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.
Please cite any and all references used.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Environmental health is a crucial aspect of public health that focuses on controlling or preventing environmental factors from adversely affecting human health. In this paper, we will be discussing the evolution and purpose of contemporary environmental health. Additionally, we will analyze the scope and purpose of environmental health, populations that have been most affected by environmental health issues, the role of environmental science and associated research in our understanding of environmental health, and the field’s influence on policy and population health at the local, national, and global level.
Define the scope and purpose of environmental health:
Environmental health aims to prevent or reduce exposure to hazards that can cause adverse health effects to humans. It encompasses various aspects of the environment, including air, water, soil, food, and other environmental factors. The purpose of environmental health is to promote public health by safeguarding individuals and communities from environmental factors that can cause or exacerbate health problems.
What populations have been most affected by environmental health issues? How do environmental health issues compound health inequity today?
Environmental health issues affect people of all ages, races, and social classes. However, low-income communities and people of color are disproportionately affected by environmental health problems, which compound health inequity today. For example, low-income communities tend to have higher pollution levels, less access to healthy and affordable food options, and limited access to healthcare services.
Describe how environmental science and associated research have contributed to our understanding of environmental health:
Environmental science and associated research have contributed significantly to our understanding of environmental health by identifying and characterizing environmental factors that can cause adverse health outcomes, developing methods for assessing and controlling environmental hazards, and better understanding the relationship between environmental factors and health outcomes.
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 promoting environmental health initiatives, developing regulations and policies to protect public health, and fostering collaboration among different stakeholders to address environmental health issues. For example, at the local level, environmental health agencies work with communities to identify and address local environmental health problems. At the national level, federal agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are responsible for developing and implementing regulations to protect public health. Globally, organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) collaborate with countries to address environmental health issues, develop policies, and promote research.
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:
In the United States, the EPA is responsible for protecting human health and the environment. The agency’s primary role is to develop and enforce regulations to ensure clean air, water, and land. The EPA also conducts research to better understand the potential health effects of environmental exposure. Although the EPA has been instrumental in developing and implementing environmental regulations, its effectiveness in addressing environmental health issues has been impacted by budget cuts and political pressure.
Internationally, the WHO is responsible for promoting health and preventing diseases worldwide. The agency collaborates with countries to develop policies, support research, and address global health issues, including environmental health. The WHO has been instrumental in developing policies and guidelines for addressing environmental health issues, including air pollution and water quality. The agency’s effectiveness has been impacted by funding and political considerations, but it remains a crucial player in promoting global health.
Conclusion:
Environmental health plays a significant role in public health, promoting policies and regulations to safeguard public health from environmental hazards, and identifying and characterizing environmental factors that can cause adverse health outcomes. Environmental health issues tend to disproportionately affect low-income communities and people of color, compounding health inequity. The field of environmental health has influenced policy and population health at the local, national, and global level by promoting environmental health initiatives and developing regulations and policies to protect public health. Finally, despite some limitations, national and international environmental health agencies such as the EPA and WHO have played vital roles in addressing environmental health issues and promoting public health.
