Environmental Health & Nursing

I am currently involved with a nursing organization known as the National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses (NAON). After reviewing the historical standpoint of the organization, it is noted that Dame Agnes Hunt (founder of Orthopaedic Nursing) emphasized on "fresh air, good food, and happiness" to assist those with musculoskeletal disorders. NAON also believes in promoting healthy healing environment for patients as well as healthy work environments for nurses (Harvey, et al., 2013). 

Being involved in a nursing organization, I might bring environmental health awareness to the organization by providing research and education on environmental risk factors contributing to musculoskeletal disorders. I think it would be beneficial to discuss environmental health at NAON's annual meeting. 

Fate and Transport

I heard of the phrase "fate and transport" for the first time today after watching the lecture on the subject. I have always wondered about chemicals that move through our environment and how it becomes a constant cycle of environmental exposure whether it be lead, mercury or pharmaceuticals. 

The ways in which fate and transport of toxic chemicals might contribute to environmental health problems in my community are: 

• Pollutants in the San Francisco Bay that affects the seafood are consumed by humans
• Contaminants in the watershed that affects the drinking water
• Improper disposal of pharmaceuticals fused with reused water that lands in the soil

I have not read Silent Spring yet; however, I am very interested in learning more about Rachel Carson's purpose and influence on raising awareness of environmental issues.

My knowledge of the population explosion can be applied to my nursing practice given the example of baby boomers. As the baby boomer population ages, more geriatric care is needed. With the increase in life expectancy and decrease in infant mortality, there is no doubt it will lead to further global population growth. As nurses, we can play a role in educating our communities on the issue of population explosion by offering information on family planning. We can help insure and promote women's choices regarding reproduction by providing education on contraceptives and access to community resources. 

Harvey, C. V., David, J., Eckhouse, D. R., Kurkowski, T., Mains, C., & Roberts, D. (2013, May). The National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses (NAON) Scope and Standards of Orthopaedic Nursing Practice, 3rd Edition. Retrieved from https://www.nursingcenter.com/cearticle?an=00006416-201305000-00004&Journal_ID=403341&Issue_ID=1551510

Introduction to Environmental Health

What is my own definition of environmental health?

Environmental health is the setting and resources that impacts the health of the individual and the overall population. 

My definition of environmental health is different by leaving out the epidemiological aspect of the subject. However, it is similar by associating environmental factors and its effects with the health of a population.

There are elements of environmental health that I notice more than others (e.g. air and water quality) and it could mainly be due to the fact that these elements have a larger global impact. 

Personal Home Assessment

After completing the home assessment, I did discover environmental risks in my own home. It is important to know the age of the home, because homes built before the 1950s used lead-based paint. It is also essential to know if there are people living in the basements, as I assume the indoor air quality is not as good. I believe public health inspectors, homeowners, and residents of the home are responsible for home-based environmental health risks. 

List of Environmental Exposures

Homes

• Asbestos*
• Coal* (stoves)
• Radon* (in air)
• Soot (chimney)
• Lead* (paint chips)
• Bisphenol-A (BPA)*
• Mercury (fish consumption, cosmetics and household products)
• Mold*
• Phthalates* (personal hygiene products
• Carbon Monoxide

Schools

• Lead*
• Mold*
• Radon*
• Allergens*
• Volatile Organic Compounds
• PCBs (paint, pipes, and lights)
• Pesticides*
• Indoor/Outdoor Air Pollution
• Bisphenol-A (BPA)* (toys, school supplies)
• Vehicle Emissions (school buses)

Workplaces

• Asbestos* (construction workers)
• Radiation (healthcare workers/patients)
• Radon*
• Pesticides*
• Mold*
• Cleaning Supplies (bleach)
• Antineoplastic Agents (healthcare setting)
• Ethylene Oxide (sterilize medical instruments)
• Cadmium* (batteries)
• Glycol Ethers* (paint and household cleaners)

Community

• Sun exposure/UV Rays
• Arsenic (tobacco)
• Benzene (cigarette smoke)
• Pesticides*
• Air Pollution
• Lead* (water pipes)
• Mold*
• Secondhand Smoke
• Radon*
• Allergens

*exposures that apply to multiple categories

Composing the list of environmental exposures in each area was actually tougher than I had thought. I would have to say that 50% of the exposures were specific and 50% were broad.