Environmental Health and Disease Ecology

Study Notes

### Environmental Health Overview

Environmental health addresses the interaction between people and their environment, impacting health and well-being.
This field considers workplace, home, and community conditions, including chemical, physical, and psychological factors impacting human health.

The ecosystem is a community of living organisms and their physical and chemical environment.
Modifications within an ecosystem can have unforeseen consequences on the system's entirety.
The triangle of human disease ecology highlights the interconnectedness of habitat, population, and behavior in disease development.
Habitat includes housing, workplaces, infrastructure, flora, fauna, climate, and societal structures.
Population factors include demographics (age, gender, genetic predispositions), influencing health status and disease susceptibility.
Behavioral factors encompass health beliefs and practices, shaped by socioeconomic factors.
Action on a single element of this triangle is unlikely to be effective without considering other interrelated factors.

The global population has rapidly increased, exceeding 6.7 billion and expected to continue growing.
Continued population expansion may lead to resource scarcity, water shortages, and environmental degradation.
Uncontrolled population growth is a significant public health concern.

Air pollution is a major source of chemical contamination resulting from industrialization and urbanization.
Motor vehicles and industrial activities are significant contributors to air pollution.
Air pollution is linked to cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses, including lung cancer, infant mortality, and respiratory issues in children.

Water contamination jeopardizes drinking water safety and can disrupt ecosystems.
Pollution can upset the natural purification processes of water systems.
Thermal pollution from industrial sources can raise water temperatures and harm aquatic life.

Industrial waste disposal is a pressing environmental concern.
Improper disposal of toxic chemical and radioactive wastes poses a significant threat to water and food sources.
Effective refuse collection and disposal methods are vital to prevent health hazards.

Nurses have a crucial role in environmental health, promoting public awareness, advocating for protective measures, and collaborating with stakeholders.
Nurses can assess clients' environments, detect health hazards, and develop preventive strategies.
They advocate for policies and legislation that protect consumer health and improve environmental conditions.

Stay updated on environmental health issues and reporting procedures.
Assess clients' environments for potential health hazards using checklists and careful observation.
Collaborate with community members and professionals to develop preventive and protective measures.
Implement programs to prevent environmental health threats.
Take action to correct unsafe situations, including direct intervention and notification of authorities.
Educate consumers and encourage preventive measures (e.g., radon testing, well water testing).
Advocate for policies that enhance consumer protection and promote environmental health.