Final Blog

Environmental Health 

Overall, I really enjoyed this Environmental Health Course. It is the first time I learned about any sort of environmental health and I was surprised as to how many topics we learned about! Some of my favorite parts of the course were the Bee video we watched and all the information we learned about the harmful chemicals in everyday products. I liked the bee video because I found the topic quite fascinating. I like that I am now aware of things like carcinogens and health harming chemicals in products that I buy and, more importantly, that I now have the knowledge to avoid them.

I think the most beneficial part of the course were all of the resources we have now become aware of. As we learned, we don't have an adequate amount of protection against harmful chemicals or environmental hazards from our governing agencies. As public health professionals it is important that we advocate for proper regulations and policies to improve environmental health. The resources we received in this course have provided a vast amount knowledge we can refer to in the future. 

I was surprised to learn about some topics. For example, I did not think that workplace hazards would fall under the wide umbrella of environmental health, although now it makes sense. 

I liked the interactive blog posts because I was able to gain a new perspective from my classmates. They provided new approaches to the same topic and prove how beneficial multiple perspectives can be in the world of public health. 

I like the course set-up and the short weekly blogs kept me accountable and on track for an online course. The only item I was confused by was the text requirement on Silent Spring. I understand how the text relates to the class, but I think it could have been incorporated more if it is a required component of the course. 
Other than that, I really enjoyed the course! Thank you!

M14.4 Think About It

I chose to look into earthquake Preparedness. I have been hearing about "the big earthquake" California is expecting since I was in 7th grade, and since then earthquakes have been one of my biggest fears. FEMA pit together a list of things to do before, during, and after an earthquake. Most of the information was review, although I did find interesting information on what to do if you are driving during an earthquake. 
Many Public Health concerns may arise after an earthquake, depending on the magnitude of it. If water and sewage lines are damaged, there is an increased risk for bacterial and communicable diseases to spread. What I found most interesting on the site were the emotional and physiological resources for coping with disasters after they occur. Some reactions identified were post traumatic stress (even years after), grief, anxiety (even in children), and depression (associated with PTS). It is important t to address these issues and not forget about them even after much time had passed since the disaster. 

I live in Kern County and we have something similar to the California Disaster Healthcare Volunteer Site. Kern County has the Kern Medical Reserve Corps (KMRC) , managed by the Kern Department of Public Health. The mission of the Kern Medical Reserve Corps is to coordinate the efforts of volunteers with medical and non-medical backgrounds to respond in the event of an emergency incident throughout Kern County.


References:
https://www.healthcarevolunteers.ca.gov
http://kernpublichealth.com/kern-medical-reserve-corps/
https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/23054
https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/trauma-types/disasters/earthquake-resources

M12.9 Climate Change

1. What do you personally find most troubling about climate change?

I find the amount of damage already done and the rapid continuation of damage most troubling. As a human race, we are not as worried about the dangers and consequences of climate change, and we must take responsibility and action quickly. Our current political climate also worries me, and the scientific evidence of climate change is challenged/not acknowledge by our political leaders. 

Natural disasters also concern me. Considering everyone I love lives in California, and mostly along the SanAndreas fault, the earthquake California is expecting also worries me. 

2. As a public health professional, what do you think needs the greatest attention right now?

As a Public Health Professional, the risk of a collapse of food production needs the greatest attention. If food production is limited, and causes sky rocketing prices, everyone is at risk. Although, the most vulnerable populations become more vulnerable first. 

3. If you were visiting with a long-lost relative who had never heard about climate change, how would you describe it and its attendant human health and ecological threats?

I would describe climate change as a result of emissions (carbon dioxide) that has affected our environment, including air, water, food sources, and animals. I would describe the extinction of animals and describe how our sea levels are rising at an alarming rate. Additionally, I would describe its effects on our society and the health effects associated with climate change. 

M10.1 Occupational Health

I chose to assess my partner's place of work. He is a Strength and Conditioning Coach for athletes in a university. The two most prominent hazards he faces are ergonomic risk and chemical exposures. He spends a lot of time moving heavy weights, olympic bars, and boxes. Considering the weight and amount of movement he does, he is at a much greater risk to endure an injury as opposed to a desk job like mine. I also identifies a chemical workplace exposure because of the cleaning solutions used to clean mats and various objects in the gym that he is continuously exposed to. There is also a risk to biological exposure when coming in contact with athletes who have infectious diseases. Although rare, he may also be exposed to blood if an athlete endures a cut or injury during training. To face some of these issues, coaches need to be assessed to ensure they know how to properly use their bodies to lift heavy items. There are hygiene regulations in place to maintain cleanliness within a training gym, hence chemical exposure to cleaning products may be inevitable. Some risk can be reduced by ensuring there is no skin-chemical contact by using protective gear.

I think risk and exposure in this type of environment is inevitable, but there should be plenty of safety regulations in place. Most injuries and unhealthy exposures are minimal.

M11.5 Zero Waste Life

Zero Waste Life 

A

I am a little embarrassed to say that the amount of waste produced in my home is probably the typical amount of waste a typical American family produces, which is far more than necessary. 

Much of the waste of in my home comes from food packaging and hygiene and cleaning products. In a typical fast-paced American lifestyle, it is easy to buy packaged foods that can easily be taken on the-go or made quickly at home. Many people do not have time to make their own hygiene products, or many feel that it is probably "cleaner" to use the name-brand products we've been using all of our lives.

After learning more about chemicals the the massive amount of damage humans are doing to the environment, I think there are steps almost all families can take to reduce the harm we do. 

Some of the changes I think I can take in my life are the following:

• use only reusable water bottles and stop buying plastic bottles 
• use only reusable bags  (easier to do now with recently passed laws)
• buy all fruits and vegetables at farmer's market 
• this one is tricky depending on where you live. Not all places have access to farmer's markets 
• buy bulk products and use reusable containers
• reduce the amount of packaged food products consumed/bought 
• buy more second-hand items
• fix things, instead of buying new ones
• learn more about making own hygiene products 

M10.5 Occupational Safety and Health Organization

The California Department of Occupational Health and Safety 

• Setting and enforcing standards

• Providing outreach, education, and assistance

• Issuing permits, licenses, certifications,

• registrations, and approvals

Mission Statement: protects and improves the health and safety of working men and women in California and the safety of passengers riding on elevators, amusement rides, and tramways – through the following activities:

Heat Illness Prevention Program 

I chose to read about the heat illness prevention program because I am a first-generation Mexican-American and my parents and grandparents worked in agriculture when they first arrived to the United States.  

Cal/OSHA provides pamphlets and resources so workers know the symptoms and prevention strategies to heat illness. Addtitonally there are resources listed to report a health and safety complaint. 

The heat illness prevention program provides four guidelines for workers exposed to the overwhelming summer heat in California.

The guidelines are as follows:

1. Training
   Train all employees and supervisors about heat illness prevention.
2. Water
   Provide enough fresh water so that each employee can drink at least 1 quart per hour, or four 8 ounce glasses, of water per hour, and encourage them to do so.
3. Shade
   Provide access to shade and encourage employees to take a cool-down rest in the shade for at least 5 minutes. They should not wait until they feel sick to cool down.
4. Planning
   Develop and implement written procedures for complying with the Cal/OSHA Heat Illness Prevention Standard.
   
   
   
   

M10 Occupational Disease

ASBETOSIS

Asbestos is a natural mineral product that's resistant to heat and corrosion.

Asbetosis is a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. Prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers can cause lung tissue scarring and shortness of breath. Symptoms and repercussions do not appear until may years of prolonged exposure to the harmful mineral. 

 Previously, it was largely found in insulation materials, packing materials, and paint. Workers exposed to asbestos were found to be linked to malignant mesothelioma in the United States in the 1930s and literature continued to be published. It was not until the early 1970's that the Occupational Health and Safety Administration took action to regulate workplace exposure.

Today, asbestos is strictly regulated in the workforce environment, although it has not gone away. About 1.3 million workers in the U.S. are still subjected to asbestos exposure on the job today. New diagnoses for mesothelioma have dropped to between 2,000 and 3,000 per year and appear to have reached a plateau, or close to it. 

Resources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asbestosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354637
https://www.mesotheliomahelp.org/asbestos/history/
http://www.asbestosnews.com/asbestos/statistics/

M9.3 Green Chemistry

Green Chemistry 

Green chemistry is a collection of chemical substances and processes that reduce the use of harmful chemical substances. The use of green chemistry is beneficial as it reduces pollution by eliminating the use of hazardous materials. This is an exemplary process since not only does it not create pollution, but it eliminates the process of remediation. The 12 Principles of Green Chemistry cover the benefits and are as follows:

1. Prevent waste: Design chemical syntheses to prevent waste. Leave no waste to treat or clean up.
2. Maximize atom economy: Design syntheses so that the final product contains the maximum proportion of the starting materials. Waste few or no atoms.
3. Design less hazardous chemical syntheses: Design syntheses to use and generate substances with little or no toxicity to either humans or the environment.
4. Design safer chemicals and products: Design chemical products that are fully effective yet have little or no toxicity.
5. Use safer solvents and reaction conditions: Avoid using solvents, separation agents, or other auxiliary chemicals. If you must use these chemicals, use safer ones.
6. Increase energy efficiency: Run chemical reactions at room temperature and pressure whenever possible.
7. Use renewable feedstocks: Use starting materials (also known as feedstocks) that are renewable rather than depletable. The source of renewable feedstocks is often agricultural products or the wastes of other processes; the source of depletable feedstocks is often fossil fuels (petroleum, natural gas, or coal) or mining operations.
8. Avoid chemical derivatives: Avoid using blocking or protecting groups or any temporary modifications if possible. Derivatives use additional reagents and generate waste.
9. Use catalysts, not stoichiometric reagents: Minimize waste by using catalytic reactions. Catalysts are effective in small amounts and can carry out a single reaction many times. They are preferable to stoichiometric reagents, which are used in excess and carry out a reaction only once.
10. Design chemicals and products to degrade after use: Design chemical products to break down to innocuous substances after use so that they do not accumulate in the environment.
11. Analyze in real time to prevent pollution: Include in-process, real-time monitoring and control during syntheses to minimize or eliminate the formation of byproducts.
12. Minimize the potential for accidents: Design chemicals and their physical forms (solid, liquid, or gas) to minimize the potential for chemical accidents including explosions, fires, and releases to the environment

I think that Green Chemistry is the best avenue to begin to save our planet. Much harm has been done with the production and use of hazardous products that we use regularly. Cleaning up ad protecting our environment should be a priority for our generation.

M9.4 Heavy Metals

Heavy Metals/ Lead 

Lead intoxication in humans results in devastating health effects. Lead occurs naturally in the earth, but should not enter the human's body. Humans are exposed to lead through various forms including mining, manufacturing, recycling activities, lead-based paints, lead gasoline, and largely from lead-acid batteries in motor vehicles. 
Although efforts have been made and lead has now been removed from home paints, there are adverse health effects that still affect humans. Specifically, the central nervous system is affected and damaged. I believe more needs to be done to test materials and hold companies responsible for the damages that result from lead intoxication. 

The environmental health response to the devastating lead intoxication was collaborative and comprehensive. Over 400 children lives were cut short due to lead intoxication as a result from soil lead intoxication in artisanal gold processing in residential areas. The loss of children lives is unacceptable, but the actions taken by international and non-governmental organizations, and Nigerian authorities greatly decreased the lead levels in children over a 4 year period. 

M9.2 Six Chemical Classes

The Six Classes Approach identifies the most harmful chemicals. It questions who regulates the safety of chemicals in everyday products. The answer is no one organization, not the EPA, the USDA, or the FDA have the ability to regulate the safety of the chemicals we are exposed to daily.
This approach evaluates six of the most concerning chemicals and asks a vital question, "are these chemicals necessary?"


Highly Fluorinated Chemicals 
Highly fluorinated chemicals stay in the environment forever. Products that are non-stick and water-repellent are made of highly fluorinated chemicals. Some carpets and personal care products also include highly fluorinated chemicals. Levels of this chemical are found in 98% of the American population.
The health risks of being exposed to highly fluorinated chemicals include kidney and testicular cancer, elevated cholesterol, decreased fertility, and thyroid problems.

Antimicrobials
Antimicrobials are found in many hand soaps, personal care products, kitchenware, and building materials. They are mostly known (incorrectly) as a safer option for most people since they believe they kill germs. Unfortunately, this is not the case. They actually inhibit the growth of healthy microbes. Triclosan is included in antimicrobials and can result in adverse health effects like damage to hormone function and reproductive health, as well as heighten allergy sensitivity.

Flame Retardants 
Flame retardants are used to stop fires, unfortunately they also cause harm. These chemicals are added to materials and products to reach anti-flammable regulations. They can contaminate dust and end up entering our bodies. They can travel far and long. Flame retardant chemicals are found in furniture foam, carseats, and textiles.
 Babies and toddlers exposed to flame-retardant chemicals can result in disruption to brain development. Other effects in adults include reduced IQ scores, hormone disruption, cancer, and decreased fertility.

Bisphenols and Phthalates
The many uses of bisphenol and phthalates include making plastic stronger and are found in PVC pipes plastic products. When we stop using products that include these chemicals, the levels of bisphenol and phthalates in our bodies decrease within a few days,
The health effects of these products include hormone disruption, asthma, neurological development, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and reduced fertility in both men and women.

Some Solvents
Solvents are chemicals used to dissolve or dispense other substances. Some solvents are necessary, but some are not and are harmful to human and environmental health. Harmful solvents are found in paints, adhesives, cosmetics, aerosols, and household cleaners.
harmful solvent particles are absorbed into the air then absorbed through our skin.
The health effects of short-term exposure to solvents are dizziness, headaches, and brain fog, Long-term effects include cancer risk.

Certain Metals 
Metals are naturally occurring in the earth's crust and be harmful to the human body, including damage to brain development. These metals include mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and lead.
Mercury can be found in fish and high levels in humans can damage the nervous system and kidneys.
Arsenic can cause skin, blood, and lung cancer and is found in rice, mushroom, and grapes.
Lead can be found in paint and dust and is one of the most damaging metals to human health and cause a variety of problems in maternity health and birth defects.

Resources:http://www.sixclasses.org/videos

M8. 5 Chemical Policy

An Ideal Chemical Policy:

I believe an ideal chemical policy would provide preventative care by ensuring the public is aware of the harmful effects of chemicals. It should require testing of all chemicals in our foods, water, products, energy use systems, and air and test for the safety of them. As research provides evidence of the adverse health effects of some chemicals, agencies at the federal level should work together to eliminate the use and exposure to these chemicals. Companies should be required to test for the safety of their products before they reach the market or affect our water and air. 

From a public health protection perspective, I believe the most necessary act to enforce is an immediate stop of exposure to known harmful chemicals. This means to require companies to pull products that include known harmful chemicals. Also, it would regulate the amount and type of the pollutants factories and organizations are able to expose. 

M8.4 Chemical Policy Reform

The Louisville Charter for Safer Chemicals created a policy reform to radically improve the nation's chemical policies. The platform includes six standard in creating a reform:

1. Require Safer Substitutes and Solutions

2. Phase Out Persistent, Bioaccumulative, or Highly Toxic Chemicals

3. Give the Public and Workers the Full Right-to-Know and Participate

4. Act on Early Warnings

5. Require Comprehensive Safety Data for All Chemicals

6. Take Immediate Action to Protect Communities and Workers

In our group activity, Brittany, Ali, and I came up with various ideas of what should be included in a chemical policy. Some of our ideas aligned with those of the charter, including disclosing chemicals and their potential to harm in products, require safer substitutions, and to phase out highly toxic chemicals. 

I like that the charter included requiring comprehensive safety data and action on early warnings. Although we know the harmful potential of some chemicals on the human body and the environment, others have not yet manifested their potential to harm. It is important to conduct comprehensive and extensive research and act to quickly eliminate chemicals that pose a threat before more damage is done.  

M8.3 Pesticides

Pesticides in Our Foods 

Pesticides are harmful chemicals used to keep crops viable and growing by preventing disease.  Pesticides reside on our fresh fruits and vegetables as they are treated with pesticides. They can also be in the meat we eat as the animals are fed crops also treated with pesticides.

Last night for dinner I had salad, chicken breast, and strawberries (all from Trader Joe's). After entering my food on the database, I discovered:

• Spinach has known/probable carcinogens, suspected hormone disruptors, and developmental or reproductive toxins.  
• Chicken was not listed 
• Strawberries had known/probable carcinogens, suspected hormone disruptors, and developmental or reproductive toxins.  

I was surprised to find such harmful effects of foods that are generally considered healthy. I have made more of an effort to buy organic foods when I can afford it, but it is alarming to know so many Americans are being exposed to these harmful chemicals daily. 

In terms of Public Health, I feel like this is an issue that should be addressed at the federal level to regulate the amount and what types of chemicals are in our crops. The European model seems much more advanced than ours. Not only do we need legislative action, but also need to bring awareness to the problem nationally. 

M7.8 Toxic Food Environments and Links to Diseases

I am particularly interested in researching the correlation and causal effects of toxic food environments and the links to disease, among these obesity and cancers.

Various agencies play a role in identifying, regulating, and addressing the implications involved with toxic food environments and its effect on populations. First, addressing the safety of food itself relies on the Food and Drug Administration and in part on the US Department of Agriculture. State and local public health departments have the responsibility to address toxic food environments and explore solutions to create healthier communities.

In regards to the diseases that result from toxic food environments, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention  and legislative officials have the responsibility to report on community strategies to address epidemics. Policy implementation, supported by evidence-based research, is necessary to change environments.

M7.7 Department of Health and Human Services and Environmental Health

Department of Health and Human Services and Environmental Health 

I choose to explore the federal programs within the Department of Health and Human Services. I found two umbrella programs that involve environmental health; the Public Health and Safety program and the Emergency Preparedness and  Response programs. 

Under the Public Health and Safety Program there is information on food safety. Environmental factors that affect food safety include pesticides used in agriculture, chemicals that enter the water bodies in which fish we eat live, and the safety practices used with livestock that will be part of our food system. 

In the Emergency Preparedness and Response Program with the Department of Health and Human Services there is a Public Health Emergency program. The program includes prevention, awareness, and education on how to prevent pandemics and hazard safety preparedness. 

M7.4 Local Environmental Health Services/KERN

Kern County Department of Public Health 

I currently live in Kern County and the county Department of Public Health. The department's website  separated its services into 4 categories, one of which is Environmental Health. There is in local program dedicated specifically to environmental health. The various programs under environmental health include food programs, hazardous materials, housing, water, solid waste, and land development. I was pleasantly surprised that there was information on housing on the website, although I was expecting more information. The site included information on lead and mold, which is important, but there was no information on housing insecurity which I would've liked to see. I was very disappointed to find that there was no information on air quality, considering Kern County has the worst air quality in the nation. 

M6.6 Antibiotics

Antibiotic Resistance 101 

This article addresses the use of antibiotics in factory farms and the implications this has on human health. The argument presented is that the use of low-dose antibiotics in industrial farms for the purposes of preventing disease and promoting growth in farm animals is increasing the impact of antibiotic resistance in humans. Antibiotic resistant bacteria can spread from farm animals to humans via the food we consume. The populations most at risk are those with compromised immune systems (pregnant women, children, and elderly), although anyone can become ill from contacting antibiotic resistant bacteria.
I agree with the writers of the article in which Congress and the FDA are not sufficiently addressing the issue of antibiotic use in industrial farms. The resulting impacts result in an estimated 23,000 deaths in the United States yearly. It is imperative to regulate the use of these drugs so that human resistance to them does not increase, as long term impacts of this could be devastating to population health.

Superbug Risk

The implications of the 'superbug,'  methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), is now present in communities who do not live near livestock. This is alarming since the superbug is naturally found in livestock animals. The spread of this superbug was made possible through nasal-carriage of MRSA.
MRSA is a hard to treat staph infection and has become resistant to antibiotics. Human heath is dependent on the prevention of diseases and infections. The spread of MRSA is an example of the type of diseases public health officials and lawmakers need address in order to prevent a large-scale infection that may not be preventable due to antibiotic resistance.

Antimicrobials: Hand Soaps and Hospitals 

Many of us have heard that antimicrobial soaps only kill the weakest germs. As explained in the two articles assigned, this is in fact true.
While we may feel safe buying and using antimicrobial soaps and cleaning products, we are actually creating a livable environment for the strongest germs and bacteria. This can be seen in hospital settings as well. The use of antimicrobial disinfectants in hospitals to prevent health-care associated infections is actually creating antibiotic resistance.
It is understandable why the use of antimicrobial products is increasing in popularity, as most feel that it is safer and cleaner to use these products. I am not sure how to address the use of antimicrobial disinfectants in hospitals, but I know that using regular hand soap and vigorously washing our hands with warm water can kill most germs.

M6.7 Obseogens

Seasonal Foods

According to Holly Freishtat, author of Seasonal Foods: a New Menu for Public Health, locally grown foods are those that are harvested in season and defined by regional growing conditions. There are a wide variety of fruits an vegetables in season in the state of California during the winter months. Some examples of these fruits and veggies are broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, and clementines.  

Hospitals can utilize seasonal menus, those created in consideration to what foods are local to the region during that season, to create a menus focused on public health. By serving seasonal fruits they provide patients, medical providers, and visitors with more nutrient-dense foods and reduce the harmful effects of food transportation on global climate change.     

California Zone 8 

Obseogens 

I have never heard of the term obesogens prior to reading this article. I am very interested by the term and honestly quite surprised I have not heard of it before. I have taken some nutrition courses and the chemical effects of foods and correlation to obesity was not introduced as a contributor to the overwhelmingly increasing condition.  
The obesogens considered endocrine disruptors surprised me the most. Phthalates, a chemicals in everyday items, such as air fresheners, laundry products, and personal care products can contribute to obesity. 
It is no wonder the rates of obesity are so high. Not only dose our lack of nutrient-dense food and limited physical activity play a role, but products that we use (not ingested) also play a role in weight gain. This is truly alarming and concerning. 

M6.4 Industrial Farming

Bees

I thought the bee documentary was quite fascinating, but also quite somber. I was I was surprised to learn that honey bee health is a reflection of environmental health.

Throughout most of the documentary I was very intrigued by the fact that the bees vanished for no apparent reason. While bees are susceptible to many viruses, this wasn’t the root cause of the vanishing bees.

The Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) affects the livelihood of honey bee keepers, but also greatly impacts our food production when pollination rates are compromised.

In the end

I found it interesting that one of the honey bee keepers said that the EPA doesn’t actually protect anything. The statement was made in reference to the fact that research from the EPA comes from sellers of the chemicals/pesticides.

Monocultures in agriculture killing bees. Overall I enjoyed the documentary and again see how the dangers of monocultures and pesticides are evident across many organisms.  

Dirt!

I did not realize how precious dirt could be until I watched this documentary. We think of dirt as somethings that is almost in the way in American and First World culture. The truth is that it is the basis of all living things. It is concerning to think about how much land is being destroyed by man in exchange for profitable business. In reality, we are losing an essential mineral we will not be able to replace.

Factory Farms

I live in Kern County, and like most of the counties in Central California, there are an “extreme” amount of Factory Farms. I was not aware of this. I am saddened to discover that my home, and much of California, allows Factory Farm practices. I discovered that most of the farms are cattle and dairy farms. I will definitely do more research on these products before purchasing them at the grocery store.

Compost

I do not currently compost and do not know anyone who does. I would consider composting after learning about it. Although it doesn’t seem like much work, I think most people would hesitate due to the amount of time it would take to maintain.