USFCA MPH 632 Environmental Health

Pneumoconiosis – an occupational related disease According to American Lung Association, pneumoconiosis is a general term given to any lung disease caused by dusts that are breathed in and then deposited deep in the lungs causing damage. Pneumoconiosis is usually considered an occupational lung disease, and includes  asbestosis ,  silicosis  and coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP), also known as "Black Lung Disease." Pneumoconiosis may be diagnosed by routine workplace surveillance in exposed workers, or it may be diagnosed because symptoms develop in a person previously exposed to mineral dusts. Most treatments for patients with pneumoconiosis are aimed at limiting further damage to the lung, decreasing symptoms and improving quality of life. The most common symptoms of pneumoconiosis are cough and shortness of breath, and the risk is generally higher when people have been exposed to mineral dusts such as asbestos, silica and coal dust in high concen...

Lead is a naturally occurring toxic metal found in the Earth’s crust. Its widespread use has resulted in extensive environmental contamination, human exposure and significant public health problems in many parts of the world. Important sources of environmental contamination include mining, smelting, manufacturing and recycling activities, and, in some countries, the continued use of leaded paint, leaded gasoline, and leaded aviation fuel. More than three quarters of global lead consumption is for the manufacture of lead-acid batteries for motor vehicles. Lead toxicity was examined first for workers who were exposed to high-dose and have symptomatic effect. In recent years, the focus was shifted toward children who are exposed to low-dose of lead. Central nervous system is the most affected system by lead toxicity in addition to distortion of enzymes and structural proteins. Children are more sensitive to lead than adults for several reasons: Their exposu...

Green chemistry is the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the generation of hazardous substances. EPA's efforts to speed the adoption of this revolutionary and diverse discipline have led to significant environmental benefits, innovation and a strengthened economy. Green Chemistry  is at the frontiers of this interdisciplinary science and publishes research that attempts to reduce the environmental impact of the chemical enterprise by developing a technology base that is inherently non-toxic to living things and the environment. Green chemistry is a revolution that can decrease and eliminate the impact of chemicals such as plastics on our bodies and environment, it’s my first time to know about the Green Chemistry, I think the 12 principles of the Green Chemistry will be the start of change toward safer environment and healthier life style. References http://www.rsc.org/journals-books-databases/about-journals/gre...