Chapter 29: Environmental Health -...

764

Air Quality

Protecting Land and Water

Advocating for a HealthyEnvironment

Environmental Health

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765

Using Visuals. Taking care of the environment iseveryone’s responsibility. In what specific ways doyou and your family actively take part in protectingthe environment?

How Do You Rate?Read each statement below and

respond by writing yes, no, or some-times for each item. Write yes only foritems that you practice regularly.

1. I conserve water in my home.

2. I turn out lights when leaving a room.

3. I don’t litter.

4. I buy products in refillable containerswhen possible.

5. I avoid buying disposable productswhen reusable alternatives areavailable.

6. I use fans instead of turning on theair conditioning whenever possible.

7. I reuse paper and plastic bags thatare brought home from the store.

8. I buy recycled paper products when Ihave the choice.

9. I actively participate in a recyclingprogram in my community.

10. I put on a second layer of clothingrather than turning up the heat if Ifeel cold at home.

For instant feedback on your health

status, go to Chapter 29 Health

Inventory at health.glencoe.com.

HS_HEALTH_U09_C29_CO 4/9/03 10:11 AM Page 765

http://health.glencoe.com

VOCABULARYair pollutionsmogAir Quality Index (AQI)asbestosradonnoise pollutiondecibel

Air QualityYOU’LL LEARN TO• Relate the nation’s environmental health goals and objectives to

individual, family, and community health.

• Identify sources of air pollution and strategies for reducing it.

• Develop strategies to evaluate information relating to critical environmental health issues.

odern technology has improved the lives of many people in M the world. However, the pollution of air, land, and waterthat may result from technological advances can harm the envi-ronment and therefore people’s health.

Air Pollutionir pollution is a serious problem in this nation. It is linked to an A estimated 50,000 to 120,000 premature deaths each year. The

U.S. health care costs associated with outdoor air pollution rangefrom $40 to $50 billion per year. For this reason, one goal ofHealthy People 2010 is to reduce the proportion of persons exposedto air that does not meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s(EPA) health-based standards for ozone, a major component of air pollution.

Air pollution is the contamination of the earth’s atmosphere bysubstances that pose a health threat to living things. The EPA monitorsair quality and sets U.S. air quality standards. The agency has iden-tified five major air pollutants whose levels need to be regulated inorder to have cleaner air nationwide. These pollutants are describedin Figure 29.1.

Air quality affects all living organisms, includinghumans. Why is itimportant to alert thepublic when air pollutionlevels are extremely high?

Breathing is something you do without thinking. Write a paragraphexplaining how you think breathing polluted air could negatively affect your health.

766 Chapter 29 Environmental Health

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767Lesson 1 Air Quality

FIVE COMMON AIR POLLUTANTSThe EPA has set national air quality standards for these pollutants.

Air Pollutant

Ozone (O3) is a gas composedof three oxygen atoms. Ground-level ozone is a major componentof smog, a yellow-brown hazethat forms when sunlight reactswith air pollution.

Particulate Matter (PM) is ageneral term for particles suchas dust, dirt, soot, smoke, mold,and liquid droplets that arefound in the air.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is acolorless, odorless gas thatcontains carbon and oxygen.It is formed when carbon infuel is not burned completely.

Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) is a gasmade up of sulfur and oxygen. It dissolves in water to form anacid, and it reacts with othergases in the air to form sulfatesand other harmful particles.

Nitrogen Oxides (NOX) is ageneral term for a group ofhighly reactive gases thatcontain varying amounts ofnitrogen and oxygen.

Sources

O3 forms from a chemicalreaction between nitrogen oxidecompounds and volatile organiccompounds (VOCs). Motorvehicle exhaust, industrialemissions, gasoline vapors,and chemical solvents are theprimary sources of nitrogenoxides and VOCs.

PM may be emitted directly intothe air from sources such asmotor vehicle exhaust andfactories. PM may also form in the air through chemicalreactions between gases.

Outdoor sources of CO includemotor vehicle exhaust andindustrial processes. Indoorsources include gas stoves,cigarette smoke, and unventedgas and kerosene space heaters.

SO2 is formed when fuel thatcontains sulfur (such as coaland oil) is burned, whengasoline is extracted from oil,and when metals are extractedfrom their ores.

These substances form whenfuel is burned at high temp-eratures. Primary sourcesinclude motor vehicles andelectric utilities.

Primary Health Concerns

O3 can irritate and inflame lungairways. It is linked to aggravatedasthma, reduced lung capacity,and increased susceptibility torespiratory illnesses such aspneumonia and bronchitis.

PM is linked to aggravatedasthma, chronic bronchitis,decreased lung function, andpremature death.

CO is poisonous. It prevents thebody from receiving the oxygen itneeds. It affects people withheart disease and can harm thecentral nervous system. Largequantities are fatal.

SO2 contributes to respiratoryillnesses and aggravates existingheart and lung diseases.

Nitrogen oxides help formground-level ozone. They formparticles that cause or triggerserious respiratory problems.


Reducing Air Pollutionhe Clean Air Act of 1990 regulates the five pollutants describedT in Figure 29.1. Even with such laws in place, air quality can

vary. The Air Quality Index (AQI), developed by the EPA, is anindex for reporting daily air quality. Shown in Figure 29.2, the AQIinforms the public about local air quality and whether air pollutionlevels pose health risks.

You and your family can take the following actions to helpreduce air pollution.

� Reduce car use. Walk or bicycle, take public transportation, orcarpool to your destination.

� Conserve energy. Turn off lights when not in use. Set the airconditioner at a higher temperature. Put on extra layers ofclothing instead of turning up the heat.

� Use air-friendly machinery. Small motors such as thosefound on mowers, chain saws, and leaf blowers emit pollutants.Use manual machinery when possible.


AIR QUALITY INDEX (AQI)The AQI alerts people to possible health concerns of breathing polluted air.

Range

0 to 50

51 to 100

101 to 150

151 to 200

201 to 300

301 to 500

Air Quality

Good: There is little or no health risk.

Moderate: Some pollutants may pose a health concernfor a small number of individuals.

Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups: Unless a person hasspecific health concerns, pollution levels in this rangeare not likely to cause health problems.

Unhealthy: All individuals may experience some minornegative effects.

Very Unhealthy: More serious effects may be felt by allindividuals.

Hazardous: Entire population is at risk.

Color Code

Green

Yellow

Orange

Red

Purple

Maroon


Indoor Air Pollutionost people spend about 90 percent of their time indoors. EPA M studies indicate that indoor levels of certain pollutants may

be 2 to 5 times—and on occasion more than 100 times—higherthan outdoor levels. Sources of indoor air pollution include build-ing and furnishing materials such as carpeting and furniture madeof certain pressed woods. Another source is old insulation contain-ing asbestos (as-BES-tuhs), a fibrous mineral that has fireproof prop-erties. When materials containing asbestos deteriorate, tiny fibers ofthe mineral are released into the air. Household cleaning productsand other chemicals also contribute to indoor air pollution.Another major source is the particles and gases that form as a resultof combustion. Stoves, furnaces, fireplaces, heaters, and tobaccosmoke can all contaminate indoor air. Inadequate ventilationincreases the problem. Energy-efficient homes may have so little airexchange that pollutants build up to dangerous levels.

Health Concerns of Indoor Air PollutionThe effects of indoor air pollution depend on the contaminant

and the length of exposure. Immediate health concerns includeirritation of the eyes, nose, and throat; headaches; dizziness; andfatigue. Long-term exposure to some pollutants can cause asthma.Exposure to lead, especially in children, can damage the kidneys,liver, brain, and nerves. Asbestos has been linked to lung cancer,especially in people who smoke. High levels of carbon monoxidecan cause death.

The EPA estimates that radon, an odorless, radioactive gas, causes atleast 14,000 lung cancer deaths per year. Radon is produced duringthe natural breakdown of the element uranium in soil, rocks, andwater. It can seep into a house through cracks in the foundation.Home testing is the only way to assess exposure to radon. Homeswith high levels of radon require increased indoor-outdoor airexchange. Some may need structural work to reduce radon levels.

Managing Indoor Air PollutionTo manage indoor air pollution, you must first identify the con-

taminants. Often, removing or replacing an object or appliance andproviding sufficient indoor-outdoor air exchange will solve theproblem. Make sure that hot water heaters and furnaces are prop-erly vented and operating efficiently to avoid a buildup of carbonmonoxide. Many families have installed carbon monoxide detec-tors to warn of a toxic buildup. Similar detectors are available forradon. Homeowners who discover the presence of asbestos or leadshould seek professional help in removing these contaminants.

769Lesson 1 Air Quality

What is sick building syndrome?

The term sick buildingsyndrome (SBS) refers to a situation in which theoccupants of a buildingexperience health problemsthat seem to be linked to theatmosphere within the build-ing. Symptoms of SBSinclude headache; itchy andirritated eyes, throat, or nose;dizziness and nausea;fatigue; inability to concen-trate; and a sensitivity toodors. SBS sufferers oftenreport relief soon after leav-ing the building.

For more information

on ways to minimize

indoor air pollution,

click on Web Links at

health.glencoe.com.




308382 84 8685 87 8988 90 91 92 93 94 95

80

70

60

50

40

All Ages Under 18

Estimated Number of Asthma Cases

Year

Asth

ma

case

s pe

r 100

,000

What can be done to reduce thelevels of such triggers as dustand pet dander in the home?

In the 1960s children and teenswere outside at least three hourseach day. Today, they are out-side less than two hours eachday. How might these factsrelate to the increase in asthma?

Today’s homes allow less air tocirculate. How might thiscontribute to the increase inasthma? What can be done toincrease ventilation?

Tobacco smoke is one of theleading contributors to asthmaattacks. How can exposure totobacco smoke be limited orprevented?

Work with a small group. Use reliable library and online sources toinvestigate additional measures that can improve indoor air quality. Citeyour sources, and provide an explanation of why each source is reliable.

A C T I V I T Y

Indoor Air Pollution and Asthma: What You Can Do The incidence of asthma in people of all ages is increasing.Indoor air pollution has been identified as a major contributor to this increase. Study the graph, answer the questions on theright, and then complete the activity.

Noise Pollutionraffic, loud music, and power tools such as mowers and con-T struction equipment are all sources of noise pollution. Noise

pollution is harmful and unwanted sound of sufficient intensity todamage hearing. Hearing impairment caused by noise rarely leads tototal deafness; however, the hearing loss is permanent, and hearingaids often do not compensate for the damage.

A decibel is a unit used to express the relative intensity of loudness ofsound. Normal conversation is about 65 decibels. Exposure to noiselevels of 85 decibels and above can result in temporary hearing loss,often accompanied by ringing in the ears. Normal hearing will usu-ally return, but continued exposure can lead to permanent hearingloss. Figure 29.3 shows the decibel levels of various sounds.

Source: National Center for Health Statistics, National Health Survey, 1982–1995

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DECIBEL LEVELS OF COMMON SOUNDS

Applying Health SkillsAccessing Information. Think of a specificcritical health issue related to air pollution.Find information on this topic, and developstrategies to evaluate the source of yourinformation. Make a list of thesestrategies.

Reviewing Facts and Vocabulary1. Define air pollution and noise pollution.

2. Describe the EPA’s role in monitoring air quality.

3. List two actions you can take to help reduce noise pollution.

Thinking Critically4. Evaluation. Relate the nation’s environmental

health goals and objectives in Healthy People2010 to the health of individuals, families, andcommunities.

5. Analyzing. Imagine that the media has reportedan AQI of 175. Paul, who has asthma, can’tdecide whether he wants to go in-line skatingoutdoors or play basketball in the air-conditionedgym. Determine which choice is healthier for Paul and explain your decision.

W O R D P R O C E S S I N G Use word processingto produce your list of strategies. See health.glencoe.comfor help in using word-processing software.

Lesson 1 Air Quality 771

Reducing Noise PollutionThere are several ways to reduce noise pollution in your envi-

ronment. Be sure to keep the volume down on stereos, radios, andtelevision sets. Avoid unnecessary use of the car horn. When possi-ble, use manual tools instead of power tools.

0 65 85 90 100 110 120 140 180

Weakest soundheard by theaverage ear

Normalconversation

Rocket launch

Jet engineat takeoff

Ambulance siren,amplified music

Chain saw

Tractor,motorcycle,snowmobile

Hair dryer, powerlawn mower

Constant exposureat 85 decibels or

greater may causehearing loss.

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VOCABULARYbiodegradablelandfillhazardous wastedeforestationurban sprawlwastewater

Protecting Land and WaterYOU’LL LEARN TO• Identify sources of land and water pollution.

• Assess the impact of population on community and world health.

• Analyze the influence of laws on health-related environmental issues.

• Examine strategies for reducing land and water pollution.

he wastes generated by human activity can pollute both land T and water. However, there are many actions people can take toreduce pollution and help preserve land and water resources.

Waste Disposalany wastes are biodegradable, or able to be broken down byMmicroorganisms in the environment. However, when biodegrad-

able materials are discarded in quantities too large for nature tohandle, or when materials are not biodegradable, other wastedisposal solutions must be found.

Solid Waste Much solid waste ends up in landfills. A landfill is an area that

has been safeguarded to prevent disposed wastes from contaminatinggroundwater. Landfills must be located away from certain areas toprotect groundwater (water that collects under the earth’s surface)and must be lined with special materials to prevent leakage.Landfill operators must follow practices that reduce odor andcontrol disease-carrying insects and rodents.

Write a brief public service announcement encouraging people tohelp keep lakes, rivers, and streams free of pollution.


Most wastes are disposedof in landfills and coveredwith soil to prevent thespread of disease byinsects and rodents.


Hazardous WasteA hazardous waste is a substance that is explosive, corrosive,

highly reactive, or toxic to humans or other life forms. Industrialprocesses generate some hazardous wastes. Others are generated bycommon activities, including those described in Figure 29.4.Household products such as batteries are also considered hazardouswastes. Many of these wastes are banned from landfills and must bedisposed of at special collection sites so that they don’t contami-nate the environment.

Nuclear wastes, a collection of radioactive materials that pose seri-ous hazards to humans and other life forms, are a type of hazardouswaste. Exposure to radiation can increase the risk of cancer. It canalso alter a person’s sex cells, causing genetic abnormalities to bepassed on to offspring. Because of the long decay rates of someradioactive materials, these materials must be isolated in securefacilities for thousands of years.

Expansion and Developmenthroughout history population growth has been accelerating. T It took half a million years for humankind to reach a popula-

tion size of 1 billion, but the next billion people were born in a spanof only 80 years, and close to 11⁄2 billion more have been born since1975. In certain U.S. and world regions where population growth israpid, there is a low quality of life and much human suffering. Rapidpopulation growth also leads to swift deterioration of the land andto a severe drain on resources such as water.

Urban development can also have a dramatic impact on the land.As new cities are built, room for them must be cleared. This clear-ing has been at the expense of wilderness areas and rain forests.

773Lesson 2 Protecting Land and Water

HAZARDOUS WASTES

Source/Activity That Generates Waste

Arts and crafts (e.g., painting, building models)

Dry cleaning

Construction

Vehicle maintenance

Yardwork and gardening

Household tasks

Type of Waste Produced

Solvents, paints, adhesives

Solvents

Oils, solvents, paints

Solvents, paints, ignitable wastes, used oil and batteries

Pesticides, herbicides, solvents

Solvents, oils, cleaning materials, paints, paint thinner


Disappearing ForestsDeveloping nations in Central America, Africa, and

Southeast Asia are rapidly expanding in agriculture andindustry. These nations have been clearing tropical forestson a massive scale for fuel and to make way for farms andranch land. This deforestation, or destruction of forests,has upset the fragile balance of nature.

Aside from providing a home to countless plant andanimal species, the world’s great forests play a vital part incontrolling soil erosion, flooding, and sediment buildup inrivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Deforestation interferes withthese processes. It can also change regional patterns of rain-fall as a result of altered rates of evaporation, transpiration(vapor exhaled from the surface of green plants), and run-off. Without trees, precipitation declines and the regiongrows hotter and drier. Ultimately, desertlike conditionsprevail where there were once rich, tropical grasslands.

Urban SprawlThe spreading of city development (houses, shopping centers, busi-

nesses, and schools) onto undeveloped land is called urban sprawl.As the land surrounding cities becomes developed, environmentalproblems can occur. Runoff from parking lots and fertilized lawnsmay contaminate the drinking water supply. Air quality worsens asincreased automobile and lawnmower usage adds more engineexhaust to the air.

To help address the problem of urban sprawl, city planners arerethinking the way suburbs are organized to help reduce consump-tion of natural resources and decrease the amount of pollution. Inplanned communities, schools and businesses are located withinwalking distance of homes, and sidewalks are required. Walking theshort distances from home to work, school, or shopping providesphysical activity for pedestrians, saves resources, and reduces pol-lution. The inclusion of efficient public transportation in thesecommunities helps reduce the number of people driving to work.Consequently, fewer vehicles are on the highways, reducing boththe level of pollution and the number of injuries and deaths causedby traffic accidents.

Water Supplies and Pollutionhe EPA requires water suppliers to monitor and test water T before sending it through municipal or community water sys-

tems. If the water is contaminated, the supplier must shut downthe system and fix the problem. No agencies monitor the quality ofwater coming from private wells, however. Water treatment andpurity depend on actions taken by those who use the well.


Using public transportationinstead of driving reducespollution and helps con-serve resources. How mightan efficient public trans-portation system improvecommunity health?


All drinking water is susceptible to pollution. Because the watercan come from large sources such as rivers, lakes, or aquifers (water-bearing layers of rock, sand, or gravel) that underlie several coun-ties or states, the pollution source can be far away from where thewater is used.

Polluted RunoffAbout 40 percent of the nation’s rivers, lakes, and coastal waters are

not safe for swimming or other types of water recreation. Water pol-lution is sometimes caused by illegal dumping of industrial chemicalwastes, but a greater contamination problem is created by pollutionthat comes from many sources throughout the environment. Mostsurface water contamination is caused by polluted runoff—rainwateror snowmelt that runs over the land, picking up such contaminantsas pesticides, fertilizers, and wastes. Polluted runoff can also contam-inate groundwater, the primary source of drinking water for millionsof people in the United States.

WastewaterWastewater, used water that comes from homes, communities,

farms, and businesses, is another source of water pollution. Alongwith sewage, wastewater includes water that is generated and dis-charged from industries, feedlots, and many other sources.Wastewater contains harmful substances such as human or animalwastes, metals, and pathogens. Some wastewater must be treated bycooling in order to prevent thermal pollution. Thermal pollutionoccurs when the temperature of discharged water is higher than thetemperature of a body of water in the environment. Because this hotwater can disrupt aquatic ecosystems, it must be cooled before itenters the environment. The EPA regulates the treatment and dis-charge of wastewater under the Clean Water Act. Treated water thatis released back into the environment must be safe for humans andother living organisms.

Other Sources of Water PollutionOther sources of water pollution include:

� Sediment. Sediment from land erosion candestroy aquatic ecosystems and clog lakes,stream channels, and harbors.

� Oil. Some oil contamination comes fromthe cleaning of oil tankers and the releaseof oil from offshore drilling rigs. Problemscan also occur when people dump usedmotor oil or household chemicals downhousehold and storm drains.

775Lesson 2 Protecting Land and Water

� Recycle engine oil. Just 1quart of oil can contaminateup to 2 million gallons ofdrinking water.

� Be careful about what youput down the drain. In areasthat use septic systems,harmful chemicals may endup in your drinking water.

� Keep cars, boats, andwatercraft maintained.Prevent fuel and lubricantleaks by keeping engines well tuned.

To protect drinking water:

Strategies forProtectingWater Supplies

There are actions you can taketo help prevent the contamina-tion of drinking water.

Polluted runoff is a majorsource of water pollutionin the United States.


Reducing the Risksou and your family can take steps to help keep our land and Ywater clean.

� Recycle materials whenever possible to reduce the amount ofwaste going to landfills. You’ll learn more about reducing solidwastes in Lesson 3.

� Dispose of all materials properly. Don’t put oil paints, paintsolvents, or batteries into the trash. Don’t pour householdchemicals or motor oil down the drain or onto the ground.Instead, take these and other hazardous materials to theappropriate collection sites.

� Follow directions when using chemicals such as cleaningproducts, fertilizers, and pesticides, and don’t overuse them.

� Reduce water usage. Repair leaky faucets. Follow the recommen-dations for landscape watering that apply to your area. Reducingwater usage decreases the amount of water that must be treated.

Applying Health SkillsAdvocacy. Create a comic book about asuperhero named Captain Cleanup and hisor her adventures cleaning up land andwater pollution. The comic book should betargeted to elementary school studentsand contain a strong message about whatyoung people can do to reduce land andwater pollution.

Reviewing Facts and Vocabulary1. What is a landfill?

2. Assess the impact of population on communityand world health.

3. How can polluted runoff contaminate watersupplies?

Thinking Critically4. Applying. Analyze how laws like the Clean Water

Act positively influence health and prevent disease.

5. Analyzing. You have probably heard the saying,“Water, water everywhere, but not a drop to drink.”Explain this statement in terms of availabledrinking water.

W E B S I T E S Use your comic book as part of a Web page you develop on reducing pollution. Seehealth.glencoe.com for help in planning and buildingyour own Web site.


Citizenship. When you dispose ofhazardous household materialsproperly, you are demonstratinggood citizenship and respect forthe environment. Make a pledgeto always dispose of hazardousmaterials in a responsiblemanner. Share your knowledgeabout the dangers of hazardousmaterials with others, andencourage them to makeresponsible decisions.



VOCABULARYconservationprecyclingrecycling

Advocating for a HealthyEnvironment

YOU’LL LEARN TO• Identify strategies for conserving resources, precycling, and recycling.

• Develop strategies for protecting the environment.

• Describe a variety of community and world environmental protection programs.

any of today’s environmental problems result from the M lifestyle and consumer choices we make. In this lesson you’ll learn about what you can do to protect the health of theenvironment.

Conserving Resourcesost natural resources don’t exist in an endless supply. The M coal, natural gas, and petroleum we use for fuel took millions

of years to form. It takes about 20 years for a tree to become largeenough to cut for use as paper. These examples illustrate the needto conserve our natural resources. Conservation is the protectionand preservation of the environment by managing natural resources toprevent abuse, destruction, and neglect. The actions that you and yourfamily take at home have an impact on the environment. Someactions you can take to conserve natural resources are featured onthe next page.

Make a list of the environmental benefits of participatingin a recycling program.

777Lesson 3 Advocating for a Healthy Environment

Planting trees helpsreplenish this naturalresource. How do treesbenefit the environment?


Heating and Cooling� Seal leaks around doors, windows, and electrical

sockets to prevent heated or cooled air from escaping.Keep doors and windows shut and close fireplace vents when the fireplace is not in use to keep cooled or heated air inside the home.

� During heating season, wear an extra layer of clothinginstead of turning up the thermostat. Keep the thermo-stat at about 68°F. For further conservation, turn thethermostat down at bedtime.

� Keep the thermostat at about 78°F during air-conditioning season. Use a fan to keep air circulating—this will make the area feel cooler.

Water Conservation� Wash clothes in warm or cold, not

hot, water. Accumulate a full loadbefore washing laundry or runningthe dishwasher.

� Fix leaky faucets, and never let water rununnecessarily. Turning off the water whilebrushing your teeth or shaving can save 4.5 gallons of water per minute.

� If you have a large-capacity toilet tank, fill plastic bottles withwater, seal them, and place them in the tank. The bottles willkeep the tank from filling completely, which will save up to agallon of water per flush.

Lighting and Appliances� Replace traditional lightbulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs,

which use less energy and last longer.

� Switch off lights when you leave a room.

� Turn off televisions, radios, computers, and other applianceswhen they are not in use.

� Use a microwave or toaster oven instead of a conventionaloven when cooking a small amount of food.

� Don’t preheat a conventional oven for longer than necessary.Avoid opening the oven door unnecessarily while the applianceis in use.


Turning off lights saveselectricity. How else canyou reduce electricity usein your home?

Putting on an extra layer of clothing instead of turning up the heathelps conserve natural resources. Why is it important to conserve naturalresources?


Precycling and Recyclinghe easiest, most cost-efficient way of conserving natural T resources is reducing the quantity of waste. Precycling and

recycling are two ways of accomplishing this goal.

PrecyclingPrecycling—reducing waste before it is generated—means pur-

chasing and using products wisely. How can you precycle? Reduceyour use of products that are used once and then discarded. Forexample, try using cloth napkins instead of paper ones. Purchaseproducts in bulk or in the largest package appropriate for your useto reduce excess packaging. Buying products such as laundry deter-gent or fruit juice as concentrates also reduces packaging. Chooseproducts designed to be recycled. For example, look for the code onplastic packages. Those that carry a 1, 2, or 3 are most easily recycled.

Precycling also involves reusing materials. Reusing paper or plas-tic shopping bags or carrying your own cloth bags is a form of pre-cycling. So is donating unneeded household goods or clothing tocharities instead of discarding them.

RecyclingRecycling is the processing of waste materials so that they can be

used again. Recycling has several benefits:

� Recycling conserves resources.Both energy and raw materials areconserved by recycling. For example,making a can from recycled aluminumtakes only 10 percent of the energyneeded to make a new can from raw materials.

� Recycling reduces reliance onlandfills. Landfill space is limited,and it cannot keep up with increas-ing demands. Because of this, it isimportant to reduce the amount ofwaste that gets deposited in landfills.

� Recycling protects environmentalhealth. Recycling utilizes materialsthat might otherwise harm theenvironment if disposed of in landfills.Thus, recycling efforts lead to a cleanerand more healthful environment.

779Lesson 3 Advocating for a Healthy Environment

Carrying your own clothbags instead of usingpaper or plastic ones isone way to precycle. What is another exampleof precycling?


TIPS FOR RECYCLING AND REDUCING WASTE

More than 80 percent of household waste can be recycled. Thefollowing are some guidelines for specific recyclable materials.

� Aluminum. Rinse cans and other aluminum items such as piepans and frozen food trays. Crush them to save space.

� Cardboard. Flatten cardboard boxes and tie them together.

� Glass. Rinse all glass containers. Recycle metal lids separately.

� Plastics. Look for the code on the container. Most recyclerstake those marked with a 1, 2, or 3.

� Newspaper. Stack newspapers and tie the bundles with stringor rope, or place the papers in paper shopping bags for easyhandling.

� Glossy Paper. Contact services that help you remove yourname from mailing lists. Find out whether a local retirement or community center can use discarded magazines. What youcan’t eliminate or redistribute, recycle.


One Planet—Your RoleIn this activity you will create a chart

that demonstrates the need to conserveresources.

• pen or pencil and notebook paper• poster board or construction paper• markers

1. Divide a sheet of paper into three col-umns. Label the columns “Items I ThrowAway Every Week,” “Ways of Precyclingor Recycling,” and “Why It Matters.”

2. List at least five items in the firstcolumn, and complete the other twocolumns for those items.

3. Work in a small group. Combine thebest ideas and create a poster-sizedchart, similar to the one on your sheetof paper, that includes several ways toprecycle or recycle commonly useditems. Use persuasive language, andillustrate your group’s chart.

4. Present the chart to the class. Thendisplay it in the classroom or in aschool hallway.

Find statistics on how precycling andrecycling help reduce waste and pollution.Be sure to relate the data to the actionsdescribed in your poster.

What You’ll Need

What You’ll Do

Apply and Conclude

Manufacturers put codeson plastic containers togive consumers informa-tion on how to recycle.

HS_HEALTH_U09_C29_L3 4/9/03 10:15 AM Page 780

Protecting the Environmentere are some practical suggestions for becoming involved in Hprotecting the environment:

� Become an informed consumer. Evaluate products withregard to their impact on natural resources. Give feedback tocompanies on ways they can help protect the environment.

� Contact organizations that promote the conservationof resources and educate people on environmentalissues. Ask for ideas on how to conserve natural resources.Consider joining an environmental organization. Most of these organizations can give you information on currentenvironmental issues. They can also suggest ways to promotethe health of the environment.

� Take action against local polluters. The environmentalproblems in your community directly affect your health.Targeting local polluters is an effective way of protecting yourhealth and that of your family and neighbors. Join with othersto inform elected officials of your concerns.

Reviewing Facts and Vocabulary1. Define the term conservation.

2. What is the difference between precycling andrecycling?

3. List three environmental benefits of recycling.

Thinking Critically4. Analyzing. How does conserving resources protect

the health of the environment?

5. Applying. Develop strategies to conserve naturalresources in your home. List three strategies notincluded in this lesson that your family canundertake to conserve resources.

S P R E A D S H E E T S Use a spreadsheet toorganize your information and create your chart. Seehealth.glencoe.com for tips on how to create and use a spreadsheet.

Lesson 3 Advocating for a Healthy Environment 781

Applying Health SkillsAccessing Information. Research anddescribe a variety of environmentalprotection programs, both in your commu-nity and in countries throughout the world.Create a chart to display the informationthat you obtain. Include the name of the community or country, the name of the program, and a brief descrip-tion of the program’s mission.

Much of the wastegenerated in a typicalAmerican home can berecycled. What materialsare recycled in yourcommunity?



782 Chapter 29 Review

In this activity, you will answer the following questions in order to compare and contrasthow articles from two different print media cover the same environmental health issue.

Think of a specific environmentalhealth issue. Then, locate articles intwo different types of print media thatpertain to this topic. You can choosefrom your local newspaper; a major citynewspaper, such as the New York Timesor the Washington Post; or a nationalnews magazine, such as Time orNewsweek. Write an analysis of howthese two different sources cover thesame topic. Use the answers to thequestions above to guide your analysis.

A C T I V I T Y

Healthy People 2010 has a numberof goals that relate to environmentalhealth issues that affect all Americans.Review these goals, and write a posi-tion paper that suggests how themedia sources you analyzed haveplayed or can play a role in helpingreach the goals.

Environmental Health in the News

1. What aspect of the environmental health issue does each article address?

2. How does each article convey the subject matter to the reader?

3. How does each article link the environmental issue to specific health problems?

4. Does each article include comments from environmental health experts, scientists,physicians, and/or politicians?

5. Can you detect any bias in either article?

6. Do the articles provide relevant information about how the issue affects a specific community?

7. Do the articles provide a regional or global perspective on the issue?

8. In your opinion, which source provides better coverage of the issue? Why?

Questions to Answer

HS_HEALTH_U09_C29_CR 12/22/02 3:02 PM Page 782

Compute the Cost. The health-related costs ofoutdoor air pollution range from $40 to $50 billionper year. Suppose that in a certain year, the healthcosts of air pollution were $45 billion. Given a U.S.population of 281.4 million people, how much doeshealth care related to air pollution cost each person in this particular year?

Conduct Team Research. The health of humans isundeniably linked to the health of the environment.Over the past 40 years, the environmental movementhas worked to clean up the earth. Work with a team to research a specific environmental organization, suchas the Sierra Club or the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.Report to the class on the history of the organizationand its purpose and goals.

Write a Report. Some people may think that airpollution is solely the result of human activity. However,there have always been natural sources of air pollu-tion, such as dust storms. Use reliable online andprint resources to find information on various naturalsources of air pollution. Summarize your findings in abrief report.

Compose a Haiku. Think about something in thenatural environment that inspires you, such as a bird in flight, a shooting star, or the soothing sounds of astream. Compose a haiku, a Japanese form of poetrythat often focuses on nature, on the subject you’ve cho-sen. Use vivid language to describe a certain aspect ofyour subject, such as its shape, size, or color.

CROSS-CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS

connectionconnectionconnection


783Chapter 29 Review

Environmental Engineering TechnicianWould you like to improve the quality of the environment? If so,

you might enjoy a career as an environmental engineering technician.Environmental engineering technicians work closely with environ-

mental engineers and scientists in developing methods and devicesused in the prevention, control, or correction of environmental hazards.

To become an environmental engineering technician, you will need atwo-year associate’s degree or extensive on-the-job training. Find outmore about this and other health careers by clicking on Career Cornerat health.glencoe.com.





Chapter 29 Review

784 Chapter 29 Review

1. Name five common air pollutants.2. List two strategies for managing indoor air

pollution.3. Temporary hearing loss may occur when a person

is exposed to noise levels at or above what decibel level?

7. Name three ways to conserve natural resources.8. List three precycling strategies.9. What are three practical ways to become involved

in protecting the environment?

4. If many wastes are biodegradable, why are landfillsnecessary?

5. What is nuclear waste?6. List three sources of water pollution and two ways

of reducing this type of pollution.

RECALLING THE FACTS Use completesentences to answer the following questions.

EXPLORING HEALTH TERMS Answer thefollowing questions on a sheet of paper.

Fill in the blanks with the correct term.

landfill biodegradabledeforestation urban sprawlhazardous waste wastewater

6. wastes can be broken down bymicroorganisms in the environment.

7. A substance that is explosive, corrosive, highlyreactive, or toxic to humans or other life forms isknown as .

8. The destruction of forests is known as .9. The spreading of city development onto

undeveloped land is called .10. is used water that comes from

homes, communities, farms, and businesses.

Replace the underlined words with the correct term.

precycling conservationrecycling

11. Recycling is the protection and preservation of theenvironment by managing natural resources.

12. Conservation involves making decisions aboutproducts before you purchase them in order toreduce waste.

13. The processing of materials so that they can beused again in some form is precycling.

Match each definition with the correct term.

air pollution noise pollutionasbestos radondecibel smogAir Quality Index (AQI)

1. A yellow-brown haze that forms when sunlightreacts with air pollution.

2. An index for reporting daily air quality.3. A fibrous mineral that has fireproof properties.4. An odorless, radioactive gas that can cause cancer.5. A unit used to express the relative intensity of

loudness of sound.


785Chapter 29 Review

Chapter 29 Review

THINKING CRITICALLY1. Evaluating. Explain how keeping your automobile

engine in good condition can reduce air pollution.(LESSON 1)

2. Analyzing. Before the development of modernlandfills, trash was discarded in pits or opendumps. Explain how today’s landfills are animprovement over this waste-disposal strategy.(LESSON 2)

3. Applying. List three grocery store items that createexcessive waste. Suggest an alternative for eachitem. (LESSON 3)

HEALTH SKILLS APPLICATION1. Accessing Information. Choose one of the five

air pollutants tracked by the EPA. Research whetherthat pollutant is present in the air in your community.Write a brief report summarizing your findings.(LESSON 1)

2. Advocacy. Polluted runoff may occur as a result ofheavy rains that pick up fertilizers and pesticidesfrom lawns. Write a public service announcementencouraging people to carefully follow applicationinstructions for these products. (LESSON 2)

3. Goal Setting. Talk with your family about ways toconserve natural resources. Then use the goal-setting steps to choose and work toward a familyconservation goal. As part of the goal-settingprocess, have each family member sign a pledge to do his or her part to conserve resources.(LESSON 3)

Parent InvolvementAccessing Information. Find outwhat materials are recycled in yourcommunity. Work with a parent orother adult family member to inter-view managers of several recyclingcenters or hazardous waste collectionsites. Put together an informativepamphlet that describes local wastemanagement and recycling services.Make your pamphlet available toother families in your neighborhood.

School and CommunityVolunteering Opportunities. Locate arecycling center or charitable organizationin your community that collects donateditems for resale. Contact the agency tofind out what volunteer positions areavailable. Share what you have learnedwith your classmates.


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