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Chapter
19
A Healthier
Environment
Elizabeth Lytle, MPH, BSN, RN
Los Altos School District
Topics of Focus For This Chapter
Risks
Climate change
Sound exposure
Electromagnetic fields
Sustainability Promotion
Water
Pollutants
Bottle vs. Tap
Indoors
With absolute certainty, the
world’s climate is changing in
significant ways and will continue
to do so in the foreseeable future
Reported by the United Nations’ International
Panel on Climate Change
Health Risks Of Climate Change
Effects of natural disasters such as:
Heat waves
Direct
Hurricanes
Floods, tsunamis
Indirect
Changing patterns of infectious
disease
Depletion of fresh water
Food availability
Temperature Effects of Greenhouse Gases
Three Greenhouse Gases
Gas
Carbon
Dioxide
Source
Burning of fossil fuels and wood
Producing fossil fuels
Methane Livestock
Decomposition of organic wastes
Nitrous
Oxide
Agricultural and industrial processes
Health Problems Linked To Pollution
Headaches Dizziness Heart Disease
Stomach Cancer Birth Defects
Constricted Airways
Sore Throat Nausea Chest
Cough
Pain Vomiting Asthma Allergy
Death from stroke
Health Problems Linked To Pollution
Allergy and Asthma
Headaches
Dizziness and Nausea Heart Disease
Chest Pain
Birth defects
Reproductive
problems
Higher mortality from
strokes
Vomiting
Eye irritation
Impaired vision
Sore throat
Stomach Cancer
Cough
Air Pollution Effects
Destroy cilia
Lung
Chronic bronchitis
Emphysema
Increase atherosclerosis
Heart
Death due to heart disease
Children Impair lung development
Ozone Is The Primary Air Pollutant
Defined
Impact
Form of oxygen that is harmful when in
the lower atmosphere
Most influence on young, senior
citizens, outdoor enthusiasts and
workers, those with respiratory disease
Premature death
Shortness of breath, wheezing
Effects
Chest pain on inhalation
Susceptibility to respiratory infections
Particle Pollution Is Most Dangerous
Small particles in air which get trapped
Defined
in lungs
Diminishes lung function in everyone
Increases number and severity of
asthma attacks
Effects Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
in elderly and prior heart condition
Increased mortality of infants and young
children
Live within 1/3 mile of highway
High Risk
Spending time in heavy traffic
Sustainability Has Three Components
Defined
Use of as little as possible of resources
that cannot be renewed
Precycle – consider before purchase
3 Parts
Recycle – reusing materials that would
be considered trash
Composting – turning organic material
into rich soil
Bottled Water or Tap Water?
No scientific reason to recommend bottled
water over tap water
Disposable bottles pose risk to
environment
Reusable bottles reduce waste
 Glass is safest and eco-friendly
 Metal
 Hard plastic
Leading Pollutants Of Indoor Air
 Tobacco smoke
 Radon
 Molds
 Household Products
 Formaldehyde
 Pesticides
 Asbestos
 Lead
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS)
ETS
Smoke burning from end of pipe, cigarette
or cigar or exhaled from smoker’s mouth
Secondhand– passive smoking
Types Thirdhand – tobacco residue on surfaces
and in dust
Irritation of eye, nose and throat
Effects
Headaches
Lung cancer and possibly heart disease
Children: lung and ear effects
Radon
Radon
Effects
From breakdown of uranium in rocks, soil
and water
No immediate symptoms
Increased risk of lung cancer
Prevent Do-it-yourself test kit
Exposure Radon contractors can help
Molds And Biological Contaminants
Bacteria, mildew, viruses, animal dander,
Types cat saliva, dust mites, cockroaches, pollen,
mold
Wet walls, ceilings, carpet, furniture
Mold
Faulty ventilation systems
Sources
Poorly maintained humidifiers
Irritation of eye, nose and throat
Effects Dizziness, lethargy, fever
Digestive problems
Reduce Exposure To Molds
 Vent fans to outdoors in kitchen and bath
Clean humidifiers and refill with clean water

daily
Empty water trays in air conditioners,

dehumidifiers and refrigerators
 Keep living space clean
Household Products Pollute Your Home
Sources of pollution
Paint and paint strippers
Wood preservatives
Cleaners and disinfectants
Air fresheners and aerosol sprays
Stored fuels and automotive products
Hobby supplies
Dry-cleaned clothing
Health Effects Of Household Products
Effects
Eye, nose, throat irritation
Headaches
Loss of coordination
Nausea
Damage to liver, kidney, central nervous
system
Lower estrogen
Cancer
Reduce Harmful Household Products
Steps to reduce exposure
Follow instructions carefully
Use one product at a time
Throw away old chemicals
Buy smaller quantities
Minimize methylene chloride
Formaldehyde
Sources of formaldehyde
Pressed wood products
Furniture made with pressed wood
Urea-formaldehyde foam insulation
Combustion sources
Environmental tobacco smoke
Durable press drapes and other textiles
Glue
Health Effects Of Formaldehyde
Effects of formaldehyde
Watery eyes
Burning sensation in eyes and throat
Nausea
Difficulty breathing
Possibly cancer
Reduce Exposure to Formaldehyde
Steps toward reducing exposure
Use exterior grade pressed wood
Air conditioning and humidifiers to maintain
moderate temperatures
Increase ventilation
Always ask about formaldehyde before
buying wood
Pesticides
Sources
Products used to kill pests, or treat lawn
and garden
Headaches, dizziness, nausea
Health
Effects
Muscle twitching
Weakness and tingling sensations
Effects
No immediate symptoms
Increased risk of lung cancer
Reduce Exposure To Pesticides
Take these steps to reduce risk
Follow instructions on package
Use approved products in specified amounts
Take plants and pets outside to apply product
Dispose according to package directions
Use nonchemical methods when possible
Ventilate
Minimize exposure to moth repellants
Asbestos
Sources
Health
Effects
Effects
Deteriorating, damaged or disturbed
insulation, fireproofing, acoustical
material and floor tiles
 Too small to be immediately visible
 Lung cancer
 Asbestosis
 Mesothelioma
Use contractors for jobs that may disturb
asbestos
Follow procedures for replacing gaskets
that may contain asbestos
Lead
Sources
Lead-based paint
Contaminated soil, dust and water
All body systems affected
Effects
 Convulsions, coma, and even death
 Central Nervous System effects
 Kidney and blood cell effects
 Pregnant women – high blood
pressure
Reduce Lead Exposure
Take these steps to reduce risk
Keep areas where children play as dust-free
as possible
Leave lead-based paint undisturbed
Keep lead dust and paint out of your home
Eat a balanced diet
Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Risk
Electromagnetic fields are produced by a
conductor and extensively present inside and
outside homes
Experts disagree about the effects of EMF:
Risk of cancer and other human disease from
EMF around power lines is ‘weak’
EMF exposure ‘cannot be recognized as
entirely safe’
Researchers have also documented increased
cancer rates, miscarriage and more
Other Sources Of Concern
Microwaves No evidence of health risk
Cell Phones No definite answer regarding risk
Ionizing
Radiation
Danger is in amount, frequency and
duration of exposure
Constant in environment
Typical exposure is not health risk
Diagnostic
X-rays
Doctor’s should reduce the number of
x-rays patients are exposed to
Hearing Is Affected By Sound And Medication
Loudness
Harmful
Sounds
Measured in decibels (dB)
 If someone can hear music from
your headphones 2-3 feet away, it’s
too loud
Prolonged exposure over 85 dB
 Power mower or food blender
Short, loud sharp sounds
Rock concerts 110-140 dB
Medication Over-the-counter pain killers (aspirin)
Signs Of Hearing Loss
Difficulty understanding speech
Noticeable
Tinnitus
Long exposure to low level
Unnoticeable damaging sounds may cause
gradual loss