Chapter 7: Environmental and Occupational HealthMaggie Baker

Fall 2011

Environment and our Health

Environmental Factors affecting all

Industrial pollution

“Lifestyle choices”

Chemicals and toxins banned in the United States but still used in developing countries

Hazards resulting from mining, toxic-waste dumps and radioactive waste sites

Limitations on “Lifestyle Choices”

Economic status

Family/Work Obligations

Lack of information

Availability of alternative solutions

Negligence by government agencies

Lack of community awareness/support

Large corporations and divisions of the government often address environmental issues by noting the responsibility of the individual to make the right living choices. However, frequently these “choices” are not available to us because of:

Can you avoid them all,all of the time?

Occupational Health Issues for Women

Low paying/stressful jobs

No access to worker’s compensation, occupational rehabilitation, disability compensation

Ill-fitting safety equipment not made for women’s bodies/sizes

Jobs where it is necessary to stand, sit or do monotonous tasks for hours at a time

Lack of health insurance or time off to seek medical care

What’s keeping us from activism?

Responsibilities at home after work hours when activist activities are planned and executed

Low seniority/feeling like we have to support our bosses

Lack of organization/union membership

Language barriers

Citizenship issues

Dependence on job, especially at lowest paying/less skilled jobs

Effects from Environmental and Occupational conditions

Skin diseases

Respiratory ailments

Multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS)

Infectious diseases

Reproductive health hazards/disorders

Breast milk contamination

Endocrine disruption

Breast cancer

Hearing loss

Back pain

Neck, shoulder and hand strain or injuries

Foot and leg pain

Effects from air quality

Stress

Effects from shift work

Harassment and violence

Reduce exposure, feel better!

Read food labels

Wash hands (everyone!) before touching, preparing or eating food

Install carbon monoxide monitors in your home- never leave the car running in the garage

Have your home checked for dangerous levels of lead and radon

Have your drinking water checked and filter tap water

Use natural cleaning products

If working with chemicals, change into clean clothes before returning home/picking up children

Safe work environments start with you

Find support, organize and mobilize

Promote safer materials

Wear safety equipment

Request furniture to fit your body

Rearrange your desk and office to avoid repetitive movements

GET UP! move around, take breaks, stretch (there are great guided chair yoga and meditation videos on youtube for free!)

Wear well-fitting ear plugs or headphones in loud environments

Do not tolerate harassment and violence- get help! (www.womenthrive.org, www.aflcio.org, www.now.org are some sites for further information and to find help)

Quotes:

(Myth or Reality?)

“Women are more biologically vulnerable to environmental toxins than men.

Reality.”

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

- Margaret Mead

Discussion Question:

What have you personally done or can do to make your living environment more healthy for you and your family?

What small changes can you make at work to make a healthier occupational environment?