Environmental Health and Wellness

What is environmental health

Environmental health focuses on how the environment affects human health, including relationships between people and their surroundings, environmental determinants of disease, and controlling environmental factors that impact health.

Elements of environmental health

Clean air, stable climate, preserved natural environment, adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene.

Environmental health scope

Includes direct effects of chemicals, radiation, and biological agents, and indirect effects related to social, cultural, and genetic environments.

Extreme heat definition

Summertime temperatures hotter or more humid than average for a specific location.

Flood impact statistic

In 2024, 27 weather/climate disasters caused over $1 billion in damages and at least 568 fatalities.

OT role in disaster preparation

Plan evacuations and accommodations for people with disabilities.

OT role in disaster response

Provide emergency services, support rehabilitation, assist with mobilization and evacuation.

OT role in disaster recovery

Support mental health, coping, resilience, role reestablishment, and participation in valued occupations.

Safe level of lead in blood

No safe level of lead exists.

How children ingest lead

Children ingest lead dust by mouthing toys, dirt, or household objects.

Goal of CLPPP

Prevent childhood lead exposure before harm occurs.

Causes of lead poisoning

Peeling paint pre‑1978, lead pipes, contaminated soil, imported candies/medicines, toys, jewelry, certain jobs/hobbies.

OT role removing hazards

Support removal of lead hazards and recommend certified professionals for older home repairs.

OT role guiding play

Encourage play in clean areas and teach children to wipe shoes and wash hands.

OT role hand hygiene

Promote handwashing after play, before meals, and before bed; clean toys regularly.

OT role home cleaning

Recommend wet cleaning around windows, floors, and play areas; use dust mats to reduce tracking.

Definition of asthma

A chronic lung disease causing wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and nighttime/early morning coughing.

Common asthma triggers

Secondhand smoke, dust mites, air pollution, pests, furry pets, mold.

Dust mite prevention

Keep home humidity between 30–50%.

OT role evaluating environment

Assess home environment and suggest ergonomic adaptations.

OT role reducing triggers

Help clients avoid mold, pollen, dust mites, pet dander; recommend AC, dehumidifiers, and thorough cleaning.

OT role analyzing participation

Adapt daily activities to optimize occupational performance.

Radiation sources

Natural and manmade sources including building materials, air travel, cigarettes, and UV radiation.

UV radiation risks

Sunburn, premature aging, skin cancer.

UV radiation benefits

Supports vitamin D production.

OT role in radiation

Provide education on minimizing exposure and promoting safe habits.

What mold is

Mold appears as colored spots and smells musty; grows where moisture is present.

Where mold grows

Roofs, windows, pipes, paper, cardboard, tiles, wood, dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, carpet, fabric, upholstery.

OT mold prevention strategies

Keep humidity below 50%, ensure airflow, use exhaust fans, fix leaks, dry home within 24–48 hours after flooding, use mold‑killing products, remove soaked carpets.

OT mold cleaning strategies

Remove mold using household cleaners, soap and water, or diluted bleach; fix moisture sources.

Noise hearing loss definition

Hearing loss caused by exposure to loud noise at home, school, or work.

Effects of hearing loss in children

Impacts communication, language, and social skills.

Effects of hearing loss in workers

Can cause permanent injury from repeated loud noise exposure.

OT hearing loss education

Turn down volume, walk away from noise, take breaks, avoid loud environments, use hearing protection.

Home air quality risks

Presence of mold, asbestos, and lead.

OT role in home air quality

Assist with cleaning, ventilation, drainage, and reducing fumes/smoke.

Home safety components

Clutter removal, toxin removal, proper insulation, water quality.

Impact of clutter

Clutter affects all environments and can hinder safety and occupational performance.

Organization systems

Use structured systems to reduce clutter and improve function.

Ways to reduce toxins

Clean regularly, use green cleaning products, improve ventilation, reduce plastic, filter water, choose safer personal care products, avoid Teflon, avoid synthetic air fresheners.

Internal insulation

Rigid boards or stud walls filled with insulation.

External insulation

Insulation layer covered with plaster or cladding.

Purpose of insulation

Creates air barrier, prevents leakage, reduces heat loss/gain.

Populations at risk

Pregnant women, infants, children, elderly, people with chronic conditions or disabilities.

OT role in home environmental health

Primary prevention through education and screening.

Environmental health impact on occupations

Environmental hazards can limit participation, safety, independence, and daily functioning.

Reduce emissions

Avoid fossil fuels; walk, bike, or use public transit.

Reduce waste

Recycle, reuse, compost, donate items, reduce plastic bags.

Conserve resources

Limit water use, turn off lights/electronics, unplug devices.

Improve air quality

Use non‑toxic cleaners, dust with damp cloth, vacuum with HEPA filter, ventilate home.

Enjoy nature

Engage in outdoor activities like hiking, camping, swimming.

Healthy eating

Choose local foods and grow fruits/vegetables.