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This is the complete lecture note for EHS 201 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCE. You can read it online below, open it in the full viewer, or download the PDF for offline study. It pairs with the course's video lectures, so you can read and watch together.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS EHS 201 INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH Series 1 Foundations of Environmental Health and Sanitation Part 1 Concept of Environmental Health • 1.1 Definition of Environmental Health • 1.2 Scope of Environmental Health • 1.3 Importance of Environmental Health in Public Health Part 2 Components of Environmental Health • 2.1 Physical Environment (air, water, soil) • 2.2 Biological Environment (vectors, microorganisms) • 2.3 Socio-cultural and Economic Factors Part 3 Concept of Environmental Sanitation • 3.1 Definition of Environmental Sanitation • 3.2 Components of Environmental Sanitation • 3.3 Relationship between Environmental Health and Sanitation Part 4 Linkages and Applications • 4.1 Interconnections between Environmental Health and Sanitation • 4.2 Practical relevance in homes, schools, workplaces, and communities • 4.3 Emerging issues in Environmental Health and Sanitation Introduction Every day, the quality of the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the surroundings we live in directly influence our health and wellbeing. When these environmental factors are well managed, communities thrive, but when neglected, they can become sources of disease and discomfort. This Series introduces you to the foundations of environmental health and sanitation, helping you to see how these concepts form the backbone of public health practice and disease prevention. The aim of this Series is to equip you with a clear understanding of the basic concepts, components, and linkages of environmental health and sanitation, so that you can appreciate their relevance in everyday life and professional practice.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS We shall commence this Series by examining the concept of environmental health, including its definition, scope, and importance. Next, we will explore the components of environmental health, focusing on the physical, biological, and socio-cultural dimensions. Following that, we will study the concept of environmental sanitation, its components, and its relationship with environmental health. Finally, we will wrap up by considering the linkages and applications of these concepts in different settings, highlighting their practical relevance and emerging issues. Series Learning Outcomes Upon completing this Series, you should be able to: • define the concept of environmental health with clarity and precision, • explain the scope and importance of environmental health in safeguarding public health, • identify the physical, biological, and socio-cultural components of environmental health, • define the concept of environmental sanitation in relation to health outcomes, • distinguish the major components of environmental sanitation in different contexts, • analyse the relationship between environmental health and environmental sanitation, and • evaluate practical applications and emerging issues of environmental health and sanitation in homes, schools, workplaces, and communities. Concept Of Environmental Health 1.1 Definition of Environmental Health Environmental health refers to the branch of public health that focuses on the relationships between people and their environment. It is concerned with assessing, controlling, and preventing environmental factors that can potentially affect human health. In simple terms, it deals with how the surroundings we live in, including air, water, soil, and built environments, influence our wellbeing. Environmental health is not limited to pollution control, but also includes safe housing, occupational health, food safety, and the management of waste. It is a multidisciplinary field that draws from science, policy, and community practice. Fill in the blank: Environmental health is the branch of public health that focuses on the relationship between people and their ________. 1.2 Scope of Environmental Health
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS The scope of environmental health is broad, covering all aspects of the environment that can influence health outcomes. This includes physical, chemical, biological, social, and cultural factors. It also extends to policy and legislation that regulate environmental standards. For example, ensuring clean drinking water, controlling disease vectors such as mosquitoes, and enforcing workplace safety standards all fall within the scope of environmental health. Fill in the blank: The scope of environmental health includes physical, chemical, biological, social, and ________ factors. 🌍 Selected Areas Covered Under Environmental Health Environmental health is the branch of public health concerned with all aspects of the natural and built environment that may affect human health. It involves assessing and controlling environmental factors that can potentially impact health. Key Areas of Environmental Health Practice • Water Quality and Sanitation: Ensuring access to safe, clean drinking water and the proper management of human waste (sanitation) to prevent waterborne diseases. • Air Pollution Control: Monitoring and controlling indoor and outdoor air contaminants (e.g., particulate matter, ozone, volatile organic compounds) that affect respiratory and cardiovascular health. • Food Hygiene and Safety: Protecting food from contamination at all stages (production, storage, processing, and consumption) to prevent foodborne illnesses. • Vector Control: Managing organisms (pests) like mosquitoes, flies, and rodents that transmit diseases (vectors) to humans, often by modifying or managing their environment. • Waste Management: Safe and sustainable collection, treatment, and disposal of solid, liquid, and hazardous wastes to prevent environmental contamination and disease. • Housing and Built Environment: Assessing and regulating the quality of human shelter and living spaces to prevent health issues related to dampness, overcrowding, poor ventilation, and safety hazards. • Occupational Health and Safety: Protecting the health of workers from environmental hazards in the workplace, including chemical exposure, physical risks, and ergonomic issues. • Chemical Safety: Managing the production, use, storage, and disposal of toxic substances (e.g., pesticides, industrial chemicals) to prevent acute and chronic human exposure. • Climate Change and Health: Assessing and preparing for the health impacts of climate change, such as changes in vector distribution, heat-related illnesses, and extreme weather events. 1.3 Importance of Environmental Health in Public Health The importance of environmental health lies in its role in preventing disease and promoting wellbeing. Many illnesses, such as cholera, malaria, and respiratory infections, are directly
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS linked to environmental conditions. By improving sanitation, controlling pollution, and ensuring safe living environments, environmental health reduces the burden of disease and enhances quality of life. Environmental health also contributes to sustainable development, as healthy environments support economic growth, education, and social stability. Fill in the blank: Cholera, malaria, and respiratory infections are examples of diseases directly linked to ________ conditions. Pilot questions 1 1. Which branch of public health focuses on the relationship between people and their environment? 2. List three examples of environmental factors that influence health. 3. What are two examples of diseases linked to poor environmental conditions? 4. State one reason why environmental health is important for sustainable development. 5. Identify one area covered under the scope of environmental health. Components Of Environmental Health 1.2.1 Physical Environment The physical environment refers to the natural surroundings that directly affect human health, such as air, water, and soil. Clean air reduces respiratory diseases, safe water prevents waterborne illnesses, and fertile soil supports food production. When these elements are polluted or degraded, they become sources of health risks. Fill in the blank: Safe water prevents ________ illnesses. 2.2 Biological Environment The biological environment includes living organisms that influence health, such as disease vectors, microorganisms, and plants. Mosquitoes, for example, transmit malaria, while
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS contaminated food may carry harmful bacteria. Proper control of biological factors is essential for preventing infectious diseases. Fill in the blank: Mosquitoes are examples of disease ________ that transmit malaria. 2.3 Socio-Cultural And Economic Factors The socio-cultural and economic environment refers to human behaviours, traditions, and economic conditions that affect health. Practices such as open defecation, poor waste disposal, or unsafe food handling can lead to disease outbreaks. Poverty and lack of education also limit access to safe housing, clean water, and healthcare. Fill in the blank: Poverty and lack of ________ limit access to safe housing and clean water. 🤝 Examples of Socio-Cultural and Economic Factors Affecting Health Socio-cultural and economic factors are non-physical environmental elements that profoundly influence an individual's and a community's health status, often referred to as the Social Determinants of Health. Key Factors • Poverty and Income Level: Poverty is a fundamental determinant, leading to: • Limited access to healthcare services and healthy food. • Living in substandard housing or overcrowded conditions, which can increase the risk of disease transmission (e.g., respiratory infections, vector-borne diseases). • Inability to afford sanitation facilities or clean water. • Education and Health Literacy: • Higher levels of education are generally correlated with better health outcomes. • Education increases health literacy, enabling individuals to understand health information, adopt preventative behaviors, and navigate the healthcare system effectively. • Cultural Practices and Beliefs: • Traditional practices related to food preparation, hygiene, childbirth, or funeral rites can either promote or jeopardize health. • Beliefs about the cause, prevention, and treatment of disease influence acceptance and adherence to public health interventions (e.g., vaccine uptake, use of bed nets). • Lifestyle Behaviours: Individual choices greatly influence health risk, including: • Dietary patterns (e.g., consumption of high-fat/sugar foods).
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