Environmental Health (ATC)

Protecting resources keeps ecosystems and people healthy.

• Conservation and sustainable use protect resources.
• Environmental quality affects air, water, and soil.
• Human activity strains natural systems.
• Stewardship balances use and protection.

Natural resources support life and economies.

• Resources are renewable (sunlight, wind) or nonrenewable (fossil fuels).
• Overuse depletes nonrenewable resources.
• Sustainable management preserves them.
• Water, soil, and forests are vital resources.

Pollution harms ecosystems and human health.

• Types include air, water, soil, and noise pollution.
• Sources are industrial, agricultural, and household.
• Pollution causes disease and ecosystem damage.
• Prevention and cleanup reduce harm.

Climate change results from greenhouse gas buildup.

• Greenhouse gases (CO₂, methane) trap heat.
• Effects include warming, sea-level rise, and extreme weather.
• Human activity (burning fossil fuels) is a major driver.
• Mitigation reduces emissions; adaptation manages impacts.

Sustainable development meets present needs without harming the future.

• Balances economic, social, and environmental goals.
• Uses renewable energy and efficient resources.
• Reduces waste and pollution.
• Aims for long-term well-being.

Population growth strains the environment.

• Rising population increases demand for resources.
• Urbanization and consumption drive impact.
• Overpopulation stresses food, water, and land.
• Sustainable practices ease the pressure.

Laws protect the environment and public health.

• U.S. laws include the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act.
• The EPA enforces environmental regulations.
• International agreements address global issues.
• Policy balances protection and development.

Toxicology studies how environmental agents harm health.

• "The dose makes the poison" governs toxicity.
• Exposure routes: inhalation, ingestion, and skin.
• Toxins include heavy metals, pesticides, and chemicals.
• Risk depends on dose, duration, and susceptibility.

Environmental hazards threaten human health.

• Hazards are physical, chemical, and biological.
• Examples: lead, radiation, air pollution, and pathogens.
• Vulnerable groups (children, elderly) face higher risk.
• Reducing exposure protects health.

Some environmental problems are worldwide.

• Issues include climate change, ozone depletion, and biodiversity loss.
• Deforestation and pollution cross borders.
• Global cooperation is needed for solutions.
• These issues affect health everywhere.