Introduction to Environmental HealthHS 425

Environmental HealthThere are 3 primary factors that affect human health:Genetic FactorsPersonal behaviorsEnvironment

Healthy People 2010: Promote health for all through a healthy environment.

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDSPhysicalNoiseRadiationHeat / coldVibrationBiological BacteriaVirusesProtozoan

ChemicalSolventsMetalsToxic compoundsPesticides

IMPACT OF GROWTH ON ECOSYSTEMS

Degradation of Land Resources OvergrazingSoil ErosionDeforestationDesertificationWetland losses

Loss of Biodiversity Killing or collecting wildlife for food, pleasure or profitHabitat destruction

WATER QUALITY

Water: a Precious Resource 71% of Earths surface is covered with water

97.4% is in oceans

2% is unavailable

Less than 1 % is in fresh water bodies & water vapor

Ground water resources are vital

Water PollutionCauses:Rapid growth of human populationIndustrial outputs

Contaminants:toxic chemicalshuman and animal excrements heavy metals pesticides silt fertilizers

Sources of pollution:Point sourcesNon-point sources

Groundwater of all Americans, 95% of farm families depend on groundwater for their drinking water needs

Groundwater resources are valuable: Purity Dependability Costs of Transportation Treatment costs

Groundwater pollution: Waste storage, treatment or disposal facilities Septic systems Pipes, materials transport and transfer operation Non-point sources of pollution

Groundwater depletion

Water Contaminants1. BiologicalBacteria : Typhoid fever, Cholera, Shigella (dysentery), Salmonella and E. coliViruses: Heapatitis A, poliomyelitis and Rotavirus.Resistant to desinfection by chlorinationProtozoans: Giardia Lambia, Cryptosporidium, amoebic dysentery.Resistant to desinfection by chlorination

2. ChemicalPCBs, industrial solvents, pesticidesLeadNitrates

Why does sewage need to be treated?

To improve the quality of wastewater so it can be discharged in waterways without seriously disrupting the aquatic environment or causing human health problems.

Recreational Waters In the year 2000, there were 1,266 beach closings, in Southern California, 92% due to elevated bacteria of undetermined causes. The remaining 8% was due to rain advisories and known sewage discharge.

AIR QUALITY

Global Air Pollution IssuesMajor causes:Introduction of atmospheric pollutants in unusual amountsChanging the concentrations of natural atmospheric components

Significant impacts:Ozone depletionGlobal warming

Air Pollution in Los AngelesWe have some of the worst air in the nation, and the highest number of emergency visits caused by smog and air pollution

Air pollution contributes to heart disease, lung disease, asthma and lung cancer

IndoorSmokingMoldDust mitesRadon gasAir Pollutants with Greatest Impact on HealthOutdoorOzoneCarbon monoxideAirborne particlesNitrogen oxidesLeadSulfur oxidesDiesel emissions

SOLID WASTES

Solid WastesClassificationMunicipalHazardous

Disposal methodsUnacceptableAcceptableAlternatives

FOOD SANITATIONAccording to Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the following factors contribute to foodborne illness: 63% Inadequate Cooling and Cold Holding Temperatures 29% Preparing Food Ahead of Planned Service 27% Inadequate Hot Holding Temperatures 26% Poor Personal Hygiene/Infected Persons 25% Inadequate Reheating 9% Inadequate Cleaning of Equipment 7% Use of Leftovers 6% Cross-Contamination 5% Inadequate Cooking or Heat Processing 4% Containers Adding Toxic Chemicals 2% Contaminated Raw Ingredients 2% Intentional Chemical Additives 1% Incidental Chemical Additives 1% Unsafe Sources

***The numbers add up to more than 100% because more than one of the contributing factors are usually implicated in foodborne illness outbreaks.

HOUSING CONDITIONS The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Environmental Health Division is responsible for routinely inspecting all apartment buildings and condominiums with 5 units or more to ensure that residential housing within Los Angeles County is safe, sanitary, and fit for human habitation.

As a new service, the latest inspection results for all properties from November 1, 2001 to the present is providedhttp://www.ladhs.org/housing/

EDUCATION AND GENERAL ASSISTANCE: Nuisance and Health Related Complaint Abatement Abandoned Vehicles Used Oil Recycling Hazardous Waste Reduction, Reuse, Recycling and Collection Solid Waste Reduction, Reuse and Recycling Pollution Prevention Countywide Planning Guidance and/or Input Land Use and Development Plan Reviews Animal Shelter Emergency and Disaster Response Noise Control Lead Abatement Oversight Toxic Sites Mitigation Oversight Groundwater Management

WHAT DOES AN ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST DO?

INSPECTIONS AND ENFORCEMENT AT: Restaurants, Groceries, and all Retail Food Service Facilities Businesses that store Hazardous Materials or treat Hazardous Wastes Public Swimming Pools at Hotels, Apartments, Schools, etc. Underground Storage Tanks for Petroleum Products Small Public Water Systems to enforce Safe Drinking Water Laws Aboveground Storage Tanks for Hazardous Materials Medical Waste Treatment and Transfer Facilities Wastewater Disposal Systems Solid Waste Systems Labor Camps, Mobile Home Parks and other Housing Public Kennels and Animal Boarding Facilities

CONSTRUCTION ASSISTANCE: Wells Septic Systems New or remodeled facilities as noted above