Table of Contents

Preface, Acknowledgments, About the Author, Introduction, Abbreviations

Part I.   Background of the Field

Chapter 1.  Introduction: The Environment at Risk

Introduction

Significance of the Environment for Human Health

Population and the Environment

Definitions Used in the Environmental Health Field

Historical Background

Careers in the Environmental Health Field

Conclusion and Overview of the Text

Study Questions and Exercises

Chapter 2. Environmental Epidemiology

Introduction

Definition of Environmental Epidemiology

Contributions of Epidemiology to Environmental Health

Brief History of Environmental Epidemiology

Strategies of Environmental Epidemiology

Causality in Epidemiologic Studies

Bias in Environmental Epidemiologic Studies

Limitations and Deficiencies of Environmental Epidemiology

Conclusion

Study Questions and Exercises

Chapter 3. Environmental Toxicology

Introduction

Description of Toxicology

Terminology Used in the Field of Toxicology

The Concept of a Dose and Related Terms

Factors That Affect the Body’s Responses to a Toxic Chemical

Links between Toxicology and Risk Assessment

Conclusion

Study Questions and Exercises

Chapter 4. Environmental Policy and Regulation

Introduction

Overview of the Environmental Policy Process

Risk Assessment and Policy Development

Case Studies: Environmental Policies to Protect Human Health

Agencies Involved in the Adoption, Implementation, and Enforcement of Environmental Policies

Major U.S. Environmental Health Laws

Conclusion

Study Questions and Exercises

Part II. Agents of Environmental Disease

Chapter 5. Zoonotic and Microbial Agents

Introduction

Terminology

Examples of Vector-Borne Diseases

Arthropod-Borne Viral Diseases (Arboviral Diseases)

Emerging Zoonoses

Other Zoonotic Diseases

Control and Prevention of Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Conclusion

Study Questions and Exercises

Chapter 6. Toxic Metals and Elements

Introduction

The Top 20 Hazardous Substances

Overview of Sources and Effects of Exposure to Metals

Toxic Heavy Metals

Essential Metals with Potential for Toxicity

Metals for Use in Medical Therapy

Conclusion

Study Questions and Exercises

Chapter 7. Pesticides and Other Organic Chemicals

Introduction

Chemicals in the ATSDR List of Top 20 Hazardous Substances

Pesticides

Dioxins

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

Organic Solvents

Chemicals Used in the Manufacture of Plastics

Cleaning and Household Products

Environmental Estrogens

Conclusion

Study Questions and Exercises

Chapter 8. Ionizing and Non-Ionizing Radiation

Introduction

Overview of Ionizing Radiation

Types of Ionizing Radiation

Measurement of Ionizing Radiation Dose Units

Health Effects of Exposure to Ionizing Radiation

Sources of Environmental Exposure to Ionizing Radiation

Medical Uses of Ionizing Radiation

Nuclear Waste Disposal

Non-Ionizing Radiation

Sources of Exposure to Non-Ionizing Radiation

Conclusion

Study Questions and Exercises

Part III. Applications of Environmental Health

Chapter 9. Water Quality

Introduction

The Water Supply

Treatment of Water for Residential Consumption

Drinking Water Contamination

Beach and Coastal Pollution

Conclusion

Study Questions and Exercises

Chapter 10. Air Quality

Introduction

Notorious Air Pollution Episodes in History

Sources and Causes of Air Pollution

Components of Air Pollution

Air Quality Standards

Health Effects of Air Pollution

Indoor Air Quality

Global Climate Change and Global Warming

Controlling Air Pollution and Global Warming

Conclusion

Study Questions and Exercises

Chapter 11. Food Safety

Introduction

The Global Burden of Foodborne Illness

Categories of Food Hazards

Common Microbial Agents of Foodborne Illness

Bacterial Agents

Worms

Viral Agents

Other Agents

Chemically-Related Foodborne Hazards

Regulation of Food Safety

Foodborne Disease Prevention

Conclusion

Study Questions and Exercises

Chapter 12. Solid and Liquid Wastes

Introduction

Historical Background—Solid Waste Disposal

Components of the Municipal Solid Waste Stream

Solid Waste Management

Disposal of Hazardous Materials and Wastes

Sewage Processing and Disposal

Animal Wastes

Conclusion

Study Questions and Exercises

Chapter 13. Occupational Health

Introduction

Background and History

Significance of the Occupational Environment for Health

Overview of Agents of Occupational Disease

Specific Occupationally Associated Diseases and Conditions

Prevention of Occupational Disease

Conclusion

Study Questions and Exercises

Glossary

Index