Introduction to Environmental Health
DefinitionsEnvironment (defs.)
The circumstances, objects, or conditions by which one is surrounded.Public Health Definition of “The Environment”All that which is external to the individual host. [It] can be divided into physical, biological, social, and cultural factors, any or all of which can influence health status in populations.Contributors to the “Environment” ��Chemical−Air pollutants, toxic wastes, pesticides, ��Biologic−Disease organisms present in food and water−Insect and animal allergens��Physical−Noise, ionizing and non-ionizing radiation��Socioeconomic−Access to safe and sufficient health care
Definitions: Health A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Disease: Trouble or a condition that impairs the performance of a vital function.
Environmental Health Def.
Environmental health comprises those aspects of human health, including quality of life, that are determined by chemical, physical, biological, and psychosocial factors in the environment. It also refers to the practice of assessing, correcting, controlling, and preventing those factors in the environment that can potentially affect adversely the health of present and future generations.What Is Environmental Health Sciences?
“The study of those factors in the environment that affect human health”− Factors (agent) (“pollutants”or “toxicants”) in (vectors) air, water, soil, or food− (route of entry) Transferred to humans by inhalation, ingestion, or absorption−Production of adverse health effectsSeverity of Adverse Health Effects
DeathSignificant diseaseManifest dysfunctionClinical nuisance effectsSub-clinical chronic alterations Acute reversible (functional) effects……Population exposed……Examples of Manifestations
��Lung disease��Reproductive effects��Teratogenic effects��Neurologic effects��Immunosuppression and hypersensitivity��CancerEffect modifiersDiet, Habits, Health, Medication, Co-exposure.Susceptibility, Genetic factors. “Genetics loads the gun, but environment pulls the trigger.”