Tuesday, October 30, 2018
M10.8 Blog about an occupationally-related disease
Asbestosis is what I decided to look into. Some jobs that are impacted include: factory workers, construction workers, firefighters and the list goes on. The American Public Health Association writes on their website that asbestosis still do exist in the United States, and workers could still be impacted while on the job. According to OSHA if the asbestos is airborne level, that is never ok. They do mention that there are certain laws placed for employers to follow, but employees need to be careful as well too.
M10.2 Blog about MSDS and ToxNet
I asked my husband for his MSDS sheet and he said that he did not have one. He said that he was never provided with one during his orientation. He said that there is a possibility that one could be in their break room, just so it is there when they get inspected. There are a lot of hazards at his job, especially if medical supplies are not disposed correctly.
I too had never received an MSDS at my previous job. I used to work at the local welfare office. Even though we were constantly reminded about office ergonomics, we had never received a sheet to take home with us. We did have a poster in our break room for everyone to read and familiarize themselves with it. There were no major hazards and risks where I used to work.
I too had never received an MSDS at my previous job. I used to work at the local welfare office. Even though we were constantly reminded about office ergonomics, we had never received a sheet to take home with us. We did have a poster in our break room for everyone to read and familiarize themselves with it. There were no major hazards and risks where I used to work.
M10.5 Blog about an occupational safety and health organization
For the agency I chose OSHA, I thought it would be interesting to learn more about what they do. One of the programs that they offer is inspection. They have an order of what needs to be inspected first. Workplaces that have hazards that could cause death or major harm are inspected first. After this places that can cause severe illnesses and injuries are inspected. As we go down the list on their website, we can see that they visit places and inspect them if there are workers complaints. Less and less serious things are inspected as the numbers decrease on their website.
Blog: Watch M10.1 Video!
Since I am currently not working, I decided to look into the place my husband works at. My husband is currently a registered nurse at a rehab center near the town we live at. I think that there are a lot of biological hazards at this place since its health care related. Some common biological hazard could be the flu. This is something that my husband tries to prevent by getting the flu shot every year. Other more serious biological hazards could be things like HIV which are harder to prevent.
Using the chart above, I would eliminate a hazard such as flu by enforcing laws that everyone needs to get vaccinate, this is something that it is offered. Although, it could not be forced, since people have their own beliefs regarding vaccinations. A substitution would be letting the workers wear masks during flu season, which is something that is also available to all employees. Isolating people from hazard, with something like the flu, this may be hard. I would dedicate a station with those who have the flu to be transferred there for the time being. I think that most of these are being controlled well by his workplace and they are following the list of hierarchy of controls.
For this example, there are no real barriers that I could think of. The only thing may be if vaccination is enforced for all workers and using masks was not a second option. This would go against some beliefs and would put people on the edge with this policy.
Monday, October 22, 2018
M9.4 Blog: Heavy Metals
Even though I have heard about lead poisoning multiple times throughout my lifetime, it is really sad to read about. I am happy this is something that is not too big of a concern nowadays. In the study it talks about children being mostly impacted. It seems that this is a trend with everything we have been learning about. As the children were seen about 12 years later, they had learning disabilities. It is interesting to read that it could impact motor function. I am happy to hear that this is something I really do not have to worry about in my children.
With the second article I was happy to see that when the children in Nigeria were treated, their blood levels for lead declined after treatment. I think that a lot of these third world countries need the help to improve their living style in order to avoid situations such as this. The best way is to educate everyone on the dangers and also how to avoid these dangers.
With the second article I was happy to see that when the children in Nigeria were treated, their blood levels for lead declined after treatment. I think that a lot of these third world countries need the help to improve their living style in order to avoid situations such as this. The best way is to educate everyone on the dangers and also how to avoid these dangers.
M9.3 Blog: Green Chemistry
Green chemistry is something that is becoming more and more popular, which is a great idea. I have been seeing more green labels on items at the store. This is a great change for all of us. I have been trying to use more items that contain green labels, which I think are using the concept of green energy. I have been seeing it in cereals, cleaning products, and many more things. I think the 12 principles of green chemistry are great. This is something that more and more companies should commit to doing. It is important to change this world we live in around, and it is good to see some are taking these steps. Even though at this time the products may be a little more pricey, I think if more companies commit to this new way than we can find better deals and make a complete change.
M9.2 Blog: Six Chemical Classes
Highly Fluorinated
Even though this was really scary to learn about, what caught my attention was the fact that this is a chemical found in so many things that we used on daily basis. In the video it was said that this is found in carpet and carseats, two things that are common around children, which is why I am thinking they are so vulnerable to it. The fact that this chemical can cause a delay in vaccination in children, or lose its impact it is really dangerous. I was happy to learn that some of the places I shop from are not using this chemical in their clothing and household items!
Antimicrobials
As mentioned in a previous blog, I think the use of too much antimicrobials can be dangerous. I was not too shocked to find this information in this video, since this is something that is discussed more often. The most dangerous and scary thing about antimicrobials in my opinion is becoming antibiotic resistance. After watching this video, one thing that I will be doing is stopping the use of antimicrobial soap, which is something I use on daily basis.
Flame Retardants
The fact that flame retardants are used so often in todays world, due to standards set, it is putting our lives in danger. In my opinion this is something that should be banned. As mentioned in the video, it could save few seconds of time, but I think long term this is not worth it. Flame retardants give out more smoke that is harmful. Although, some may say that few seconds is important, but in an emergency situation like a fire, I don't think you can do much in those few minutes. This is a product that should be completely banned.
Bisphenol and Phthalates
I was happy to learn that these products do not stay in our bodies long term, and if we discontinue the use we can get rid of it from our bodies in just few days. This gave me a sense of relief, because I do use some plastics at home. Recently, when I got pregnant, we have been making a change at our home to just use glass. It is so scary to find out that this is found in so many children products, especially because it could cause neurological damage. I will definitely be more careful when using products that could contain these chemicals, because I would never want my child to be impacted with this.
Some Solvents
Again this video was very concerning to learn that solvents are found in almost everything around us. From cosmetics to house cleaners, these are things that I use on daily basis and would be really hard to stop using them. I don't thing at this point it is possible to completely ban solvents, but this is when better choices need to be made. By making better choices, we can use replacements that are more natural.
Certain Metals
I was not too concerned about the information from this video. I do not really use products that were mentioned in the video that could contain these metals. We do not eat fish at my house, and we do not really eat rice. Even though some are found in paint, this is not something that I have contact with all the time. I do find it concerning that things like this exist, but it does not impact me personally as much as the other chemicals do.
Even though this was really scary to learn about, what caught my attention was the fact that this is a chemical found in so many things that we used on daily basis. In the video it was said that this is found in carpet and carseats, two things that are common around children, which is why I am thinking they are so vulnerable to it. The fact that this chemical can cause a delay in vaccination in children, or lose its impact it is really dangerous. I was happy to learn that some of the places I shop from are not using this chemical in their clothing and household items!
Antimicrobials
As mentioned in a previous blog, I think the use of too much antimicrobials can be dangerous. I was not too shocked to find this information in this video, since this is something that is discussed more often. The most dangerous and scary thing about antimicrobials in my opinion is becoming antibiotic resistance. After watching this video, one thing that I will be doing is stopping the use of antimicrobial soap, which is something I use on daily basis.
Flame Retardants
The fact that flame retardants are used so often in todays world, due to standards set, it is putting our lives in danger. In my opinion this is something that should be banned. As mentioned in the video, it could save few seconds of time, but I think long term this is not worth it. Flame retardants give out more smoke that is harmful. Although, some may say that few seconds is important, but in an emergency situation like a fire, I don't think you can do much in those few minutes. This is a product that should be completely banned.
Bisphenol and Phthalates
I was happy to learn that these products do not stay in our bodies long term, and if we discontinue the use we can get rid of it from our bodies in just few days. This gave me a sense of relief, because I do use some plastics at home. Recently, when I got pregnant, we have been making a change at our home to just use glass. It is so scary to find out that this is found in so many children products, especially because it could cause neurological damage. I will definitely be more careful when using products that could contain these chemicals, because I would never want my child to be impacted with this.
Some Solvents
Again this video was very concerning to learn that solvents are found in almost everything around us. From cosmetics to house cleaners, these are things that I use on daily basis and would be really hard to stop using them. I don't thing at this point it is possible to completely ban solvents, but this is when better choices need to be made. By making better choices, we can use replacements that are more natural.
Certain Metals
I was not too concerned about the information from this video. I do not really use products that were mentioned in the video that could contain these metals. We do not eat fish at my house, and we do not really eat rice. Even though some are found in paint, this is not something that I have contact with all the time. I do find it concerning that things like this exist, but it does not impact me personally as much as the other chemicals do.
Sunday, October 14, 2018
M8.5 Blog about an ideal chemical policy
After reading the material provided and watching the videos, the most important thing that stands out to me is creating a safer environment. Many approaches can take place to eliminate hazardous chemical use.
One policy that could be put in place is creating a safer environment by implementing rules to monitor the use of pesticides. I think that since pesticides have such a great impact on our health and are found in almost all of our food, it is important to create a safer environment by their elimination as much as possible.
Either by completely eliminating pesticides or placing laws to monitor the use and replacing them by safer options, we can look at a better future for the human race. Although, not all may be on the same page in the beginning but I think by taking the first step towards this goal, it will eventually work better.
One policy that could be put in place is creating a safer environment by implementing rules to monitor the use of pesticides. I think that since pesticides have such a great impact on our health and are found in almost all of our food, it is important to create a safer environment by their elimination as much as possible.
Either by completely eliminating pesticides or placing laws to monitor the use and replacing them by safer options, we can look at a better future for the human race. Although, not all may be on the same page in the beginning but I think by taking the first step towards this goal, it will eventually work better.
M8.4 Blog Chemical Policy Reform
For the purpose of this blog I chose background paper 1 which was to use safer substitutions for chemicals. As mentioned in this article, usually there aren't safer substitutions made. If they fix one problem they cause another one by the substitution. Usually we lean more towards using faster solutions rather than those that are safer for our health. In all cases safer solutions are possible and can exist, but they are not prioritized.
According to this article, in order to push for safer environment we need to have timelines set in stone that certain things will be done. Also, the government needs to push for safer chemical policies. Another important step towards a safer future is providing funding for research. When proper research is done, it is easy to see what is working and what is not.
According to this article, in order to push for safer environment we need to have timelines set in stone that certain things will be done. Also, the government needs to push for safer chemical policies. Another important step towards a safer future is providing funding for research. When proper research is done, it is easy to see what is working and what is not.
M8.3 Blog Pesticides
For my dinner last night I had a beef sandwich with tomatoes and lettuce. Using the website provided by instructor I found out that there are 6 toxins found in beef alone!!
When looking up tomatoes I found out that they had about 35 different toxins in them, that just blew my mind away!!! To find out that lettuce had around 52 toxins was just crazy. I cannot even wrap my head around all of these toxins that are found in a simple meat sandwich. I did not even begin to look at what the meat was marinated in, because I am sure it will just add on to the list.
I think that in order to avoid such problems, public health officials need to come up with laws to either eliminate pesticide use or reduce the use of pesticides.
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
M7.8 Blog about your topic of interest
For my literature review I have decided to look into chemicals such as obesogens and the impact they have on obesity. Obesity is one of the leading diseases right now in the United States and it is important to see where it comes from.
One of the agencies I came across that looks over chemicals in our foods that cause diseases is NIEHS. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences is responsible for researching chemicals found in the food which cause diseases in the human body. This agency provides funds to those interested in studying and researching about exposures from the environment and their impact on obesity.
Another agency was the National Toxicology Program (NTP). This agency is on a national level and studies toxics and provides information on exposures to toxics. Since obesogens are not good for our health, I would consider them toxics that could harm ones body.
One of the agencies I came across that looks over chemicals in our foods that cause diseases is NIEHS. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences is responsible for researching chemicals found in the food which cause diseases in the human body. This agency provides funds to those interested in studying and researching about exposures from the environment and their impact on obesity.
Another agency was the National Toxicology Program (NTP). This agency is on a national level and studies toxics and provides information on exposures to toxics. Since obesogens are not good for our health, I would consider them toxics that could harm ones body.
Monday, October 8, 2018
M7.7 Blog about the agency's role
For this blog I chose Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). I found this interesting, because it deals directly with every single one of us and can impact all of us at one point or another. One of the main roles of this agency is to respond to environmental health emergencies. This is an important role, since they would be the source to report this emergency to the public. After reporting the emergency, they would conduct research on this environmental health issue.
Another task is to prevent harmful exposures, which can lead to setting regulations in order to do so. This agency does not only report and look for solutions to harmful exposures, but also comes up with ways to prevent future harm.
Another task is to prevent harmful exposures, which can lead to setting regulations in order to do so. This agency does not only report and look for solutions to harmful exposures, but also comes up with ways to prevent future harm.
M7.4 Blog about your local environmental services
The county that I currently live in, Stanislaus County, has an Environmental Health Services agency. According to their website, they are responsible for enforcing permits, monitoring and controlling air pollution, responds to complaints regarding food mishandling, and many more tasks. Although I did not find the following tasks surprising, it was interesting enough to note that the majority of responsibilities were regarding air and water quality. Where I live water is extremely important due to the large amount of farming. Also, the air quality control is really important, because there is large amount of pesticides that are used at all times for the farming.
Here at this county, we also have a Public Health agency. When looking at their website, I was not able to find much information on environmental health. I thought this could be that the county offers a separate website that concentrates on environmental health services. The one responsibility that falls under the Public Health department is prevention and education programs. These could be used in order to educate the public regarding environmental health issues.
Here at this county, we also have a Public Health agency. When looking at their website, I was not able to find much information on environmental health. I thought this could be that the county offers a separate website that concentrates on environmental health services. The one responsibility that falls under the Public Health department is prevention and education programs. These could be used in order to educate the public regarding environmental health issues.
Thursday, October 4, 2018
M6.7 Blog: Obesogens
Living in the Central Valley, there are many things that are locally grown in my area! Anything that I could possibly think of I eat on daily basis, it is grown right here in the Central Valley (those in season of course). I think that if hospitals create more menus containing seasonal foods that are grown locally it would be a great idea. This would benefit them financially and it would benefit the public health wise as well. Hospitals should promote healthy lifestyles, and this is a great way of doing so! At hospitals around my area, they can start including many fruits like apples, grapes, melons, and nectarines that are high in nutrients and also easy to access where I currently live.
For my state, I chose the state of California and not surprising at all that there are many fruits and vegetables during the month of October. Some of the items included were avocados, beets, celery, chili peppers, apples, melons, oranges, peaches, and many many more!
I had personally not heard about obesogens before, and my thoughts are that it is scary to know that there are other altering chemicals that we do not really think about that could lead to obesity. We already need to consider so much when thinking about keeping our bodies safe, it is sad that this is another item to add to our list!!
For my state, I chose the state of California and not surprising at all that there are many fruits and vegetables during the month of October. Some of the items included were avocados, beets, celery, chili peppers, apples, melons, oranges, peaches, and many many more!
I had personally not heard about obesogens before, and my thoughts are that it is scary to know that there are other altering chemicals that we do not really think about that could lead to obesity. We already need to consider so much when thinking about keeping our bodies safe, it is sad that this is another item to add to our list!!
M6.6 Blog: Use of Antibiotics
Reading these articles, I came to the conclusion that they all had something in common. Weather its in animals or humans, when you overdue something it will never end up being a good idea. If farmers are giving antibiotics to animals in order to prevent disease, in the long run they will be resistant and when they really do need the medication it will no longer work for them!
This sad fact is not something I have read about the first time. I have heard many stories about cows being given antibiotics as a prevention rather than a treatment medication.
On the other hand same thing with humans, if we continue to use wipes to clean the world around us it will make us sick! This is something that I am guilty of myself, every time I go to the store, I make sure that the shopping cart is clean. If we continue to get rid off all the dirt around us our bodies will not be able to fight off diseases, due to our weak immune system.
This sad fact is not something I have read about the first time. I have heard many stories about cows being given antibiotics as a prevention rather than a treatment medication.
On the other hand same thing with humans, if we continue to use wipes to clean the world around us it will make us sick! This is something that I am guilty of myself, every time I go to the store, I make sure that the shopping cart is clean. If we continue to get rid off all the dirt around us our bodies will not be able to fight off diseases, due to our weak immune system.
M6.4 Blog: Industrial Farming
In this movie it is sad to see that bees are vanishing due to the enormous amount of pesticide being used during pollination. The movie leans on using more natural ways instead of the use of pesticides. I do agree with this, even though it might require tremendous amount of time and support from farming communities, I think it is something that can be done and should be done.
If there are possible laws and regulations passed, farmers will be forced into using more natural ways and stop harming bees. With this movie, I have been thinking that bees are in danger today and tomorrow it could be something else!
I found out that there are a lot of factory farms in the area that I live, and I did not find that in any way surprising. I live in a dense farming area and Stanislaus County is known for its farming and agriculture. The area I live is shaded red on the map!!
I think that composing is a great idea! I know that my mom does it in her backyard, where she grows vegetables. I personally live in an apartment and don't like planting, but if I did I would definitely compost!!
If there are possible laws and regulations passed, farmers will be forced into using more natural ways and stop harming bees. With this movie, I have been thinking that bees are in danger today and tomorrow it could be something else!
I found out that there are a lot of factory farms in the area that I live, and I did not find that in any way surprising. I live in a dense farming area and Stanislaus County is known for its farming and agriculture. The area I live is shaded red on the map!!
I think that composing is a great idea! I know that my mom does it in her backyard, where she grows vegetables. I personally live in an apartment and don't like planting, but if I did I would definitely compost!!
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