M10.8 Blog about an occupationally-related disease

Byssinosis or "brown lung disease" is an occupational lung disease that is caused by exposure to cotton dust in inadequately ventilated working environments.  Mainly through yarn and fabric manufacture industries it is common in. Cotton dust is directly causes the disease that reach the lungs. Brown lung can result in narrowing of the airways, lung scarring and death from respiratory failure. Affected works should be offered alternative employment or should be taken out of the conditions. Continued exposure leads to development of persistent symptoms and measures should be taken to prevent this. It is a scary thought that workers can be affected by this. We hope that these workers are helped in these conditions and change happen to help them.

M10.5 Blog about an occupational safety and health organization

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is an agency of the United States Department of Labor. It provides resources to keep workers safe in the workplace. The organization assures safe and healthful working conditions for men and women and sets the standard for training, outreach, education, and assistance. In relation to my personal health and safety, I appreciate what OSHA does. it protects workers, employers, and all by creating regulations and enforces them in the workplace. The website provides safe workplace and protects the people from injury and illness. Also, there is protection on the job. Many of the regulations OSHA provides are in my office and my organization follows them to that standard. We follow them to ensure we are safe.

M10.2 Blog about MSDS and ToxNet

I work in a lab and we have a MSDS on the chemical sulfuric acid. These are the current health risks associated with the chemical:

• Eye Contact: Check for and remove any contact lenses. In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Cold water may be used. Get medical attention immediately. 
• Skin Contact: In case of contact, immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Cover the irritated skin with an emollient. Cold water may be used.Wash clothing before reuse. Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse. Get medical attention immediately. 
• Serious Skin Contact: Wash with a disinfectant soap and cover the contaminated skin with an anti-bacterial cream. Seek immediate medical attention. Inhalation: If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical attention immediately. 
• Serious Inhalation: Evacuate the victim to a safe area as soon as possible. Loosen tight clothing such as a collar, tie, belt or waistband. If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen. If the victim is not breathing, perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. 
• Ingestion: Do NOT induce vomiting unless directed to do so by medical personnel. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Loosen tight clothing such as a collar, tie, belt or waistband. Get medical attention if symptoms appear. 
• Serious Ingestion: Not available.

Chemical carcinogens are any substance or radiation that promote carcinogenesis, the formation of cancer. Chemicals found in my workplace I would be trained on personal protection and in case of a large spill as well. I would also take special courses about the chemical and ensure that I fully equipped with handing this chemical. These are the personal protection precautions:

• Engineering Controls: Provide exhaust ventilation or other engineering controls to keep the airborne concentrations of vapors below their respective threshold limit value. Ensure that eyewash stations and safety showers are proximal to the work-station location. 
• Personal Protection: Face shield. Full suit. Vapor respirator. Be sure to use an approved/certified respirator or equivalent. Gloves. Boots. 
• Personal Protection in Case of a Large Spill: Splash goggles. Full suit. Vapor respirator. Boots. Gloves. A self contained breathing apparatus should be used to avoid inhalation of the product. Suggested protective clothing might not be sufficient; consult a specialist BEFORE handling this product.

There are no discrepancies in the MSDS and ToxNet reporting. If anything the ToxNet database is much more elaborate on the health effects of the chemical. Here is the information about the chemical: https://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search2/f?./temp/~ajpHga:3

The potential dangers of this chemical is just handling and usage. You must use the proper chemical protection when handling it in the lab. The MSDS was an adequate tool for a worker to gain understanding of the risks. We want to make sure that we are protected when using this chemical and if there is a spill. The MSDS is a simple and useful tool for anyone to use and I liked that it is available for any person.

Watch M10.1 Video

1) There are chemical, biological, radiological or ergonomic issues in my workplace. I work in an office and I am always exposed to supplies in the office that can have chemicals laced with it. I also use a computer every day so there are electronic exposure to radioactive waves. I would like to hope that we are careful about our exposures to chemicals and would wish that my office would be aware. We are always trying to limit our computer usage though. There are no hygiene issues where I work though, but I would like to let office heads know about the exposures. My manager is aware of the exposures and encourages us to get out of the office from time to time to limit our exposures and get some sunlight. 

2) Some barriers to workers exercising their rights to a healthy and safe workplace would be the hierarchy discouraging change. Many head officials do not see it as a priority or show that they care, so they will not change. Also changing these policies in such a short period of time can be difficult. Creating policies can be hard as well. Another barrier that can be difficult to cross would be making the public care about these. The public are mostly unaware or do not care of environmental issues in the workplace. I think it is our job as healthcare professionals to make others care. 

M9.4 Blog: Heavy Metals

I think the research on lead poisoning has expanded throughout the years for the best. The article explains the shift from high-dose effects in clinically symptomatic individuals to the consequences of exposure at lower doses that cause no symptoms, like in children and fetuses. I think the article does a good job to showcasing the importance of lead poisoning and how we must protect ourselves. The removal of lead from gasoline has been the biggest accomplishment for lead poisoning and finding a safer substitute. It also has been cost effective to reduce lead in products.

The next article about the child lead poisoning in Nigeria has raised many environmental health questions and need. In 2010, Médecins sans Frontières (MSF) discovered an outbreak of childhood lead poisoning in remote Nigerian villages resulting in  over 400 deaths in children less than 5 years of age. The source of contamination from artisanal gold ore processing in residential areas. In 4 years of intervention, 2,400 children received chelation treatment and blood lead levels declined. The local leaders bandwagon to created safer mining methods, local involvement in management, design and changing of processes.

M9.3 Blog: Green Chemistry

Green chemistry is a great way to help the environment in terms of long term effects. This approach provides safer options for us in chemical products and design. There is elimination of hazardous chemicals on the environment and it is super helpful to have. I think the green chemistry principles are great guidelines to follow but they also seem a bit farfetched and unreachable. It is difficult for us to commit to these principles when we do not have access to the tools to perform these deeds. I think we can definitely make small steps in our daily lives though to help.

In my daily life, i do attempt to prevent waste. I do not pollute or leave waste that is difficult to clean up. I dispose of my waste that is best for the environment. Another principle that is applicable to my life is using renewable feedstocks. I do use that in my daily life with agricultural products or the preventing waste of other processes. I attempt to use products that are safer chemicals and products and hopefully the companies I buy from that focus on that.

M9.2 Blog: Six Chemical Classes

HIGHLY FLUORINATED
The first class of chemicals are highly fluorinated chemicals. They are found in non-stick and waterproof products. The health concerns that are associated these chemicals are kidney and testicular cancer, elevated cholesterol, decreased fertility, thyroid disease, and interference with hormone function. There are 3,000+ of these chemicals used today and can be found in carpets, cleaning products, food packaging, furnishings, cosmetics, outdoor gear, clothing, adhesives, protective coatings, carseats, and non-stick cookware. All highly fluorinated chemicals are a potential risk. Ways to protect yourself can be using textiles and carpeting without water and stain repellency, avoid food with greaseproof packaging, avoid personal care products with "perfluor" etc, be wary of products labeled with "PFOA free."

ANTIMICROBIALS
The second class of chemicals are antimicrobials. They can hurt other things and are added to a thousand products such as personal care products, hans soaps, paints, exercise mats, flooring, apparel, food storage containers, home textiles, key pads, keyboards, and school supplies. There is no benefit beyond plain soap and water when washing. The health concerns surrounding them include disruption of hormone functioning, adverse reproductive and developmental effects, increased allergen sensitivity, and antibiotic resistance. They end up in places they do not belong and are toxic to the marine environment. The FDA has stopped using 19 antimicrobials in soap and body washes. Ways to protect yourself can include not using products identified as "antibacterial," "antimicrobials," or "anti-order"; read ingredient labels; look out for replacement antimicrobials.

FLAME REDARDANTS  
The third class of chemicals are called flame retardants. These chemicals make fires more dangerous actually. They are detected in bodies of nearly all Americans. Babies are born with the same level as their mothers. Health concerns associated with these chemicals include hormone disruption, decreased fertility, and cancer. Many marine animals are found to high levels of these chemicals. They accumulate in polar regions and toxic flames are in many products such as televison cases, insulation, textiles, carseats, infant mattresses, rebounded carpet padding, fabric blinds, and paints. To reduce exposure, clean with a damp cloth and wash hands from contaminated dust, avoid rebonded carpet padding, and ask for products without flame retardants.

BISPHENOLS AND PHTHALATES
The fourth class of chemicals are bisphenols and phthalates. They interfere with hormones and a small amount can have a big effect. They can damage young children and fetuses. They don't stay in our bodies for long but baby products do include them. They can be found in canned food lining,  plastic containers, teething toys, and cash register receipts. Health concerns include neurodevelopment problems, decreased fertility, and heart disease. Ways to prevent exposure are don't use plastic containers, avoid plastic marked with recycle code 7, eat more fresh food, and wash hands after touching receipts.

SOME SOLVENTS
The fifth class of chemicals are some solvents. They are in smog and can cause damage to the nervous system. They are associated with cancer risk and even low exposure can be a problem. They are used in dry cleaning. Ways to prevent it can be opt for wet cleaning, used water-based instead of oil based, and ask for products without problem solvents.

CERTAIN METALS
The last chemical class are certain metals that are hazardous to the environment. They are mercury, arensic, cadium and lead. Some exposure routes are the greatest concern are prenatal. They pollute air and water and eating long-lived fish can lead to high mercury levels. Can cause impaired fetals brain. Do not east fish with mercury. Arensic can cause increased skin, lung, bladder risk, cardo disease, hard to nervous system. Have a healthy diet and avoid pressure treated wood, wash hands after contact. Cadium is found in children's jewelry and can cause neural damage to to children. Lead is found in gas and now is finally removed. Ways to prevent exposure is to keep children away from paint and wear protective gear.

M8.5 Blog about an ideal chemical policy

I think the ideal chemical policy should include the following points:

1. It should give the public the right to know the information about any standing chemical
2. It should protect communities and those who work in the community
3. It should require safety precautions for any exposure 
4. It should use safe substitutions and solutions

From a public health perspective, I believe that the most important fact would be the public knowing about the policies. It is highly important for the public to know about the chemicals that we are using. To prevent any issues or lawsuits, the public should always be aware of any chemical exposure. It is poor ethic to hide any risk of chemical exposure to the public. The public must be aware and be provided the proper safety precautions to protect themselves from risk. 

M8.4 Blog Chemical Policy Reform

I wanted to explore the first background paper listed about requiring safer substitutes and solutions. I think it is extremely important for us to attempt to try to protect our communities and the environment from dangerous chemicals and providing substitutes that are not only safe but effective to use. We need to phase out dangerous chemicals and seek to reduce emissions of hazardous chemicals in our communities. If we do not at least attempt to re-examine our products, then we will do our environment a great disservice. Safer substitutions for chemicals should be researched and at the forefronts of providing a safe environment. We also need to take into consideration that it will take time to create such chemicals. Substitutes for chemicals are highly important and we must take calculated steps to find those substitutes that will not only be safe for the environment, but also useful. 

M8.3 Blog Pesticides

My meal last night was a pepperoni pizza slice. I found out that there are pesticide residues in my food in terms of the cheese, pepperoni, and sauce. These were found in my Domino’s pizza and I am surprised to see that there is pesticide contained in them. Domino’s pizza is not organic and I actually would assume that there would be some kind of chemical found it in. I was surprised to see the amount of pesticides found in my food. I would like to keep my diet to a minimum with fast food and I am attempting to eat more organic foods that limit on pesticide.  It is unpleasant to find that so much pesticide is in our food. I would wish farms would limit their use on pesticide so we can have more of a healthy diet.

I think, in terms of public health, policies need to start to be addressed when it comes to pesticides in our food. Many farms should attempt to not use pesticides to grow products such as our vegetables. Many animals are also genetically modified to produce a certain kind of product. Many chickens are genetically modified to produce large eggs. It is frightening to see that much of our produce can be genetically modified. I would wish that the government needs to start enforcing laws that not only protect the animals, but also our food so it is not genetically modified with pesticides and other chemicals.

M8.3 Blog Pesticides

My meal last night was a pepperoni pizza slice. I found out that there are pesticide residues in my food in terms of the cheese, pepperoni, and sauce. These were found in my Domino’s pizza and I am surprised to see that there is pesticide contained in them. Domino’s pizza is not organic and I actually would assume that there would be some kind of chemical found it in. I was surprised to see the amount of pesticides found in my food. I would like to keep my diet to a minimum with fast food and I am attempting to eat more organic foods that limit on pesticide.  It is unpleasant to find that so much pesticide is in our food. I would wish farms would limit their use on pesticide so we can have more of a healthy diet.

I think, in terms of public health, policies need to start to be addressed when it comes to pesticides in our food. Many farms should attempt to not use pesticides to grow products such as our vegetables. Many animals are also genetically modified to produce a certain kind of product. Many chickens are genetically modified to produce large eggs. It is frightening to see that much of our produce can be genetically modified. I would wish that the government needs to start enforcing laws that not only protect the animals, but also our food so it is not genetically modified with pesticides and other chemicals.

M7.8 Blog about your topic of interest

My topic of interest that I would like to explore is obesogens. I did not know obseogens even existed before this courage. When looking into my research of obesogens, there were many agencies at the state, federal, and national level that address the topic. Some current organizations that mention obesogens are as follows:

• National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
• National Institutes of Health
• Healthline
• MPR news

Many included blogs and posts on health websites which can count for a local level. I will use these websites in the future for my literature review on obesogens. 

M7.7 Blog about the agency's role

I took a look at the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the website had a lot of useful information in terms providing safety services for animals. There are a couple of acts that protect specific animals and emergency programs that help animals. There are vets on-call and resources you can use for pets or if you are an animal owner. Another great resource this website provides is a how-to traveling with your pet. The website also includes publications, forms, and guidelines to document. There focus is animal and plant health in the most human way.

I appreciated that they provided a way to protect animals and plants when exporting and importing them. There are Acts created that help us protect animals and plants and there are many labs that help us. There are also reporting that help us keep plants and animals safe in the environment. There is a tab on the civil rights for animals and plants as well that lay down the laws to prevent abuse.

I took a look at the US. Department of Energy website and it has tabs that are great resources. There are tabs that include science, innovation, and security and safety. I explored safe energy and energy economy tabs and they have great information on innovative ideas that help us practice safe energy that is good for the environment. There is also energy news that allow for the public to stay up to date with new ideas. 

M7.4 Blog about your local environmental services

The San Bernardino Health Department provides a variety of services in terms of environmental health managing, food handling, disease programs and profiles. The online website provides great tools to look for information with communicable diseases and food. It is a great resource to search for certain environmental issues and how you can help the city. I was surprise to find that food handling was on the website and information was provided how to determine the best way to handle food locally.

Another great tool on the website is a calendar of local events and certain things that the health department is involved. They provide for a schedule that allows the community to get involved which is a great resource to have. Another thing I found helpful was a list of environmental health emergencies. These emergencies are good to notify the public if anything dangerous happens in the city, we can be prepared. 

One thing I found interesting that they have started to incorporate social media in their usage of getting things out to the public. There is online payments you can make which is super useful as well. I would like more information on health services provided by the city. I would also like more organization of posts as well and a possible forum would be nice so we can submit questions and comments.

OBESOGENS

We have organic foods locally grown in my area and currently cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, and carrots. Those are the primary vegetables that are in season in my area. Seasonal and local foods and hospital menus are inconsistent and not reliable. Many hospitals use preserved food and food that is not always healthy for patients. Its sad to see when patients are fed foods that are not organic and healthy when they come to place to be provided honest and good care. Here is a Harvest Calendar for California and includes the best time to harvest certain fruits and vegetables.

Obesogens are genes that disrupt the normal development of lipid metabolism which can lead to obesity. A type of obesogen can soy. It is fed for livestock that is not grass fed, and in numerous packaged products. It can make you obese by causing chemical imbalances that can affect the development of lipid metabolism. Some problems with soy that have been documented before is that even GMO free can be an obesogen. Also, soy is common feed for livestock and it can mean that meat can contain more fat than grass fed livestock. Soy does also have high levels of phytoestrogens so it would not be smart to give soy formula to your baby.

M6.6 Blog: Use of Antibiotics

The first article, "Antibiotic Resistance 101," focuses on how the misuse of antibiotic in factory farms can make individuals sick. The CDC saw that at least 2 million Americans each year experience these infections and there are at least 23,000 deaths. Approximately, 22% of those infections originate from foodborne pathogens. Overall, the article recommends that Congress must pass an act that would pan non-therapeutic uses of antibiotics in livestock, the FDA should address improving data collection on the use of antibiotics and the development of antibiotic resistance, government agencies should collaborate to increase research, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture should train and assist livestock producers that are transitioning away from non-therapeutic antibiotic use. 

The second article, "Antimicrobials in Hospital Furnishings," focuses on the benefits, risks, tradeoffs, and cost implications of adding antimicrobials to furnishings are active areas of research. Also, these recommendations are based on the state of science. Healthcare providers must be aware of the microbes in hospital settings and how they can protect patients. The third article, "Scientists Discover That Antimicrobial Wipes and Soaps May Be Making You (and Society) Sick" focus on how we need to be more aggressive in hospital setting in terms of making sure soaps are clean. a lot of microbes live on soap and there is a potential for it to make us sick.

The last article focuses on the how nearby livestock may raise a 'superbug' risk. MRSA was found in increasing frequency in community-dwelling individuals with no known contact with livestock. The studies that need to be the primary focus is that the finding should investigate the relationship between intensive livestock operations in the U.S. and the exposures to drug-resistant microbes. There also needs to be a cause-and-effect relationship. 

M6.4 Blog: Industrial Farming

I was completely unaware that honeybees are disappearing every day. The documentary Vanishing of the Bees, investigates the economic, political, and ecological implications of the worldwide disappearance of the honeybee. The film focuses on our agricultural landscape and how there is a connection with man and the honeybee. I did not know the honeybee plays such a vital role in our ecosystem until after I watched the documentary. I was alarmed by the "Colony Collapse Disorder" and how it is tragic that bees are disappearing constantly. I appreciated that the documentary provided viewers with ways to help the bee population. The real question is if we listen and take the time to devote our time to save the honeybee.

There are factory farms in my area. The closet one is called Amy's Farm in Ontario, CA. It is actually a safe farm that provides humane care to animals. They provide fresh and environmentally safe food for the people of the city. They are a real, polycultural farm that focuses on sustainable, organic methods of farming. They also provide communities with fresh produce and educate their visitors on their non-profit work. It is great to see such an honest and good farm near me that provides for humane care for animals and other organisms.

I do not personally compost in my household. I was looking into composting a year ago back when I was very involved in my environmental community. I saw it as a healthy way to help the environment and attempt to do little things to helps the environment. We do have a bin that our gardeners use to compost. We have begun to compost beginning of this year since I involved my household in this. It is a great feeling knowing that we are helping the environment reduce chemicals in our soil by composting.