IntroductionThe environment

plays a big role on human health.

Public health agencies decide policy based on the environmental factors at play in their area of jurisdiction.

IntroductionEnvironmental factors

can influence the macroenvironment that is a person’s city, province, country or continent OR the microenvironment that is a person’s home, vehicle and workplace/school.

1) Climate ChangeAs the world is

becoming warmer due to the runaway greenhouse effect, the tropical regions of the world are expanding into what was once known as a temperate climate zone (James Cook University 2009 Study).

1) Climate ChangeWith this push outward

from the equator comes with it tropical pathogens and the diseases they bring.

The majority of tropical diseases are passed through insect vectors which need a humid climate, high temperatures and lots of precipitation (for their larvae).

Once previously temperate areas now meet these criteria (i.e. Southern USA, Mediterranean Coast)

2) Air PollutionThe human health

effects of air pollution are far reaching, but mainly affect the respiratory and circulatory systems.

The negative health effects depend on the time/frequency of exposure, the type of pollutant and the person’s overall general health.

2) Air PollutionThe respiratory system

is particularly affected by pollutants because it is made up of mostly thin-walled tissue.

Many pollutants can break down these tissues and over time, damage them permanently.

Pollutant effects can be amplified by the respiratory system and spread to other areas of the body.

2) Air PollutionThe inhalation of

pollutants eventually puts them into the blood stream and brings them eventually to the heart.

Many pollutants can break down heart muscle, lead to irregular heartbeats or worse.

2) Air PollutionThis weakening of

two of the main systems in the body will generally lower the body’s immune system and leave them open to attack by pathogens.

Hospitalization and Mortality

3) Water PollutionNo matter where we live, our

drinking water originates in a watershed, a land area that drains to a single body of water that may be surface water or groundwater.

These watersheds are constantly under siege from multiple threats.

As rain washes over roofs, pavement, farms, and grassy areas, and as snow melts and soaks into the ground, it picks up pollution and deposits it into surface water and groundwater.

3) Water PollutionThe pollutants may be

chemical or biohazardous in nature.

The may be put directly into the water table (i.e. a pipe from a factory or storm sewer drain in a city) or accumulate over time (i.e. storm runoff or the gradual leaching of fertilizer into the groundwater below).

3) Water PollutionExamples:

Fertilizer runoffFats and grease

from food processingInsecticidesHeavy metals from

carsAny number of lovely

pathogens from mismanaged sewage treatment or farming operations

3) Water PollutionPoor water quality is

the leading cause of sickness/illness in the world!

Polluted water leads to increased public health risks.

4) RadiationThankfully, radiation

is not as much of a health factor in Canada as in some countries.

The adverse health effects caused by radiation are usually not seen until long after the exposure.

4) RadiationMassive radiation

exposure or continual exposure over the long term cause serious public health issues.

It can have a lasting effect on a population due to the genetic effects and increased cancer risks.

1) Air Quality

One way to ensure health is maintained in the home is the avoid lowering the quality of air the circulates.

1) Air QualityThings that

deteriorate air quality:Cigarette smokeDustMouldChemicals (paint

thinner, gasoline, etc…)

1) Air QualityPoor air quality leads to

an increase in cases of asthma and allergies.

These are public health issues because increased allergies can lead to sensitivities to medications, while asthma can lead to an increased risk of future respiratory illness (i.e. H1N1 flu).

2) Clean Drinking WaterIn the United States,

91% of the people have drinking water that meets their federal clean water standards.

In Canada, the guidelines have been updated in 2008, so now, no one on Municipal water in Canada will be drinking substandard water.

2) Clean Drinking WaterClean drinking water

lowers the occurrence of water borne pathogens and their diseases.

This lowers the cost to public health and has many positive health benefits.

3) Existing Hazardous Substances

Many older homes, workplaces and even vehicles were made before the health hazards of many of the products used to build them were known.

3) Existing Hazardous SubstancesAsbestos in the

insulation of older houses.

Lead in piping and in paints.

3) Existing Hazardous Substances

Radon/Carbon monoxide released from older appliances.

All lead to public health issues and all, thankfully, have been reduced in Canada.

PHAC lead initiativeshttp://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/2008/cp

horsphc-respcacsp/cphorsphc-respcacsp07d-eng.php