracture, sprain, amputation, etc)

Group 2: Historical Trends Work-related fatality rates in U.S. have declined over past 100 yrs – 81% decline ( ) – One of 10 greatest achievements in public health in the century Decline in injuries/illness since 1992 Many hazards are decreasing as time goes on due to improved technology & increased regulations

Group 3: U.S. vs. Other Nations & Geographic Trends US Occ. Fatality rate-4 th highest in European Union Workplace hazards more severe in developing countries Work-related death rates higher in rural states/areas

Group 4: Characteristics of Workers AGE: Younger workers typically have lower fatality rates – However, yr olds=greatest non-fatal hazards Older workers have the highest fatality rates Working children/teens are of special concern GENDER: Male illness/injury (2/3) > Female (1/3) Women more likely to receive certain health services RACE: Death rates for nonwhites 12% than whites Income is a bigger predictor, as it often determines type of occupation

Group 5: Types of Occupational Ilnesses Musculoskeletal Skin Noise-induced hearing loss Respiratory Disorders Poisonings & Infections

Group 6: Occupations at Greatest Risk Public sector (government) jobs are at higher risk of occupation injury/disease than private sector jobs! Highest Fatalities: Construction, transportation, agriculture, and mining have highest fatality rates

Group 7: 1970 Occupational Safety and Health Act – Purpose: “to ensure that employers in the private sector furnish each employee a place to work free from hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm” – Run by: US Dept of Health & Human Services – Role: Yearly data collection Determine which jobs & groups of people need help