Climate Change, Indoor Air Quality and Health
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Trans-Boundary Haze Pollution in Southeast Asia: Sustainability Through Plural Environmental Governance
sustainability Article Trans-Boundary Haze Pollution in Southeast Asia: Sustainability through Plural Environmental Governance Md Saidul Islam 1,*, Yap Hui Pei 2 and Shrutika Mangharam 1 1 Division of Sociology, Nanyang Technological University, 14 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637332; [email protected] 2 Division of Psychology, Nanyang Technological University, 14 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637332; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +65-6592-1519 Academic Editor: Marc A. Rosen Received: 29 February 2016; Accepted: 13 May 2016; Published: 21 May 2016 Abstract: Recurrent haze in Southeast Asian countries including Singapore is largely attributable to rampant forest fires in Indonesia due to, for example, extensive slash-and-burn (S & B) culture. Drawing on the “treadmill of production” and environmental governance approach, we examine causes and consequences of this culture. We found that, despite some perceived benefits, its environmental consequences include deforestation, soil erosion and degradation, global warming, threats to biodiversity, and trans-boundary haze pollution, while the societal consequences comprise regional tension, health risks, economic and productivity losses, as well as food insecurity. We propose sustainability through a plural coexistence framework of governance for targeting S & B that incorporates strategies of incentives, education and community resource management. Keywords: slash-and-burn; environmental governance; haze; Indonesia; plural coexistence; global warming; Singapore 1. Introduction The world’s rapidly growing population has been a long-standing cause of concern amongst both economists and environmentalists alike. There is an increasing demand for agricultural and urban spaces to sustain the ever-multiplying demographics. However, due to limited availability of space, the trend of clearing forests to make way for cultivable land has been gaining popularity [1]. -
Environmental Health Playbook: Investing in a Robust Environmental Health System Executive Summary
Environmental Health Playbook: Investing in a Robust Environmental Health System Executive Summary Background and Need for Action Environmental Health is the branch of public health that focuses on the interrelationships between people and their environment, promotes human health and well-being, and fosters healthy and safe communities. As a fundamental component of a comprehensive public health system, environmental health works to advance policies and programs to reduce chemical and other environmental exposures in air, water, soil, and food to protect residents and provide communities with healthier environments. Environmental health protects the public by tracking environmental exposures in communities across the United States and potential links with disease outcomes. To achieve a healthy community, homes should be safe, affordable, and healthy places for families to gather. Workplaces, schools, and child care centers should be free of exposures that negatively impact the health of workers or children. Nutritious, affordable foods should be safe for all community members. Access to safe and affordable multimodal transportation options, including biking and public transit, improves the environment and drives down obesity and other chronic illnesses. Outdoor and indoor air quality in all communities should be healthy and safe to breathe for everyone. Children and adults alike should have access to safe and clean public spaces, such as parks. When a disaster strikes, a community needs to be prepared; it should have the tools and resources to be resilient against physical (infrastructure and human) and emotional damage. All these activities require the participation of federal, state, local, and tribal governments. Building a Robust Environmental Health System Investing in essential governmental environmental health services through dedicated resources will create an effective environmental health system that proactively protects communities and helps everyone attain good health. -
The Connection Between Indoor Air Quality and Mental Health Outcomes
Air Force Institute of Technology AFIT Scholar Theses and Dissertations Student Graduate Works 3-2020 The Connection between Indoor Air Quality and Mental Health Outcomes William L. Taylor Follow this and additional works at: https://scholar.afit.edu/etd Part of the Environmental Health Commons Recommended Citation Taylor, William L., "The Connection between Indoor Air Quality and Mental Health Outcomes" (2020). Theses and Dissertations. 3259. https://scholar.afit.edu/etd/3259 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Student Graduate Works at AFIT Scholar. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of AFIT Scholar. For more information, please contact [email protected]. THE CONNECTION BETWEEN INDOOR AIR QUALITY AND MENTAL HEALTH OUTCOMES THESIS William L. Taylor, Captain, USAF AFIT-ENV-MS-20-M-246 DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE AIR UNIVERSITY AIR FORCE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A. APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE; DISTRIBUTION UNLIMITED. The views expressed in this thesis are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the United States Air Force, Department of Defense, or the United States Government. This material is declared a work of the U.S. Government and is not subject to copyright protection in the United States. AFIT-ENV-MS-20-M-246 THE CONNECTION BETWEEN INDOOR AIR QUALITY AND MENTAL HEALTH OUTCOMES THESIS Presented to the Faculty Department of Systems Engineering and Management Graduate School of Engineering and Management Air Force Institute of Technology Air University Air Education and Training Command In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Engineering Management William L. -
Acute Health Impacts of the Southeast Asian Transboundary Haze Problem—A Review
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Review Acute Health Impacts of the Southeast Asian Transboundary Haze Problem—A Review Kang Hao Cheong 1,* , Nicholas Jinghao Ngiam 2 , Geoffrey G. Morgan 3, Pin Pin Pek 4,5, Benjamin Yong-Qiang Tan 2, Joel Weijia Lai 1, Jin Ming Koh 1, Marcus Eng Hock Ong 4,5 and Andrew Fu Wah Ho 6,7,8 1 Science and Math Cluster, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore 487372, Singapore 2 Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore 119074, Singapore 3 School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia 4 Department of Emergency Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169608, Singapore 5 Health Services & Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore 6 SingHealth Duke-NUS Emergency Medicine Academic Clinical Programme, Singapore 169857, Singapore 7 National Heart Research Institute Singapore, National Heart Centre, Singapore 169609, Singapore 8 Cardiovascular & Metabolic Disorders Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore * Correspondence: [email protected] Received: 20 August 2019; Accepted: 29 August 2019; Published: 6 September 2019 Abstract: Air pollution has emerged as one of the world’s largest environmental health threats, with various studies demonstrating associations between exposure to air pollution and respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Regional air quality in Southeast Asia has been seasonally affected by the transboundary haze problem, which has often been the result of forest fires from “slash-and-burn” farming methods. In light of growing public health concerns, recent studies have begun to examine the health effects of this seasonal haze problem in Southeast Asia. -
WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality : Selected Pollutants
WHO GUIDELINES FOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY WHO GUIDELINES FOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY: WHO GUIDELINES FOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY: This book presents WHO guidelines for the protection of pub- lic health from risks due to a number of chemicals commonly present in indoor air. The substances considered in this review, i.e. benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, naphthalene, nitrogen dioxide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (especially benzo[a]pyrene), radon, trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethyl- ene, have indoor sources, are known in respect of their hazard- ousness to health and are often found indoors in concentrations of health concern. The guidelines are targeted at public health professionals involved in preventing health risks of environmen- SELECTED CHEMICALS SELECTED tal exposures, as well as specialists and authorities involved in the design and use of buildings, indoor materials and products. POLLUTANTS They provide a scientific basis for legally enforceable standards. World Health Organization Regional Offi ce for Europe Scherfi gsvej 8, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark Tel.: +45 39 17 17 17. Fax: +45 39 17 18 18 E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.euro.who.int WHO guidelines for indoor air quality: selected pollutants The WHO European Centre for Environment and Health, Bonn Office, WHO Regional Office for Europe coordinated the development of these WHO guidelines. Keywords AIR POLLUTION, INDOOR - prevention and control AIR POLLUTANTS - adverse effects ORGANIC CHEMICALS ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE - adverse effects GUIDELINES ISBN 978 92 890 0213 4 Address requests for publications of the WHO Regional Office for Europe to: Publications WHO Regional Office for Europe Scherfigsvej 8 DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark Alternatively, complete an online request form for documentation, health information, or for per- mission to quote or translate, on the Regional Office web site (http://www.euro.who.int/pubrequest). -
The Criteria Pollutants & a Closer Look at Ozone
Module 1: Activity 4 The Criteria Pollutants & a Closer Look at Ozone SUMMARY Students will be introduced to the criteria pollutants and will work in groups to make cartoon booklets demonstrating the formation of ground-level ozone and the destruction of stratospheric ozone. ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS • What are criteria pollutants and why are they of concern? • What’s the difference between stratospheric ozone and ground-level ozone? • Why do we sometimes have too much ozone in the troposphere and not enough in the stratosphere? • How do these problems affect human health? TIME NEEDED Highly variable. It’s possible to complete this activity in one block period if you just use the background information provided and have students create a comic strip individually. However if you want to give students more time to produce creative products, allow two full days to work on the project in groups, and 30 minutes to present projects in class. 2012 North Carolina ESSENTIAL STANDARDS FOR EARTH/ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE • EEn.2.5.1 Summarize the structure and composition of our atmosphere. • EEn.2.5.5 Explain how human activities affect air quality. • EEn.2.7.3 Explain how human activities impact the biosphere. A product of the NC Air Awareness Program 2014. Available for re-distribution with permission. [email protected] www.itsourair.org The Criteria Pollutants & Module 1: a Closer Look at Ozone Activity 4 (usually over 75° F). NOX comes from burning fuels. VOCs are MAKING chemicals containing carbon that evaporate easily – which usually means they are smelly. Sources of VOCs include CONNECTIONS cleaning chemicals, solvents, paints, unburned gasoline, hog In this activity, students will be learning about ozone waste lagoons, and natural sources such as trees. -
Smoke Episodes and Assessment of Health Impacts Related to Haze from Forest Fires: Indonesian Experience
Health Guidelines for Vegetation Fire Events, Lima, Peru, 6-9 October 1998. Background papers © WHO, 1999 SMOKE EPISODES AND ASSESSMENT OF HEALTH IMPACTS RELATED TO HAZE FROM FOREST FIRES: INDONESIAN EXPERIENCE Yudanarso Dawud The Indonesian Association of Pulmonologists Persahabatan Hospital Jalan Raya Persahabatan Jakarta Timur 13230 Indonesia INTRODUCTION Uncontrolled forest fire in Indonesia has caused smoke pollution in the country as well as other countries in this particular part of the world. The haze episodes in the Southeast Asian region constituted a substantial health risk to the public in 1997 and early 1998 This was evidenced by widespread increases of health-related ambient air quality standards and guidelines for particulate matter. In 1997, in relation to clinical indicators of health, this risk was reflected in increased respiratory-related hospital visits in the most heavily impacted areas during the peak period of the haze. Forest fires have been occuring almost yearly, especially during the dry season, at certain locations in Indonesia including Kalimantan, Sumatera, Java, Sulawesi, Maluku and Irian Jaya. From July to the beginning of October 1997, smoke haze from uncontrolled forest fires had spread throughout some neighbouring countries such as Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Southern Philippines, Singapore and Southern Thailand. The Coordinator Minister of Social Welfare of Indonesia declared these uncontrolled forest fires, especially in Sumatera and Kalimantan, as national disaster. 313 Health Guidelines for Vegetation Fire Events, Lima, Peru, 6-9 October 1998. Background papers © WHO, 1999 In a WHO meeting on the health impacts of haze in June 1998, it was mentioned that the severity and extent of the smoke haze pollution were unprecedented, affecting an area with a population of 300 million people across the region. -
Environmental Health Sciences 1 Environmental Health Sciences
Environmental Health Sciences 1 Environmental Health Sciences EHS 500a or b, Independent Study in Environmental Health Sciences Nicole Deziel Independent study on a specific research topic agreed upon by both faculty and M.P.H. student. Research projects may be “dry” (i.e., statistical or epidemiologic analysis) or “wet” (i.e., laboratory analyses). The student meets with the EHS faculty member at the beginning of the term to discuss goals and expectations and to develop a syllabus. The student becomes familiar with the research models, approaches, and methods utilized by the faculty. The student is expected to spend at least ten hours per week working on their project and to produce a culminating paper at the end of the term. EHS 502a / CDE 502a, Physiology for Public Health Catherine Yeckel The objective of this course is to build a comprehensive working knowledge base for each of the primary physiologic systems that respond to acute and chronic environmental stressors, as well as chronic disease states. The course follows the general framework: (1) examine the structural and functional characteristics of given physiological system; (2) explore how both structure and function (within and between physiological systems) work to promote health; (3) explore how necessary features of each system (or integrated systems) are points of vulnerability that can lead to dysfunction and disease. In addition, this course offers the opportunity to examine each physiological system with respect to influences key to public health interest, e.g., age, race/ethnicity, environmental exposures, chronic disease, microbial disease, and lifestyle, including the protection afforded by healthy lifestyle factors. -
Environmental Medicine
O.A. CHERKASOVA N.I.MIKLIS ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE Vitebsk, 2017 MINISTRY OF HEALTH CARE OF THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS VITEBSK STATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY THE GENERAL HYGIENE AND ECOLOGY DEPARTMENT O.A.CHERKASOVA N.I. MIKLIS ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE Recommended by Educational and methodical association on high medical and pharmaceutical education of the Republic of Belarus as tutorial for the students of high educational establishments on the specialty 1-79 01 01 «General medicine» Vitebsk, 2017 УДК 61+574]=111(07) ББК 51.201я73 C 51 Reviewed by: V.N.Bortnovsky, Неаd of the Dpt of general hygiene and ecology with studying of radiation medicine, MС, Ass. Prof., Gomel State Medical University; M.A.Shcherbakova, MС, Ass. Prof. of Anatomy and Physiology Dpt, Vitebsk State University of P.M. Masherov. Cherkasova, O.A. C 51 Environmental medicine: Tutorial / O.A. Cherkasova, N.I. Miklis – Vitebsk: VSMU, 2017. – 221 p. ISBN 978-985-466-792-8 The content of the tutorial « Environmental medicine» for students of high medical educational establishments corresponds with the basic educational plan and program, proved by Ministry of Health Care of the Republic of Belarus. The tutorial is prepared for students of medical, pharmaceutical, stomatological, medical-preventive, medical-diagnostic faculties of institutes of higher education. It is confirmed and recommended to the edition by the Central training-methodical Council of the VSMU, th, March, report № . УДК 61+574]=111(07) ББК 51.201я73 © O.A. Cherkasova, N.I. Miklis, 2017 © Vitebsk State Medical University, 2017 ISBN 978-985-466-792-8 Preface Environmental medicine is an interdisciplinary field. Because environ- mental disharmonies occur as a result of the interaction between humans and the natural world, we must include both when seeking solutions to environ- mental problems. -
Abc of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
ABC OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL This ABC covers all the major areas of occupational and environmental ABC medicine that the non-specialist will want to know about. It updates the OF material in ABC of W ork Related Disorders and most of the chapters have been rewritten and expanded. New information is provided on a range of environmental issues, yet the book maintains its practical approach, giving guidance on the diagnosis and day to day management of the main occupational disorders. OCCUPATIONAL AND Contents include ¥ Hazards of work ¥ Occupational health practice and investigating the workplace ENVIRONMENTAL ¥ Legal aspects and fitness for work ¥ Musculoskeletal disorders AL MEDICINE ¥ Psychological factors ¥ Human factors ¥ Physical agents MEDICINE ¥ Infectious and respiratory diseases ¥ Cancers and skin disease ¥ Genetics and reproduction Ð SECOND EDITION ¥ Global issues and pollution SECOND EDITION ¥ New occupational and environmental diseases Written by leading specialists in the field, this ABC is a valuable reference for students of occupational and environmental medicine, general practitioners, and others who want to know more about this increasingly important subject. Related titles from BMJ Books ABC of Allergies ABC of Dermatology Epidemiology of Work Related Diseases General medicine Snashall and Patel www.bmjbooks.com Edited by David Snashall and Dipti Patel SNAS-FM.qxd 6/28/03 11:38 AM Page i ABC OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE Second Edition SNAS-FM.qxd 6/28/03 11:38 AM Page ii SNAS-FM.qxd 6/28/03 11:38 AM Page iii ABC OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE Second Edition Edited by DAVID SNASHALL Head of Occupational Health Services, Guy’s and St Thomas’s Hospital NHS Trust, London Chief Medical Adviser, Health and Safety Executive, London DIPTI PATEL Consultant Occupational Physician, British Broadcasting Corporation, London SNAS-FM.qxd 6/28/03 11:38 AM Page iv © BMJ Publishing Group 1997, 2003 All rights reserved. -
PREVENTING DISEASE THROUGH HEALTHY ENVIRONMENTS This Report Summarizes the Results Globally, by 14 Regions Worldwide, and Separately for Children
How much disease could be prevented through better management of our environment? The environment influences our health in many ways — through exposures to physical, chemical and biological risk factors, and through related changes in our behaviour in response to those factors. To answer this question, the available scientific evidence was summarized and more than 100 experts were consulted for their estimates of how much environmental risk factors contribute to the disease burden of 85 diseases. PREVENTING DISEASE THROUGH HEALTHY ENVIRONMENTS This report summarizes the results globally, by 14 regions worldwide, and separately for children. Towards an estimate of the environmental burden of disease The evidence shows that environmental risk factors play a role in more than 80% of the diseases regularly reported by the World Health Organization. Globally, nearly one quarter of all deaths and of the total disease burden can be attributed to the environment. In children, however, environmental risk factors can account for slightly more than one-third of the disease burden. These findings have important policy implications, because the environmental risk factors that were studied largely can be modified by established, cost-effective interventions. The interventions promote equity by benefiting everyone in the society, while addressing the needs of those most at risk. ISBN 92 4 159382 2 PREVENTING DISEASE THROUGH HEALTHY ENVIRONMENTS - Towards an estimate of the environmental burden of disease ENVIRONMENTS - Towards PREVENTING DISEASE THROUGH HEALTHY WHO PREVENTING DISEASE THROUGH HEALTHY ENVIRONMENTS Towards an estimate of the environmental burden of disease A. Prüss-Üstün and C. Corvalán WHO Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data Prüss-Üstün, Annette. -
Focus on Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
The information presented here reflects EPA's modeling of the Clear Skies Act of 2002. The Agency is in the process of updating this information to reflect modifications included in the Clear Skies Act of 2003. The revised information will be posted on the Agency's Clear Skies Web site (www.epa.gov/clearskies) as soon as possible. Overview of the Human Health and Environmental Effects of Power Generation: Focus on Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen Oxides (NOX) and Mercury (Hg) June 2002 Contents The Clear Skies Initiative is intended to reduce the health and environmental impacts of power generation. This document briefly summarizes the health and environmental effects of power generation, specifically those associated with sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOX), and mercury (Hg). This document does not address the specific impacts of the Clear Skies Initiative. • Overview -- Emissions and transport • Fine Particles • Ozone (Smog) • Visibility • Acid Rain • Nitrogen Deposition • Mercury Photo Credits: 1: USDA; EPA; EPA; VTWeb.com 2: NADP 6: EPA 7: ?? 10: EPA 2 Electric Power Generation: Major Source of Emissions 2000 Sulfur Dioxide 2000 Nitrogen Oxides 1999 Mercury Fuel Combustion- Industrial Processing electric utilities Transportation Other stationary combustion * Miscellaneous * Other stationary combustion includes residential and commercial sources. • Power generation continues to be an important source of these major pollutants. • Power generation contributes 63% of SO2, 22% of NOX, and 37% of man-made mercury to the environment. 3 Overview of SO2, NOX, and Mercury Emissions, Transport, and Transformation • When emitted into the atmosphere, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and mercury undergo chemical reactions to form compounds that can travel long distances.