During a PUB-560: Environmental impacts on health course, students consider the interrelationship between human health and the natural and built environments. Students examine current environmental issues and the human activity that affects public and global health, such as climate change, disease transmission (One Health), urbanization, pollution, as well as the impact of these changes over time. Additionally, they also study the ethical implications of environmental strategies related to community design, occupational health, and policy influencing human health. On the other hand, at nursingessayhelp.org, we have a team of expert writers with the necessary skills to provide professional assistance with your pub-560: environmental impacts on health homework.
Table of Contents
What is environmental health?
Environmental health is made up of a combination of two words namely; environment and health.
Environment largely includes everything external to ourselves, including the physical, natural, social, and behavioral environments. On the other hand, health is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing, and is not merely the absence of disease or illness. The environment can, directly and indirectly, impact our health and wellbeing. Therefore, environmental health examines the interaction between the environment and our health.
Environmental health is defined as the aspects of human health (including quality of life) that are determined by physical, chemical, biological, social, and psychosocial factors in the environment.
Why is environmental health significant in maintaining population health?
Human beings need safe, healthy, and supportive environments for good health. The environment in which human beings live is a major determinant of their health and wellbeing. Many aspects of our environment – both built and natural environment – can impact our health. This is because we depend on the environment for energy and the materials needed to sustain life. Therefore, it is crucial that we interpret health issues in the wider context of our environment and where we live. Some of the resources that we get from the environment include:
- Clean air
- Safe drinking water
- Nutritious food
- Safe places to live.
8 environmental impacts on health.
There are several ways in which the environment can impact our lives. Some examples of these environmental impacts on health include:
- Chemical safety
- Air pollution
- Climate change and natural disasters
- Diseases caused by microbes
- Lack of access to health care
- Infrastructure issues
- Poor water quality
- Global environmental issues
Chemical safety
Different chemicals can impact human health in different ways. Often, exposure to dangerous or foreign substances creates health vulnerabilities. As a result, the chemical safety field is concerned with minimizing the effects of both natural and synthetic chemicals. Moreover, chemical safety seeks to safeguard human and environmental health from exposure to potential toxins. It also focuses on chemicals that exist in the ambient world, as well as synthetic chemicals that are used in industrial processes or are the by-products of manufacturing activity.
Air pollution
Research has revealed that air pollution effects on humans are a significant public health concern. This is because of their role in climate change as well as because exposure to air pollution can increase morbidity and mortality.
Climate change and natural disasters
Climate change disturbs the natural world in a number of ways that can hinder health and increase vulnerability to disease. Some of these ways include:
- Increasing the planet’s temperature.
- More frequent heavy rains and runoff.
In the long run, these impacts may result in greater vulnerability to nervous and respiratory diseases, diarrhea, and more.
Diseases caused by microbes
Harmful microbes otherwise referred to as pathogens or germs, can infect humans and cause illness. Eating is one of the primary ways in which humans can contract diseases caused by microbes (which can be found in the environment). Thus, maintaining good environmental health will help reduce the risk of food poisoning.
Lack of access to health care
Living in an area with a lack of access to health care services is another environmental factor that contributes to disease and overall poor health outcomes.
Infrastructure issues
Poorly maintained roads (increasing risk of car accidents), lack of access to clean drinking water, and lack of local health care infrastructure, such as clinics capable of giving vaccinations are some of the major issues infrastructures can pose to community health.
Poor water quality
Some factors such as industrial waste and pollution, lack of access to proper water treatment and sanitation services, and outdated plumbing infrastructure can contribute to poor water quality.
Global environmental issues
According to the analysis of the data collected by the World Health Organization, many illnesses and diseases can be directly linked to environmental health concerns.
