1. Ch. 25 Environmental and
Occupational Health
Kimberly Rudge

2. Impact on development
 As the number and concentration of chemicals have
increase; so has the number of childhood illnesses.
 Most children in the U.S are exposed to potentially
hazardous chemicals before they are even born.
 According to the 2010 report of the President’s
Cancer Panel
 Studies have found a total of three hundreds chemicals
present in the umbilical cords of newborns.

3. Contamination through Breast Milk?
 Toxins are easily stored in a woman’s fat
through the process of bioaccumulation, and
mothers pass them to their newborns through
their milk.
 Babies who are formula-fed are more likely
than babies who are breastfed to develop ear
infections, diarrhea, asthma, diabetes, lower
respiratory tract infections, and eczema.

4. Who’s Responsible?
 Many environmental health hazards are caused
by industrial practices and pollution that expose
individuals and communities to chemicals
 It’s the responsibility of the industry and
government to ensure information is properly
distributed.
 There are state and federal right-to-know laws
that provide some access to critical information.

5. Lead
 Lead is a neurotoxic, it affects our nerve cells. Trace
amounts are found in the air, food, water, dust and various
products.
 Even small amounts can be dangerous since the
substance accumulates in tissue and bone over time.
 Acute exposure leads to:
 Vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, coma, and death.
 Chronic exposure leads to:
 Brittle bones, anemia, damage to the brain, nervous
system, liver, kidney and blood system.
 Children and pregnant women are most susceptible.
 Long-term exposure can also reduce male fertility.
 Children who eat a diet rich in iron and calcium absorb less
lead.

6. Cont..
 Dairy products, read mean, dark leafy greens,
tofu, and beans can help to increase iron and
calcium levels.
 EPA estimates that lead paint poisoning affects
more than 1 million American children.
 Lead exposure in the home can occur through
lead pipes and lead-based paint, particularly in
older buildings.

7. Mercury
 This substance is used in some thermometers,
thermostats, auto parts, scientific instruments, batteries,
dental fillings, eye makeup, over-the-counter drugs,
chlorine production, and lighting, including tanning beds.
 Mercury can damage the central nervous system, the
endocrine system, the hear, the lungs, the immune system,
and the kidneys.
 Symptoms include:
 Itching, burning, or pain; skin discoloration, shedding of skin, muscle
weakness, red face, loss of teeth, hair and nails, and increased
sensitivity to light.

8. Pesticides
 The most common and heavily utilized synthetic
products.
 EPA estimates that more than 1.2 billion pounds
of pesticides are used annually in the united
states alone.
 Exposure has been linked to many
developmental problems and effects on the
reproductive system.
 Exposure to some agricultural pesticides among
women during pregnancy may be associated with
autism in their children.

9. Cont..
 Pesticide exposure is especially common in farm
communities.
 Children experience more negative effects from
pesticides than adults, owing to their size and
biology.

10. BPA
 Is an organic compound widely used in hard plastic
products, including reusable food containers, baby
bottles, sippy cups, and the lining of baby formula
containers and canned food.
 The chemical industry produces 7 billion pounds of
BPA in the United States each year.
 The compound is considered an endocrine disrupting
chemical. Here is a list of serious chronic disorders
 Cancers, infertility, heart disease, liver abnormalities, genital
abnormalities in male babies, early puberty in girls, cognitive
and behavioral impairments, diabetes, asthma, obesity.

11. Cont…
 Environmental Working Group found BPA in more
than half of ninety-seven cans of brand name
fruit, vegetables, soda and other common canned
goods.
 A particular concern is its use in toys and plastic
containers aimed at young children.

12. Tips to avoid BPA exposure
 Watch for the numeral 7 on the bottom of plastic
containers. That often means they contain BPA.
 Don’t microwave plastic food containers made
with BPA, and discard old or damaged bottles.
 Choose glass, stainless steel or BPA free
polypropylene bottles.
 Minimize the use of canned foods and canned
drinks.
 Ask your dentist for BPA-free sealants and
composite fillings.

13. What’s in our cosmetics?
 Women use multiple cosmetic and personal care products
throughout the United States, which include: lotions,
toothpaste and make-up.
 Many of the chemicals commonly used in cosmetics are
associated with allergies, multiple chemical sensitivity,
asthma, shortness of breath, changes in hormones
functions, different cancers, brain development,
reproductive disorders, skin diseases, and birth
impairments.
 According to the EWG, one in five personal care products
contains chemicals linked to cancer.
 Cosmetics and household products contain some of the
highest rates of synthetic chemicals.

14. Shared risks, unequal burdens
 Health hazards are borne unequally by people with
low incomes and people of color because of the
workplace and environmental conditions.
 Economic and social power determines how much we
are able to protect ourselves from environmental and
occupational health hazards.
 People of color are more likely to work in more
dangerous workplaces, and to live in inadequate
housing, closer to environmental hazards.

15. Action Strategies at home and in the
community
 Be a careful consumer and read labels so that
you know all of the ingredients in your food.
 Investigate environmental conditions to know
what companies are doing that affect your
environment.
 Find out who paid for a study
 Talk to your neighbors and monitor health
concerns, symptoms and suspected exposure in
the community.