Introduction to Environmental Health

What is Environmental Healtlh

Clean air, stable climate, safe water, sanitation, and hygiene

What are Environmental Contaminants

A substance that’s either present in an environment where it does not below or is present at levels that might cause harmful health effect

Environmental Contaminants

Hazardous wastes: Nuclear, Chemical. Natural sources: Volcanic ash, Heavy metals

Factors in the Environment that Impact Health

Chemical (air pollutants), Biologic (germs in food and water), Physical (noise), Socioeconomic (housing)

What is an Exposure?

Contact with a substance by swallowing, breathing, or touching the skin or eyes

Environmental health detectives at work

Contaminant source, Environmental Media, Exposure Point and Route, Receptor/Population

Contaminant Source

Natural (volcanic ash), Anthropogenic (use of fossil fuels)

Environmental Media

Transport mechanisms move contaminants from the source where human exposure can occur (Air, Water, Soil, Biota)

Exposure point

The place where someone can come into contact with a substance present in the environment (Home, Playground, Buisness)

Exposure Route

Inhalation, Dermal contact, Ingestion, Breast Milk, In utero

Receptor/Population

People potentially or actually exposed (children, preggos, elderly, or community)

Risk Paradigm

Health disparities, Environmental threats, Disasters