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 Hazard Summary

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)

ProblemSolvingProcess

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 (1912-2005)– 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-4th highest in European Union

• Workplace hazards more severe in developing countries

• Work-related death rates higher in rural states/areas

Group 4: Characteristics of WorkersAGE:• Younger workers typically have lower fatality rates

– However, 18-19 yr olds=greatest non-fatal hazards• Older workers have the highest fatality rates• Working children/teens are of special concernGENDER:• Male illness/injury (2/3) > Female (1/3)• Women more likely to receive certain health servicesRACE:• 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