Write a 1,000-1,250 word paper discussing the evolution and purpose of contemporary environmental health. Include the following:
- Define the scope and purpose of environmental health.
- What populations have been most affected by environmental health issues? How do environmental health issues compound health inequity today?
- Describe how environmental science and associated research have contributed to our understanding of environmental health.
- How has the field of environmental health influenced policy and population health at the local, national, and global level?
- Research one environmental health agency in the United States and one international environmental health agency. Evaluate their roles in promoting health and their actual effectiveness in addressing environmental health issues.
You are required to cite to three to five sources to complete this assignment. Sources must be published within the last 5 years and appropriate for the assignment criteria and public health content.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
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Introduction:
Environmental health is a crucial aspect of public health. It focuses on understanding the interaction between the environment and human health. Over the years, environmental health has evolved to include an interdisciplinary approach that involves various fields of science. This paper will discuss the evolution and purpose of contemporary environmental health.
1. Define the scope and purpose of environmental health.
Environmental health is the study of how environmental factors affect human health. It encompasses the air, water, soil, and the built environment. The scope of environmental health includes identifying and assessing environmental factors that can harm human health, evaluating and mitigating health risks, and developing interventions to control and prevent environmental hazards. The purpose of environmental health is to promote and protect public health by ensuring that the environment is safe and healthy.
2. What populations have been most affected by environmental health issues? How do environmental health issues compound health inequity today?
Environmental health issues affect everyone, but certain populations are at a higher risk than others. Low-income communities, marginalized groups, and minorities are more likely to be exposed to environmental hazards such as air pollution and toxic waste. Environmental health issues compound health inequity by exacerbating existing health disparities, leading to higher rates of illnesses and deaths in these populations.
3. Describe how environmental science and associated research have contributed to our understanding of environmental health.
Environmental science and associated research have contributed to our understanding of environmental health by providing evidence-based information on the health effects of environmental factors. Research has helped to identify and evaluate environmental hazards, assess their impact on human health, and develop interventions to control and prevent exposure. Environmental science has also led to the development of new technologies and innovations that can help to reduce environmental hazards and promote a healthier environment.
4. How has the field of environmental health influenced policy and population health at the local, national, and global level?
The field of environmental health has influenced policy and population health at the local, national, and global level by advocating for the development and implementation of policies and regulations that promote a healthy environment. Environmental health professionals work closely with policymakers to ensure that regulations and policies are evidence-based and effective in controlling and preventing exposure to environmental hazards. At the global level, environmental health efforts have led to the adoption of international agreements and protocols that promote a healthier environment.
5. Research one environmental health agency in the United States and one international environmental health agency. Evaluate their roles in promoting health and their actual effectiveness in addressing environmental health issues.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is an environmental health agency responsible for protecting human health and the environment. It develops and implements regulations regarding environmental hazards and provides resources and information to the public. The EPA’s role in promoting health is to ensure that the environment is safe and healthy, leading to improved health outcomes for the population. The effectiveness of the EPA in addressing environmental health issues has been subject to debate due to recent cuts in funding and regulatory rollbacks.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is an international environmental health agency that promotes health globally. It focuses on developing policies and guidelines that address environmental hazards such as air pollution and climate change. The WHO’s role in promoting health is to provide evidence-based information and resources to countries to help them better understand and address environmental health issues. The effectiveness of the WHO in addressing environmental health issues has been significant, as its guidance has led to the adoption of international agreements and protocols that promote a healthier environment.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, environmental health has evolved over the years to become an essential aspect of public health. It focuses on understanding the interaction between the environment and human health and developing interventions to control and prevent environmental hazards. Environmental science and associated research have contributed significantly to our understanding of environmental health, and the field has influenced policy and population health at the local, national, and global level. Environmental health agencies such as the EPA and the WHO play crucial roles in promoting health and addressing environmental health issues.
