Final Blog!

I've learned a great deal about environmental health this semester. I think that if I had been exposed to this topic earlier on in my public health career, it would have set a stronger foundation for all that public health embodies. My recommendation in future curriculums is to fit environmental health earlier on into learning because there may be individuals who are eager to get into the field. I certainly would have done more to get involved with environmental initiatives. I've learned so much about plastic waste, saving water, the trash system, and the products that we use. The more I have learned the more I am able to talk about and raise awareness to family and friends that surround me. I learned so much about the various components such as the health effects that occur based on socio-economic status and vulnerable populations. I loved that every module was a mix of readings and videos. This helped keep me engaged and interested. The small group blogging experience was also great. I got lucky with a great group who really submitted every blog in a timely manner so I had sufficient time in responding. The blogging experience really helped me reflect on the readings and what I was learning.

M14 News: Lyme Disease is Travelling

Lyme disease is now migrating around and will soon make its way to Canada by form of song sparrows, wrens, red-winged blackbirds, and warblers. Canadians wanted to know more about Lyme disease coming to their area so they did some research. By looking at rates of Lyme disease in dogs in the United States, they can use it to predict Lyme disease in other areas as well. After studying Lyme disease cases in more than 80,000 dogs, they noticed it is certainly moving up north. They also noticed that many of the cases were found on the coast line. It turns out birds have been dispersing ticks. Researchers then began finding ticks in bird species. Warmer climates have also been linked to these ticks surviving in places they wouldn't have normally survived. This is so interesting and scary to think that Lyme disease can become an epidemic if not contained properly. It is good that researchers are doing studies on their trends and keeping a close eye. They seem to also be doing what they can to clean them of the disease.

References: Pfeiffer, M. (2018). How migratory birds are moving Lyme disease to new places and peoples. Retrieved from http://www.ehn.org/migratory-birds-are-moving-lyme-disease-to-new-places-and-peoples-2561494303.html

M14.4 : Think About it! Blog

I know that in my area, there have been a lot of discussion around when the next earthquake will be. Given the northern California region I live in, influence, wildfire, and earthquakes are topics that would be beneficial to be educated about and explore. The NCDMPH provides really great, detailed information on all of these to gain knowledge and learn about. In each of those segments it provides articles that give information on the health and psychosocial effects of these natural disasters. The website also goes further into exploring the specific laws and changes that occur when natural disasters hit in relation to the population. Overall, this site is useful for all citizens to review and be aware of to know what to do if disaster hits.

The American Red Cross Northern California has a Disaster Health Services. The Salvation Army also has an Emergency Disaster Team of volunteers. These two programs seem to be most similar to the DHV of California but on a more local level.

M13 News: F in Air Quality

In this article about air quality, Marusic discusses the decline in air quality in Pittsburg. In the 2018 "State of the Air" report Allegheny County received all F's in ozone and daily particulate matter. This is just one out of the 10 counties to receive all F's on the report card style air quality grading system. Out of the 19 "State of the Air" reports, this particular county in Pittsburg had received its 19th straight F graded report card for air quality. The problem is that year after year, no one is doing anything about it to change it. On average, it has 6-8.5 unhealthy air quality days a year. For kids with asthma, this is one day too many of unhealthy air ratings without any natural disasters occurring. The EPA has a weakened ability to enforce the Clean Air Act and something needs to be done because legislation isn't' doing much about it.

Reference:
Marusic,  K. (2018). Pittsburg scores all F's on the American Lung Association's air quality report card. Retrieved from http://www.ehn.org/pittsburgh-air-quality-is-getting-worse-2561249417.html.

M12 News: Lawmakers Ignoring Pesticide Harm

Commentary by Republicans in the congress are stating that pesticides are safe enough where we do not need to be monitoring their harm on endangered species. The post by Lori Ann Burd is stating that this is very false information. Two big pesticide companies, Croplife and Dow Chemical, have convinced Republicans on agreeing with an exemption of EPA's pesticide-registration program. They are stating that EPA should not have to address or assess the pesticide's harm to endangered species. In reality, this would help us address if the specific pesticide is the reason the species is endangered. There are going to be other changes made to this Farm Rider bill and it is scary what kinds of harmful effects it will have on our environment and the species on this planet.

References:
Burd, L.A. (2018). Commentary: Lawmakers want the EPA to ignore impacts of pesticides on endangered species. Retrieved from http://www.ehn.org/farm-bill-provision-would-allow-epa-to-ignore-impacts-of-pesticides-on-endangered-species-2559599113.html

Blog on Occupational Hazards Video

Thinking about my workplace at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospitals' Community Wellness Center there are chemical, biological and ergonomic issues that are in place. Chemical, because we use disinfecting agents that are so harsh that if used with bare hands the skin begins peeling off. Biological, because it is a hospital setting and we are exposed to sick patients using the center through pathogen exposure. Lastly, ergonomic issues, because there is not a big enough space to house the staff and volunteers at properly equipped work stations so we are working in un-ideal ways a lot of the time. Looking at the industrial hygiene hierarchy of controls, the issue can be addressed by using safer but just as effective cleaning chemicals to wipe surfaces. However, this is hard to come by that would kill as many viruses and bacteria that live in hospital environments. Regarding the ergonomic issues, the best thing we can do is through administrative controls. The hospital administration need to become aware of the ergonomic situations people have at the wellness center. In reality, the center does not have the funding or the space to solve this type of problem. We can do our best to keep the area clear of pathogens such as wearing face masks if people have a cough, but it is best to stick with certain cleaning agents to best clean the surfaces in which food touches. 

The barriers to workers exercising their rights to a healthy and safe workplace are usually in administration and funding. In the cases of a hospital or clinic setting, usually there are not enough funds and administration just doesn't always take the smaller health issues in the workplace as priority. 

M12.9 Climate Change

This week's module provided a wealth of information regarding climate change. Some I already knew, some had a new spin on it, other topics I had only been superficially exposed to.

1. One of the most troubling things I am finding about climate change is the number of people who don't do anything on their part to make differences in their lifestyle even though most of the topics we are exposed to in this module is constantly talked about. In addition, there are so many causes that are troubling such as environmental pollution. Particularly, the health effects that global warming and environmental pollutions are having on our health and our children.

2. As a public health professional, I feel that reducing our carbon foot print and improving our environmental air and ozone are some of the most important thing we can try to do. So being aware of green house gas emissions and what we can do to reduce them are the things that as public health professionals we should work on. This area needs public health legislation, more than just civilians to make a difference.

3. If I were visiting a long lost relative who had never heard about climate change, I would describe it to them in a very simplified manner. Our planet is using artificial products to boost economy, but it is in turn hurting our planet by overheating it and causing toxic materials to go into the air we breathe. This is harmful to our health because we are breathing the air and drinking the water this earth has provided for us and it is not good for our planet.

M11 News: Water Protests in Iran

Being from Iran, I have heard that there have been a number of protests. However, I never knew if it was due to political issues or other issues. Water, however, is a huge political problem - just not one that is ever really brought to the forefront. In Iran, there has been a huge problem about water and protests have been breaking out due to mismanagement. It seems that this water problem is mostly a problem in farming towns such as Isfahan. These towns are drying up the land and the crops causing farmers to protest in small towns. The lack of water is getting in the way of the income of citizens of Iran and it is a very sensitive subject so many of the journalists in the story did not even state their name. The article discusses that some towns and villages have begun to leave due to the lack of water in their area. However, an Iranian supreme leader discussed that water will be in the forefront of the discussion with the Persian New Year (Nowruz) happening last week. There is not really much of anything that we can do but it is interesting to know these are the other types of issues that are occurring in a middle eastern country.

Reference:
Dehghanpisheh, Babak. (2018). Water crisis spurs protests in Iran. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-security-water-crisis/water-crisis-spurs-protests-in-iran-idUSKBN1H51A5?utm_source=EHN&utm_campaign=f2047b349e-Science_saturday&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_8573f35474-f2047b349e-99471273.

M11.5 - Zero Waste Life

Living a zero waste life is an interesting concept, particularly with so many environmental factors that take place. After watching the video, I had never noticed how much "waste" we have in the form of plastic in our life. Considering my household waste stream, there are so many packaged products that are used on a daily basis. While it is not easy in our world to reduce waste because of the convenience that we are brought up.  Lauren Singer in the Tedxteen talk discusses in so many ways how "lazy" we are to make environmental changes in our life. It is interesting to think about how many waste products we come across by way of groceries through plastic and the food that we go through. While I am not sure I can make all of my products at this time in my life due to the convenience, I will definitely start eating only from farmers market and being aware when I am purchasing foods. The little changes I can make by way of the products that I am purchasing (or not purchasing) I can reduce waste significantly. There are so many times when, due to convenience, I choose plastic packaging rather than recyclable material to store a candy bar wrapped in plastic for energy later when I could have taken a jar of nuts for an in-class snack. I will also reduce plastic use in my house such as saran-wrap or ziplock bags and begin utilizing more jars for storage of food.

Occupational Disease: Pneuomoconiosis

Pneumoconiosis is a disease of the lungs due to inhalation of dust. It is characterized by inflammation, coughing, and fibrosis. It is basically the lung's reaction to dust. According to the CDC, it is caused by work place exposure and rarely caused by the environment. It is commonly referred to as black lung because coal workers are most likely to get it. The cause is typically asbestos, silica, and coal mine dust. In 1969 passed the Coal Mine Health and Safety Act where there was a huge decline of black lung. The law established the agency of Mine Safety and Health Administration which would hold companies accountable for removing the dangerous dusts from the mines, which is venting the tunnels. Now, in 2017, black lung is hitting faster and more intense than ever before. The newest regulation passed in 2016 setting the lowest dust limits in the world. The only way to solve this problem is by prevention. The MSHA rule reduces how much coal dust miners are exposed to. The National Institute for Safety and Health have a van that has easy ways to do screenings for coal miners.

M10 News: Save the world with chocolate

It is a very "in" thing to be environmentally sustainable right now. In fact, the idea of going green is so expanding that many of my friends and peers are talking about switching to all organic products from face serums to shampoos to the food they eat. In this article, chocolate is explored by how to choose the best cocoa when pesticides and massive amounts of water are used to grow them. However, farms with a fairtrade certification prevent any of the typical environmental problems and are best to by chocolate from. Chocolate is global because more and more people are becoming local producers. In 2015/2016 there were almost 4000 ton of cocoa produced! So this Easter, we can shop organic for our cocoa eggs!

Reference: Edis, R., Singh, K., & Markham, R. (2018). Sustainable shopping: save the world one chocolate at a time. Retrieved from https://theconversation.com/sustainable-shopping-save-the-world-one-chocolate-at-a-time-93844