1. Chapter 13 Environmental Health

2. Trends in Exposure and Disease
World view
Health risks from environmental toxicants
Rapid increase in the world’s population
Changes in urbanization and agricultural production
Recent ecological changes
Population movement
Deforestation
Irrigation
Expanding urbanization
Change in agricultural practices

3. Environmental Health
Definition: freedom from illness or injury related to toxic agents and other environmental conditions
Applications range from hospital rooms to international and global perspectives on health of the planet

4. Environmental Health Policy: Historical Perspectives
Early environmental health focused on sanitation, water quality, and housing
Mortality rates decreased
Influential publication:
Carson, R. (1962). Silent spring. Boston: Houghton Mifflin
Legislation and commissions
Clean air and water acts
Occupational health
Safety acts
Pollution Prevention Act of 1990
Toxic Substances Control Act
Environmental Protection Agency
Occupational Safety and Health Administration Nuclear Regulation Commission

5. Recent Health Issues & Trends
Damage to the environment
Population growth
Urban spread
Advanced technology
Industrialization
Modern agricultural methods
Trends
Focus on the built environment
Children’s environmental health
Chemicals, pesticides, mercury, smoke
Environmental justice movement

6. Historical Perspectives on Environment and Health
Epidemiology
Time
Person
Place
Chronic disease epidemiology
Asbestos and mesothelioma
Prenatal exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES)
Occupational exposure

7. Origins of Environmental Health Policy
Industrial Revolution—1800s
Focus on modernization and rapid production of goods and services
Growing concern for working conditions and safety of workers
1900s
Environmental health and safety
Passages of laws to protect the public
Pure Food and Drug Law
Food and Drug Administration
1960s–1970s
Post-war industrial rebuilding
Consumer-driven environmental movement

8. Environmental Policy: Governmental Roles
Protect and safeguard
Pass laws and enact rules and regulations
Identify and monitor risks and hazards
Healthy People 2020
Monitor compliance with rules
Gather data to inform policymakers

9. Nursing and the Environment
Nightingale
Pure, fresh air
Pure water
Efficient drainage
Cleanliness
Light
Emerging Role
Intervene directly in environmental factors

10. Role of the Community Health Nurse
Identify risks
Assess exposures
Communicate risks
Assess and refer clients
“Upstream Thinking”
Ethical Principles
Social justice
Environmental justice