A Healthier Environment

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A Healthier Environment
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Topics of Focus For This Chapter
Risks Climate change Sound exposure Electromagnetic fields
Sustainability Promotion
Water Bottle vs. Tap
Pollutants Indoors
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With absolute certainty, the worlds 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
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Health Risks Of Climate Change
Direct Effects of natural disasters such as
Direct Heat waves
Direct Hurricanes
Direct Floods, tsunamis

Indirect Changing patterns of infectious disease
Indirect Depletion of fresh water
Indirect Food availability
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Temperature Effects of Greenhouse Gases
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Three Greenhouse Gases
Gas Source
Carbon Dioxide Burning of fossil fuels and wood

Methane Producing fossil fuels Livestock Decomposition of organic wastes

Nitrous Oxide Agricultural and industrial processes
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Health Problems Linked To Pollution
Headaches Dizziness Heart Disease Stomach Cancer
Birth Defects Cough Constricted Airways Sore
Throat Nausea Chest Pain Vomiting Asthma Allergy
Death from stroke
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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
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Air Pollution Effects
Lung Destroy cilia
Lung Chronic bronchitis
Lung Emphysema
Heart Increase atherosclerosis
Heart Death due to heart disease
Children Impair lung development
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Ozone Is The Primary Air Pollutant
Defined Form of oxygen that is harmful when in the lower atmosphere
Impact Most influence on young, senior citizens, outdoor enthusiasts and workers, those with respiratory disease
Effects Premature death
Effects Shortness of breath, wheezing
Effects Chest pain on inhalation
Effects Susceptibility to respiratory infections
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Particle Pollution Is Most Dangerous
Defined Small particles in air which get trapped in lungs
Effects Diminishes lung function in everyone
Effects Increases number and severity of asthma attacks
Effects Increased risk of heart attack and stroke in elderly and prior heart condition
Effects Increased mortality of infants and young children
High Risk Live within 1/3 mile of highway
High Risk Spending time in heavy traffic
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Sustainability Has Three Components
Defined Use of as little as possible of resources that cannot be renewed
3 Parts Precycle consider before purchase
3 Parts Recycle reusing materials that would be considered trash
3 Parts Composting turning organic material into rich soil
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Bottled Water or Tap Water?
No scientific reason to recommend bottled water over 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
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Leading Pollutants Of Indoor Air
? Tobacco smoke
? Radon
? Molds
? Household Products
? Formaldehyde
? Pesticides
? Asbestos
? Lead
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Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS)
ETS Smoke burning from end of pipe, cigarette or cigar or exhaled from smokers mouth
Types Secondhand passive smoking
Types Thirdhand tobacco residue on surfaces and in dust
Effects Irritation of eye, nose and throat
Effects Headaches
Effects Lung cancer and possibly heart disease
Effects Children lung and ear effects
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Radon
Radon From breakdown of uranium in rocks, soil and water
Effects No immediate symptoms
Effects Increased risk of lung cancer
Prevent Exposure Do-it-yourself test kit
Prevent Exposure Radon contractors can help
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Molds And Biological Contaminants
Types Bacteria, mildew, viruses, animal dander, cat saliva, dust mites, cockroaches, pollen, mold
Mold Sources Wet walls, ceilings, carpet, furniture
Mold Sources Faulty ventilation systems
Mold Sources Poorly maintained humidifiers
Effects Irritation of eye, nose and throat
Effects Dizziness, lethargy, fever
Effects Digestive problems
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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
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Household Products Pollute Your Home
Sources of pollution 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
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Health Effects Of Household Products
Effects Effects
Eye, nose, throat irritation
Headaches
Loss of coordination
Nausea
Damage to liver, kidney, central nervous system
Lower estrogen
Cancer
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Reduce Harmful Household Products
Steps to reduce exposure Steps to reduce exposure
Follow instructions carefully
Use one product at a time
Throw away old chemicals
Buy smaller quantities
Minimize methylene chloride
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Formaldehyde
Sources of 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
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Health Effects Of Formaldehyde
Effects of formaldehyde Effects of formaldehyde
Watery eyes
Burning sensation in eyes and throat
Nausea
Difficulty breathing
Possibly cancer
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Reduce Exposure to Formaldehyde
Steps toward reducing exposure 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
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Pesticides
Sources Products used to kill pests, or treat lawn and garden
Health Effects Headaches, dizziness, nausea
Health Effects Muscle twitching
Health Effects Weakness and tingling sensations
Effects No immediate symptoms
Effects Increased risk of lung cancer
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Reduce Exposure To Pesticides
Take these steps to reduce risk 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
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Asbestos
Sources Deteriorating, damaged or disturbed insulation, fireproofing, acoustical material and floor tiles
Health Effects Too small to be immediately visible
Health Effects Lung cancer
Health Effects Asbestosis
Health Effects Mesothelioma
Effects Use contractors for jobs that may disturb asbestos
Effects Follow procedures for replacing gaskets that may contain asbestos
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Lead
Sources Lead-based paint
Sources Contaminated soil, dust and water
Effects All body systems affected
Effects Convulsions, coma, and even death Central Nervous System effects Kidney and blood cell effects Pregnant women high blood pressure
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Reduce Lead Exposure
Take these steps to reduce risk 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
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Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Risk
Electromagnetic fields are produced by a conductor and extensively present inside and outside homes Electromagnetic fields are produced by a conductor and extensively present inside and outside homes Electromagnetic fields are produced by a conductor and extensively present inside and outside homes

Experts disagree about the effects of EMF Experts disagree about the effects of EMF Experts disagree about the effects of EMF
Risk of cancer and other human disease from EMF around power lines is weak Risk of cancer and other human disease from EMF around power lines is weak
EMF exposure cannot be recognized as entirely safe EMF exposure cannot be recognized as entirely safe
Researchers have also documented increased cancer rates, miscarriage and more Researchers have also documented increased cancer rates, miscarriage and more
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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
Ionizing Radiation Constant in environment
Ionizing Radiation Typical exposure is not health risk
Diagnostic X-rays Doctors should reduce the number of x-rays patients are exposed to
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Hearing Is Affected By Sound And Medication
Loudness Measured in decibels (dB) If someone can hear music from your headphones 2-3 feet away, its too loud
Harmful Sounds Prolonged exposure over 85 dB Power mower or food blender
Harmful Sounds Short, loud sharp sounds
Harmful Sounds Rock concerts 110-140 dB
Medication Over-the-counter pain killers (aspirin)
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Signs Of Hearing Loss
Noticeable Difficulty understanding speech
Noticeable Tinnitus
Unnoticeable Long exposure to low level damaging sounds may cause gradual loss