Podcast
Questions and Answers
What does the University of Queensland acknowledge regarding Traditional Owners?
What does the University of Queensland acknowledge regarding Traditional Owners?
The University acknowledges the Traditional Owners and their custodianship of the lands on which we meet.
Which of the following is NOT a focus of UQ's commitment to diversity and inclusion?
Which of the following is NOT a focus of UQ's commitment to diversity and inclusion?
What should students be able to explain at the end of the session?
What should students be able to explain at the end of the session?
Students should be able to explain the environmental exposures such as air pollution, climate change, urbanisation that impact health.
The WHO definition of environmental determinants of health includes only exposure to pollution.
The WHO definition of environmental determinants of health includes only exposure to pollution.
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Increased exposure to air pollution can lead to respiratory diseases and _____ episodes.
Increased exposure to air pollution can lead to respiratory diseases and _____ episodes.
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According to the session, which of the following is an example of an environmental risk factor?
According to the session, which of the following is an example of an environmental risk factor?
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What does the term 'built environment' refer to?
What does the term 'built environment' refer to?
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The natural environment comprises the atmosphere, land, water, oceans, and the diversity of _____ things.
The natural environment comprises the atmosphere, land, water, oceans, and the diversity of _____ things.
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What is the purpose of the National Clean Air Agreement?
What is the purpose of the National Clean Air Agreement?
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Which of the following is a common environmental toxin linked to health issues?
Which of the following is a common environmental toxin linked to health issues?
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Which agency is responsible for managing vehicle emissions in connection with air quality?
Which agency is responsible for managing vehicle emissions in connection with air quality?
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What framework is used for measuring and monitoring outdoor air quality?
What framework is used for measuring and monitoring outdoor air quality?
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Which health issues can environmental toxins lead to?
Which health issues can environmental toxins lead to?
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What long-term effects have firefighters faced due to their exposure to bushfire smoke?
What long-term effects have firefighters faced due to their exposure to bushfire smoke?
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Which air pollutant in Australia is currently exceeding the National Environmental Protection Measures (NEPM) standards?
Which air pollutant in Australia is currently exceeding the National Environmental Protection Measures (NEPM) standards?
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Who is the main agency responsible for providing national guidance on air quality in Australia?
Who is the main agency responsible for providing national guidance on air quality in Australia?
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Which of the following measures is included in Australia’s National Clean Air Agreement?
Which of the following measures is included in Australia’s National Clean Air Agreement?
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How are air quality standards in Australia primarily administered?
How are air quality standards in Australia primarily administered?
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Which pollution source is specifically addressed by local governments in Australia?
Which pollution source is specifically addressed by local governments in Australia?
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What trend is noted regarding peak ozone levels in Australia?
What trend is noted regarding peak ozone levels in Australia?
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What does the Australian Government’s role in air quality management primarily involve?
What does the Australian Government’s role in air quality management primarily involve?
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Which phase of disaster management focuses on building community capacity to handle emergencies?
Which phase of disaster management focuses on building community capacity to handle emergencies?
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What is the primary role of Emergency Management Australia (EMA)?
What is the primary role of Emergency Management Australia (EMA)?
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Which of the following disasters has intensified partly due to climate change in Australia?
Which of the following disasters has intensified partly due to climate change in Australia?
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Which stage of the PPRR model is concerned with minimizing immediate consequences for communities?
Which stage of the PPRR model is concerned with minimizing immediate consequences for communities?
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In the context of disaster management, what does the recovery phase aim to support?
In the context of disaster management, what does the recovery phase aim to support?
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What is a significant public health problem driven by the frequency of climate change-related disaster events in Australia?
What is a significant public health problem driven by the frequency of climate change-related disaster events in Australia?
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Which statement best describes the purpose of the prevention phase in disaster management?
Which statement best describes the purpose of the prevention phase in disaster management?
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What do Australia's emergency management arrangements primarily involve?
What do Australia's emergency management arrangements primarily involve?
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What is one major impact of globalization on health?
What is one major impact of globalization on health?
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Which of the following is considered a determinant of health within the context of global health?
Which of the following is considered a determinant of health within the context of global health?
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Which global health challenge focuses on the rights and safety of individuals in hostile environments?
Which global health challenge focuses on the rights and safety of individuals in hostile environments?
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What does the term 'Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs)' refer to?
What does the term 'Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs)' refer to?
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Which of the following best represents a solution to the issue of rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs) globally?
Which of the following best represents a solution to the issue of rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs) globally?
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What aspect of health does Article 12 of the ICESCR focus on?
What aspect of health does Article 12 of the ICESCR focus on?
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Which of the following is NOT identified as a global health threat by the Lancet commission?
Which of the following is NOT identified as a global health threat by the Lancet commission?
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Which factor represents a major challenge when promoting health amidst changing environmental conditions?
Which factor represents a major challenge when promoting health amidst changing environmental conditions?
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Which of the following zoonotic outbreaks occurred in 2015?
Which of the following zoonotic outbreaks occurred in 2015?
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What is the impact of anthropogenic stressors on zoonotic diseases?
What is the impact of anthropogenic stressors on zoonotic diseases?
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What percentage of children under five die from diarrhoea due to unsafe water each year?
What percentage of children under five die from diarrhoea due to unsafe water each year?
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Which country had the greatest decrease in access to basic drinking water during 2010–2020?
Which country had the greatest decrease in access to basic drinking water during 2010–2020?
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Which of the following regions faced significant issues with access to safe drinking water and sanitation amenities?
Which of the following regions faced significant issues with access to safe drinking water and sanitation amenities?
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What is the primary aim of the Are You Water Resilient Programme?
What is the primary aim of the Are You Water Resilient Programme?
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Which of the following factors contributes to health inequity in Pacific Island countries?
Which of the following factors contributes to health inequity in Pacific Island countries?
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Which outbreak of zoonotic disease occurred first in the 21st century?
Which outbreak of zoonotic disease occurred first in the 21st century?
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Study Notes
Environmental Determinants of Health
- Environmental Determinants of Health are defined by the World Health Organization as "exposure to pollution and chemicals (e.g., air, water, soil, products), physical exposures (e.g, noise, radiation), the built environment, other anthropogenic changes ( e.g, climate change, vector breeding places), related behaviours and the work environment”
- The built environment refers to human-made surroundings where people live, work, and recreate. This includes infrastructure, buildings, parks, transport, water, and energy networks.
- The natural environment is made up of the atmosphere, land, water, oceans, and the diversity of living things. Its resources are vital to human health and wellbeing.
- Environmental factors contribute to chronic diseases such as respiratory diseases, infections, and asthma.
- Noise pollution is a significant environmental health factor.
- Exposure to environmental toxins is harmful to human health.
- High UV exposure is linked to higher skin cancer rates.
- Urban planning and design play a role in promoting physical activity and active forms of transport.
- The relationship between urban planning and obesity is inversely proportional.
Global Health
- Global health is a field that encompasses the health of the entire world's population.
- The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) studies provide evidence of the health outcomes linked to environmental risk factors.
Global Health
- Global health emphasizes transnational health issues, their determinants, and solutions.
- It involves diverse disciplines within and beyond health sciences, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Global health aims to synthesize population-based prevention with individual-level clinical care.
- The right to health is acknowledged as a human right, with the highest attainable standard of health outlined in Article 12 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).
- Globalization, characterized by interconnectedness and interdependence, can have both positive and negative impacts on development and health.
Global Health Challenges
- Global health challenges include:
- Elevating health within the climate debate
- Delivering health in conflict and crisis
- Ensuring fairer access to healthcare
- Expanding access to medicines
- Preventing and controlling infectious diseases
- Protecting people from unsafe products
- Investing in healthcare professionals
- Keeping adolescents safe
- Protecting people from dangerous substances
- Earning public trust
- Harnessing new technologies
- Protecting essential medicines
- Maintaining healthcare hygiene through clean water and sanitation
Global Health Impact of Globalization
- Global trade agreements can affect access to medicines, food, and harmful substances.
- Globalization impacts health through communicable and non-communicable diseases, health risk factors, health and human rights, environmental health, healthcare resources, and access to health services.
- The Lancet Commission on 21st Century Global Health Threats identified major threats: COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, nuclear confrontation, rising antimicrobial resistance, increasing obesity, inverted population pyramids, eroding sexual and reproductive rights, food insecurity, and the impacts of fire smoke on firefighters.
Air Pollution
- Australia generally has good air quality, but bushfires and industrial activity can cause temporary or localized reductions.
- The 2019-20 bushfires in New South Wales significantly impacted air quality.
- Australia's National Environment Protection Measures (NEPMs) set air quality standards for human health protection.
- Current air quality monitoring in Australia focuses on:
- Fine particulate matter (PM2.5): levels are predicted to decrease by 2025 due to stricter policies and efforts to reduce.
- Ozone: peak levels are increasing, although they are below NEPM standards.
- Industrial emissions: well-controlled through policies.
- Dust: prevalent in rural and remote areas.
- Wood heater smoke: significant in winter.
Air Quality Monitoring in Australia
- The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is the main agency responsible for national air quality guidance.
- It delivers Australia's National Clean Air Agreement, overseeing ozone layer depletion and greenhouse gas regulation.
- Air quality management is a collaborative effort between:
- Australian Government: sets national standards, regulates products, oversees the National Clean Air Agreement, and promotes research.
- States and Territories: manage air quality within their regions, including industrial pollution and compliance with national standards.
- Local Governments: address local pollution issues like wood smoke and promote awareness about household activities affecting air quality.
Key Frameworks for Air Quality Monitoring
- National Clean Air Agreement: Provides guidance and prioritizes air quality improvements.
- National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure: Framework for measuring and monitoring outdoor air quality.
- National Environment Protection (National Pollutant Inventory) Measure: Provides information on emissions.
- Other Agencies: The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts manages vehicle emissions and shipping obligations. The National Environment Protection Council oversees national environment protection measures, including air quality standards.
Environmental Toxins
- Environmental toxins and contaminants can cause cancer, cardiovascular issues, endocrine problems, and respiratory diseases.
- Common contaminants include:
- Poisonous chemicals and compounds, like pesticides
- Physical materials, like asbestos
- Organisms, like mold and blue-green algae
- The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water monitors hazardous waste, maintains the National Pollutant Inventory, and informs the community, industry, and government about emissions.
Climate Change in Australia
- Climate change is a significant concern in Australia.
- Australia's state of the environment report (2021) highlights climate change and extreme events.
Food Security and the Environment
- The "3Cs" and "5Fs" framework addresses the interconnectedness of climate change, conflict, and consumption with food security and the environment.
- 3Cs: Climate change, conflict, and consumption.
- 5Fs: Food, feed, fiber, fuel, and finance.
Access to Clean Water in the Western Pacific Region
- Access to safe water is crucial for reducing disease burden related to unsafe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).
- Each year, 525,000 children under 5 years old die from diarrhea.
- In 2018, almost 90 million people in the region lacked access to safe drinking water, and over 400 million lacked basic sanitation.
- WASH challenges are common in the Pacific Islands, with the Solomon Islands reporting a significant decrease in access to basic drinking water during 2010-20.
- Rural areas in the Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu have lower access to basic water and soap amenities than urban areas, exacerbating health inequities and hindering COVID-19 interventions.
Global Programmes
- Water Safety Plans (WSPs): Aim to improve water safety.
- Are You Water Resilient Programme: Led by the Asian Development Bank to enhance water security and resilience in Asia and the Pacific.
Disaster Management
- Disaster and emergency management involves four phases: prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery (PPRR).
- Prevention: aims to eliminate or reduce the risk or severity of emergencies.
- Preparedness: builds community capacity to cope with emergencies.
- Response: minimizes the immediate consequences of emergencies for communities.
- Recovery: supports individuals and communities in rebuilding infrastructure and restoring well-being.
- The PPRR model aims to provide a comprehensive approach by assessing risks at each stage and selecting risk reduction measures.
Emerging Zoonotic Outbreaks
- Several emerging zoonotic outbreaks have occurred since the beginning of the 21st century:
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-associated coronavirus (2003)
- Ebola virus disease (2005 and 2017)
- Influenza – H1N1 flu (2009)
- Zika virus (2015)
- Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (2015)
- COVID-19 (2019)
- Human actions, like climate change and global warming, can exacerbate diseases that animals transmit to humans.
Australia’s Response to Climate Change
- Australia’s response to climate change will be covered in detail in a separate Master Class session focused on the healthcare response to climate change.
Disasters and Emergencies
- Disasters like bushfires, floods, and cyclones are increasingly significant public health problems for Australia.
- Climate change is intensifying the frequency and magnitude of these disasters.
- Emergency management in Australia involves partnerships between the Australian, state, and local governments.
- Emergency Management Australia (EMA), a division of the Australian Department of Home Affairs, provides programs and services to strengthen national security and emergency management capabilities.
- EMA also houses the Australian Government Crisis Coordination Centre.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the environmental determinants of health as defined by the World Health Organization. This quiz covers topics such as pollution, the built environment, chronic diseases linked to environmental factors, and more. Explore how both natural and built environments impact human health and wellbeing.
