Environmental Health Studies

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Questions and Answers

Environmental health is primarily concerned with:

  • Developing new medical treatments for diseases.
  • Conserving natural resources for future generations.
  • Promoting economic growth through industrial development.
  • Studying how environmental factors impact human health. (correct)

Which of the following is a key goal of environmental health?

  • Exploiting natural resources for economic gain.
  • Treating diseases after they occur.
  • Prevention of health risks through policies and individual actions. (correct)
  • Increasing industrial output.

Which skill is most crucial for addressing environmental health risks effectively?

  • Financial analysis for investment opportunities.
  • Engineering design for infrastructure projects.
  • Marketing and sales.
  • Critical thinking for evaluating and communicating risks. (correct)

Which of these is an element that environmental health inequalities can affect?

<p>All of the above. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these phrases is part of the World Health Organization definition of environmental health?

<p>The control of factors in man's physical environment that may have a deleterious effect on health. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the context, what does environmental health encompass?

<p>Addressing the impact of forces and conditions in our surroundings that may influence health and well-being (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is identified as a priority environmental health problem?

<p>Implementation of ecological solid waste management programs. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which environmental factor contributes to priority health problems, particularly in urban settings?

<p>Deteriorating air quality. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Exposure to which of the following is a recognized environmental health problem?

<p>Toxic and hazardous substances. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A 'hazard' in the context of environmental health refers to:

<p>A substance, activity, or condition that may cause harm. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which outcome is LEAST likely to be caused by a hazard?

<p>Environmental remediation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the Environmental Health Triad, what are the three key elements that interact?

<p>Host, Environment, Agent. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Global travel and overuse of antibiotics directly contribute to what environmental health issue?

<p>Growing resistance to antibiotics. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes an 'endemic' disease from an 'epidemic' or 'pandemic'?

<p>Constant presence in a population or region with relatively low spread. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the information presented, what do 'Carcinogens' cause?

<p>Cancer. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Exposure to mercury, arsenic and some pesticides directly impact...

<p>The nervous system. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The severity of health risks from chemical exposure depends on:

<p>The type and amount of chemical and duration of exposure. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is 'Toxicity' defined in the context of evaluating chemical hazards?

<p>A measure of the harmfulness of a substance. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Dose' referring to when discussing toxicology?

<p>The amount of harmful chemical that a person has ingested. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT typically lead to hazardous chemical effects?

<p>Eating a balanced and nutritious diet. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are infants and children more susceptible to toxic chemicals?

<p>Increased intake relative to body weight. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of 'Estimating Toxicity', what is LD50?

<p>Lethal Dose for 50% of a population tested. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Exposure to radiation is an example of what kind of environmental hazard?

<p>Physical Hazard. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Overcrowding and excessive overtime fall under which category of environmental hazards?

<p>Sociological and Psychological Hazards. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a Site and Location Hazard?

<p>Natural disasters. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of 'Isolation' as a principle of environmental control?

<p>To separate the hazard from individuals. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What environmental control principle is exemplified by using 'natural' pesticides instead of harsher chemicals?

<p>Substitution. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of 'shielding' as an environmental control principle?

<p>To create physical barriers between the hazard and people. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'treatment' refer to as a basic principle of environmental control?

<p>Modifying a hazard through destruction. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the aim of 'prevention' as a basic principle of environmental control?

<p>Eliminating the effects of or exposure to a hazard. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the diagram showing man-environmental relationships, what is shown as impacting human activities?

<p>All of the above. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a measure to prevent the spread of infectious diseases?

<p>Both B and C. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an accurate description of the relationship between environmental factors and human health?

<p>Environmental factors can significantly affect human health. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of toxicology in determining chemical safety?

<p>It is the study of harmful effects of chemicals on humans and other organisms. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which environmental principle is being displayed when medical staff utilize a negative pressure room?

<p>Isolation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A company decides to switch from using a solvent containing benzene (known to cause cancer) to one containing toluene. Which principle of environmental control are they employing?

<p>Substitution. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor most significantly increases the likelihood of a local disease outbreak becoming a global pandemic?

<p>Increased international air travel. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Consider two individuals exposed to the exact same dose of a toxic pesticide. One person experiences severe symptoms, while the other shows virtually no symptoms. Which factor most likely explains this difference?

<p>The individual's genetic makeup and detoxification capabilities. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Imagine a scenario where bats carrying a novel virus infect a remote village. Public health officials struggle to contain the outbreak due to a lack of resources and communication infrastructure, allowing the virus to spread undetected to nearby cities. Evaluate which principle of environmental health control was most critically lacking in this scenario?

<p>Prevention. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Scientists discover a new chemical compound that shows promise as a flame retardant. However, initial studies suggest it may have endocrine-disrupting effects, mimicking hormones in the body. Formulate a strategy that would need to be considered before integrating it into materials.

<p>Conduct further comprehensive toxicological testing and exposure assessments. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key component of the Environmental Health Triad?

<p>Host (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of prevention strategies in environmental health?

<p>Implementing policies and regulations (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential impact of programs for sustainable sanitation and wastewater management?

<p>Decreased toxic and haszardous substance exposure (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes a 'hazard' in environmental health?

<p>A dangerous phenomenon, substance, activity, or condition (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is global travel a significant factor in the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance?

<p>It facilitates the movement of resistant bacteria across borders. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do 'Immune system disruptors' affect the body?

<p>They weaken the body's defenses against bacteria, viruses and protozoa. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor primarily determines the severity of health risks associated with chemical exposure?

<p>The type and amount of chemical (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of 'persistence' in the context of chemical hazards?

<p>How quickly a chemical breaks down in the environment (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration when evaluating chemical hazards using laboratory animals?

<p>The ethical implications of animal testing (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a physical environmetal hazard?

<p>Exposure to radiation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines a 'site and location' hazard?

<p>Hazards caused by extreme weather, or other natural phenomena (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A community implements a program to plant trees in urban areas to reduce air pollution and provide shade. Which basic principle of environmental control is being applied?

<p>Prevention (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which activity aligns with the environmental health goal of improving basic services to reduce environmental inequalities?

<p>Ensuring access to clean water and sanitation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What critical thinking skill is essential for addressing environmental health risks?

<p>Ability to evaluate and communicate environmental risks (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does overcrowding primarily impact environmental health?

<p>By increasing the risk of infectious disease transmission (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of 'built environment' in man-environmental relationships?

<p>It interacts with life support systems, pollutants and wastes, and human activities (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions does not describe risk assessment?

<p>Financial commitment (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the vector in the Environmental Health Triad?

<p>To transmit the agent to the host. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the study of toxicology crucial in environmental health?

<p>It's about studying the harmful effects of chemicals. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does 'biological magnification' of toxins affect organisms at higher trophic levels?

<p>Toxin concentrations increase due to accumulation from consuming lower levels (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes most significantly to the emergence of 'superbugs' resistant to multiple antibiotics?

<p>Overuse of antibiotics (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of 'treatment' as a basic principle of environmental control?

<p>To eliminate the existence of a hazard (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which measure represents the 'isolation' principle in preventing the spread of infectious diseases?

<p>Quarantining individuals infected with a pathogen (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which choice best describes the use of 'natural' pesticides instead of synthetic chemicals?

<p>Substitution (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which is the most accurate definition of environmental health, according to the information presented?

<p>Dealing with those forms of life, substances and forces in man's surrounding that may influence health and well-being (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A city is experiencing a surge in respiratory illnesses due to high levels of air pollution from vehicle emissions. Which of the following actions would best address this environmental health problem at its source?

<p>Implementing stricter emission standards for vehicles and promoting public transport (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the aim of 'shielding' as an environmental control principle?

<p>Creating barriers between hazards and people (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the information provided, which factor is directly linked to diseases related to water contaminations?

<p>Incidence of water borne diseases. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of hazard is exemplified by excessive noise levels in an industrial setting?

<p>A physical hazard (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what area of the body do 'Neurotoxins' such as mercury and some pesticides primarily impact?

<p>The nervous system (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factors might contribute to 'hazardous chemical effects'?

<p>Age, chemical solubility and genetic make-up (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the health implication of consuming imported fruits with pesticides banned in the U.S.?

<p>Increased risk of endocrine disruption and neurological effects (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of 'dose' in Toxicology?

<p>The amount of a harmful chemical that can be dangerous. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario best illustrates the 'prevention' principle in environmental health control?

<p>Enacting policies to reduce emissions from industrial plants to improve air quality (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following diseases are considered as most serious infectious diseases?

<p>Flu, AIDS, tuberculosis, diarrheal diseases and malaria. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the information presented, what is the function of Carcinogens?

<p>Cause or promote cancer. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

After a chemical spill, emergency responders contain the substance by building a temporary dam to prevent it from entering a nearby river. Afterward, they neutralize the chemical using another substance, rendering it harmless. Which two basic principles of environmental control did the emergency responders apply, in order?

<p>Isolation, then Treatement (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A town located downstream from an industrial plant using outdated technology experiences consistently high levels of heavy metals in their drinking water, leading to increased rates of kidney disease. The factory is a major employer in the region but has resisted calls to upgrade its equipment due to costs. What actions could be taken to resolve the environmental issue?

<p>Provide subsidies or tax incentives for the plant to upgrade to cleaner technologies (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A community health nurse notices a significant increase in childhood lead poisoning cases in an old neighborhood with dilapidated housing. After investigation, it's determined that the primary source of lead exposure is lead-based paint in older homes. Which intervention strategy would be most effective in reducing lead exposure in this community?

<p>Implementing a program to assist homeowners with lead abatement and removal (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A public health official states that "Environmental health factors exert a profound influence on human health, often determining both the incidence and severity of diseases across populations." Which statement provides the most accurate interpretation of this claim?

<p>Environmental conditions are a primary determinant of human health and disease patterns. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions could have the most far-reaching and lasting impact on environmental health?

<p>Developing sustainable policies (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Suppose scientists discover a new, highly contagious virus with an unusually long incubation period (2-3 weeks) emerging from a remote region with limited healthcare infrastructure. The virus causes severe respiratory distress and has a high mortality rate. Which of the following factors would pose the greatest challenge to effectively containing the global spread of this new virus?

<p>The long incubation period. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A research team is studying the effects of a newly discovered industrial chemical on human health. They conduct a study where they expose laboratory animals to varying doses of the chemical and observe the following: At low doses, there are no observable effects; at moderate doses, there are some reversible physiological changes; and at high doses, there is significant organ damage. Critically evaluate how this information should be used in the establishment of safety standards for human exposure to this chemical. What ethical and scientific considerations would need to be factored into this process?

<p>Safety standards should consider individual susceptibilities (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Environmental Health

The study of how environmental factors affect human health.

Hazard Definition

A dangerous phenomenon, substance, human activity or condition, that may cause harm.

Biological Hazards

Viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi that can cause infectious diseases.

Chemical Hazards

Substances that can cause harm to living organisms; includes carcinogens, mutagens, and teratogens.

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Carcinogens

Chemicals that can cause or promote cancer.

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Mutagens

Chemicals that cause mutations in DNA, increasing the frequency of such changes.

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Teratogens

Chemicals that cause harm or birth defects to a fetus or embryo.

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Physical Hazards

Physical phenomena that pose health risks (e.g., radiation, noise, temperature).

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Sociological/Psychological Hazards

Hazards related to social and psychological conditions, like overcrowding and stress.

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Site and Location Hazards

Hazards associated with geographical location and natural events.

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Isolation (Environmental Control)

Separating the hazard from people via distance or time.

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Substitution (Environmental Control)

Using safer materials, products, or methods to reduce hazard exposure.

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Shielding (Environmental Control)

Creating physical barriers between the hazard and people.

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Treatment (Environmental Control)

Taking measures to terminate the existence of a hazard through destruction.

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Prevention (Environmental Control)

Eliminating effects of or exposure to a hazard

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Toxicology

The study of harmful effects of chemicals on humans and other organisms.

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Toxicity

A measure of the harmfulness of a substance.

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Dose

The amount of a harmful chemical that a person has ingested.

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Endemic disease

Constantly present in a population or region, with relatively low spread

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Epidemic disease

Sudden increase in cases spreading through a large population

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Pandemic disease

Sudden increase in cases across several countries, continents or the world

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Prevention in Environmental Health

A key goal of environmental health achieved through policies, regulations, and individual actions.

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Environmental health involves

Studying how environmental factors affect human health.

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Environmental issues with Solid waste

Implementation of ecological solid waste management programs inadequately sustained.

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Solid Waste Issue

When ecological solid waste management is not maintained.

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Water-borne Diseases

Illnesses from contaminated water sources.

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Deteriorating Air Quality

The quality of air is deteriorating, especially in cities

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Priority Environmental Health Problems

Ecological, solid waste management, water quality, pollutants, food safety, and sanitation.

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Definition of a hazard

Dangerous phenomenon, substance, human activity or condition for environmental issues.

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Environmental Health Triad components

Host, agent, environment, and vector.

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Factors influencing human health

Internal biological system and the total external environmental system.

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Major health hazards

Biological, chemical, physical and cultural factors, and lifestyle choices.

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Risk assessment involves...

Identifying the hazard and the probability of risk and the consequences of risk.

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Risk Management involves...

Comparative risk analysis, risk reduction and reduction strategies, and financial commitment.

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Definition of a Solid waste hazard

Implementation of the ecological solid waste management program inadequately sustained.

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Definition of a Sanitation hazard

Program of sustainable sanitation and wastewater management inadequately sustained.

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Infectious diseases

Caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi.

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Factors of Growing Resistance to Antibiotics

High bacterial reproductive rate, genetic resistance, global travel, use of pesticides and overuse of antibiotics.

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Evaluating Risks involves:

Evaluating hazards, probabilities based on experience, animal testing to calculate.

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Study Notes

  • Environmental health studies how environmental factors impact people's health
  • A key goal of environmental health is prevention using policies, regulations, and individual actions
  • Critical thinking skills are important in evaluating and communicating environmental health risks

Environmental Health

  • World Health Organization (WHO) defines environmental health: Control factors in physical environment that impact physical development, health, or survival
  • Environmental health is concerned with forms of life, substances, forces, and conditions in surroundings that influence human health and well-being

Priority Environmental Health Problems

  • Solid waste management programs are often inadequately sustained
  • Incidence of waterborne and water-related diseases is a key issue
  • Air quality is deteriorating, especially in urban areas
  • Diseases and injuries result from exposure to toxic and hazardous substances
  • Occupational health issues include environmental and workplace related diseases and injuries
  • Inadequate national capacity to monitor and safeguard food safety
  • Sustainable sanitation and wastewater management programs are inadequately sustained

Hazards

  • A hazard is a dangerous phenomenon, substance, human activity, or condition
  • Hazards may cause loss of life, injury, or other health impacts
  • Hazards also cause property damage, loss of livelihoods and services, social and economic disruption, or environmental damage

Environmental Health Triad

  • Focuses on the interaction among the environment, a host, and an agent, mediated by a vector

Man-Environmental Relationships

  • Human health is the result of complex interactions between the internal biological system and total external environmental system

Major Health Hazards

  • People face hazards from biological, chemical, physical, and cultural factors
  • Hazards also arise from the lifestyle choices people make

Classification of Environmental Hazards

  • Biological Hazards such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi
  • Chemical Hazards like harmful substances
  • Physical Hazards such as radiation
  • Sociological and Psychological Hazards: Overcrowding, work stress, boredom, monotony of work, isolation
  • Site and Location Hazards due to geographical location, usually associated with natural phenomena or events leading to disaster

Biological Hazards

  • Biological hazards take the form of viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi
  • The most serious infectious diseases: flu, AIDS, tuberculosis, diarrheal diseases, and malaria

Transmissible vs Non-Transmissible

  • Mentions communicable vs non-communicable diseases
    • Communicable diseases involve pathogens that can cause epidemics and pandemics

Growing Resistance to Antibiotics

  • Contributing factors for growing resistance to antibiotics involves a quick bacterial reproductive rate, genetic resistance, global travel, use of pesticides, and overuse of antibiotics

Chemical Hazards

  • Chemicals can cause cancer, birth defects, and disrupt the human immune, nervous, and endocrine systems
  • The release of chemicals into the environment depends on the type of waste and pollution control devices
  • Severity of risk from chemical exposure depends on:
    • Type and Amount of chemical
    • Duration of exposure
    • Environmental conditions
    • Nature of job operation
    • Availability of ventilation or exhaust systems

Chemical Hazards Defined

  • Carcinogens: Chemicals or radiation that cause or promote cancer
  • Mutagens: Chemicals or radiation that cause mutations in DNA or increase the frequency of such changes
  • Teratogens: Chemicals that cause harm or birth defects to fetus or embryo

Affects of Chemical Hazards

  • Immune system disruptors weaken against bacteria, viruses, and protozoa
  • Neurotoxins damage the nervous system, with mercury, arsenic, and some pesticides as examples
  • Hormones are affected by chemicals that fit in their relative receptors, which messes with hormonal balance

Evaluating Chemical Hazards

  • Scientists use live laboratory animals, case reports of poisonings, and epidemiological studies to estimate the toxicity of chemicals
  • Methods to evaluate chemical hazards have limitations
  • Risk reduction can be achieved by becoming informed, thinking critically about risks, and making careful choices

Determining Chemical Safety

  • Toxicology involves the study of the harmful effects of chemicals on humans and other organisms
  • Toxicity measures the harmfulness of a substance or its ability to cause illness
  • Dose signifies the amount of harmful chemical that a person has ingested

Factors Leading to Hazardous Chemical Effects

  • Genetic make up and Age
  • Multiple chemical sensitivity
  • How well the body detoxification organs function
  • Chemical solubility and Persistence
  • Biological magnification (toxins increase as they pass through trophic levels)

Protecting Children from Toxic Chemicals

  • Newborns have toxic chemicals in their blood
  • Infants and children are more susceptible to chemicals
  • They have an increased intake of air, water, food for their body weights and contaminated objects in their mouths
  • They also have less-developed immune systems

Five Basic Principles of Environmental Control

  • Isolation involves separating the hazard from humans in terms of either distance or time to prevent or minimize contact
  • Substitution is the use of other materials, products, activities, processes, or equipment instead of hazardous ones
  • Shielding involves setting up physical barriers between the source of the problem or hazard and humans
  • Treatment involves measures to terminate the existence of a hazard through destruction
  • Prevention involves eliminating effects of or exposure to a hazard

Evaluating Risks

  • Identifying hazards and evaluating their associated risk
  • Using statistical probabilities based on past experience, animal testing, and other tests to calculate risks
  • Modifying lifestyles can mitigate risks, such as avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol consumption, and practicing safe sex

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