Chapter 1: The environment at risk

Megacities

an urbanized area that has 10 million or more inhabitants

carrying capacity

the maximum number of individuals that can be supported sustainably by a given environment

food insecurity

a situation in which supplies of wholesome foods are uncertain or may have limited availability

biodiversity

the different types and variability of animal and plant species and ecosystem in which they live

How did Hippocrates contribute to environmental epidemiology?

linked the influence of environment to disease

How did John snow contribute to environmental epidemiology?

Icon in history of public health

How did Upton Sinclair contribute to environmental epidemiology?

Instrumental in passage of first food and drug act (1906) and described conditions in meat processing industry in Chicago

Demographic transition

alteration over time in populations fertility, mortality, and make up

epidemiological transition

Describes a shift in the pattern of morbidity and mortality from causes related primarily to infectious and communicable diseases to causes associated with chronic degenerative diseases

Vulnerable groups of the population

Elderly, pregnant women, children, and persons with disabilities and chronic diseases

Environmental risk transition

characterizes changes in the environment risk that happen as a consequence of economic development in the less developed regions of the world

significance of Airs, Waters, and Places

emphasized the role of the environment as an influence of peoples health and health status

Ecological model relating to population health

the health of the ecosystem is associated with the health of human beings as well as that of domestic animals and wildlife