Differentiate between the different types of environmental health hazards

1. Differentiate between the different types of environmental health hazards

2. 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

3. 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

5. Implement the problem solving process used to diagnose bacterial infections (biologicalhazards)

6. Problem Solving Process Overview Ask Patient Rectal Exam

9. Analyze CAUSES, EFFECTS, SOLUTIONS to pesticides, environmental tobacco smoke, & lead (Chemical hazards)

10. Lead

11. Environmental Tobacco Smoke

12. Mercury

13. Pesticides

14. Radiation & Radon

15. Analyze the causes, solutions, and effects of ultraviolet radiation and ozone depletion & global warming.

16. Analyze data about U.S. occupational hazards; Draw conclusions about occupational hazards.

17. 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)

18. 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

19. 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

20. Group 4: Characteristics of Workers AGE: • 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 concern GENDER: • Male illness/injury (2/3) > Female (1/3) • Women more likely to receive certain health services RACE: • Death rates for nonwhites 12% than whites • Income is a bigger predictor, as it often determines type of occupation

21. Group 5: Types of Occupational Ilnesses • Musculoskeletal • Skin • Noise-induced hearing loss • Respiratory Disorders • Poisonings & Infections

22. 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

23. 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