Environmental Health and Safety, Case Study Example

Our entire ecosystem is threatened as the ozone layer continues to erode. Air pollution, a chief contributor to global warming, is a major environmental health problem in many cities. Urban residents who live near freeways suffer a number of ill health effects as a result. Common air pollutants include carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, lead, particulate matter (under 10 microns), and sulfur dioxide. A few of the most common problems are discussed briefly.

Asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, heart and lung disease, and respiratory allergies are conditions that crop up as air quality deteriorates. Inner city dwellers report increased problems with breathing, wheezing, and coughing. People with existing breathing conditions have those conditions aggravated as a result of the pollutant-filled air of metropolitan zones (O’Neill, Kinney, & Cohen, 2008). Any reduction in the use of fossil fuel will help this problem.

America’s Children and the Environment, a watchdog group that holds affiliation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,  reports some improvements worldwide in air, water, food, and soil contaminant levels (2007, March 1); however, there is still global danger for children who are vulnerable to the ill effects of inhaling second hand smoke in their homes and blood lead levels. Because it is normal and expected that children play outside, their risk of exposure to harmful air-born contaminants is increased. Children eat more food, breath more air, and drink more water for their size than do adults, so they are more susceptible to the risks associated with breathing contaminants.

References

New data show decline in children’s exposure to pollutants (Journal of Environmental Health). The Free Library.  (2007). Retrieved May 2, 2010 from http://www.thefreelibrary.com? New data show decline in children’s exposure to pollutants.-a0160752347

O’Neill, M., Kinney, P., & Cohen, A. (2008). Environmental equity in air quality management: Local and international implications for human health and climate change. Journal of Toxicology & Environmental Health, 71(10), 570-577