Final Blog and Reflections

This class was a wonderful experience. The modules that I would like to explicitly highlight are Modules 3.3, Module 6.4, and Module 11.5

Module 3.3
Environmental Justice is such an important issue, especially for public health professionals. Environmental Justice acknowledges the importance of health equity. Environmental justice addresses that environmental policies don't exclude or segregate any individuals, regardless of race, income, etc. Because my MPH concentration is in policy, this specific module was incredibly informative. Specifically, environmental justice addresses a population's social determinants of health. As a result, these unequal social determinants of health may result in the unequal implementation and enforcement of environmental laws within a given community.

Module 6.4
The industrial farming module was a highlight for my learning experience in this class. Specifically the documentary "Dirt! The Movie" was incredibly impactful in my environmental consciousness. It is important to take care of our soil for a healthy and sustainable biosphere. the section on the industrial farms of this module shows how the business of mass food production prioritizes profit at the expense of the environment.

Module 11.5 
This lecture opened my eyes to the meaning of a Zero Waste Lifestyle. For me, I have been making "baby steps" to eliminating all disposable waste. I have eliminated disposable plastics and k-cups from my lifestyle. Pre-packaged foods are hard to eliminate. I still have not had success making my own personal toiletries. I have attempted to make shampoo, but I extremely disliked the smell. This module taught me the importance of creativity of addressing environmental health issues at an individual, health behaviors, level.

I really enjoyed the small group blogging experience. It was really interesting to read my colleague's blogs throughout the semester. The only critique I have for this class is that we were unable to meet everyone in this class. Fortunately, I have had classes with Judy and Nica previously, so I am familiar with their wonderful work and their insightful perspectives on public health. Maybe monthly zoom sessions would be nice to network and communicate with other classmates as well.

Module 14.4 Think about it - Website Exploration

Using the Resilience Through Learning website (https://www.usuhs.edu/ncdmph-learn/KnowledgeLearning/2013-05Oklahoma.htm), I wanted to learn about the natural disaster of Tornadoes. Tornadoes are the most common natural disaster in my hometown of Lubbock, Texas.

Per year, approximately 1,200 tornadoes hit the U.S. Tornadoes primarily affect the central U.S. in the region known as Tornado Alley. The National Center for Disaster Medicine & Public Health (NCDMPH) provides many resources that helps individuals prepare and ready themselves for a natural disaster. A fantastic resource, I found one from this website is the extensive summary written by the Center of Disease Control (CDC). In the CDC website, they list excellent resources for what to do before, during, and after a tornado.

Below is a very handy infographic that cover the basics of how to stay prepared for a tornado.
CDC Infographic

A very important fact sheet I found on the NCDMPH website for public health professionals and healthcare providers refers to the importance of psychological first aid. For me, some major takeaways from this factsheet on what NOT to do are:
Don't  

• Force people to share stories with you
• Give simple reassurances like "everything will be OK" or "at least you survived"
• Tell people what you think they should be feeling thinking or doing now
• Make promises that may not be kept
• Criticize existing services or relief activities

In Lubbock, TX there are no such state services like for disaster healthcare volunteers. The closest thing would be volunteering for one of the local hospitals or non-profit, the most prominent related to public health is the Red Cross.

Sources:
https://www.usuhs.edu/ncdmph-learn/KnowledgeLearning/2013-05Oklahoma.htm
https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/tornadoes/index.html#injuries
https://www.cstsonline.org/assets/media/documents/CTC_psychological_first_aid.pdf

Module 12.9 Climate Change

The most frustrating part about climate change are the climate change deniers. This population turn a blind eye to science, or call global warming "fake." The indifference and denial of this population are frustrating. This population is adamant in their denial despite the overwhelming evidence countering their point. As a global population many sources, (Solomona, Plattnerb, Knuttic, and Friedlingsteind (2008); United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (2015)) site that climate change and carbon emissions are reaching irreversible levels. The immediacy of this action combined with a significant proportion of the global population who is unwilling to take action is a recipe for disaster.
In my opinion, the most immediate need for change in policy is related to carbon emissions. On the individual level, we can achieve this by not supporting industrial farming (specifically eating locally and organic) and driving less.
If I were to describe global warming, to a family member who did not know what climate change is,  I would describe it as the unnatural warming of our atmosphere due to many different factors. The major factors being the mass farming of animals for food and the release of carbon from cars and factories. These two industries are responsible for sending chemicals into the air that disrupt our atmosphere. The carbon dioxide is trapped in the atmosphere and traps additional heat. I would inform my family member that this warming results in the earth's natural systems being disturbed, (known as planetary destabilization). This will result in increased storm activities, changes in agriculture, increase drought, and increased sea levels. I would stress the importance and the immediacy of this problem. 

Module 11.5 Zero Waste Life

A Zero Waste Lifestyle is one where an individual limits as much as possible the amount of waste in one's day. This module was extremely informative about the problems associated with the mass disposal of waste. The "low hanging fruit" for most of the American Population, this translates to no disposable plastics and no plastic containers. To take it a step further, an individual can compost or even make their own products. I have already eliminated disposable plastics like plastic straws or disposable cups, but I need to take it a step further. After examining my trash, a majority of my waste comes from pre-packaged food items and bio-degradable items. I think this hardest part about eliminating pre-packaged foods are the meat items that I buy. I mainly buy organic and responsibly raised meat, but this is still packaged in some sort of plastic film. One substitute is to specifically go to an environmentally friendly butcher, and I bet it would taste amazing! One thing I find the most challenging is making my own personal toiletries. That is something I am definitely looking into. To start, here are a couple links showing how to make shampoo:

https://wellnessmama.com/3701/homemade-shampoo/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/63050463520223744/

Module 10.8 Asbestosis

Asbestosis (White Lung) is a lung disease resulting from the inhalation of asbestos fibers in the air. Asbestos is commonly used as insulation material for buildings. Therefore, occupations most associated with insulation, like contractors, are most at risk. Inhaled asbestos fibers and dust can get trapped in the lung which leads to damage and scarring within the lungs. The World Federation of Public Health Associations, the International Commission on Occupational Health, and the International Trade Union Confederation wanted a global ban on mining and use of asbestos products. They cite that more than 40 industrialized countries have banned asbestos and the most efficient way to eliminate asbestos-related diseases is through the elimination of the product from the market. In the United States, asbestos-containing products that are banned under the Toxic Substances Control Act are: corrugated paper, rollboard, commercial paper, specialty paper, and flooring felt. Banned Asbestos-containing uses are asbestos pipe insulation and asbestos block insulation on faulty components, such as boilers and hot water tanks; and spray-applied surfacing asbestos-containing materials. Unfortunately, there are still many asbestos-containing products that are not banned. Below is a list of said products:

Fortunately, in 2018, the EPA proposed a significant new use rule, that would prohibit these uses and products. The EPA is to ensure that the manufacture, import, or processing for the currently unregulated new uses of abestos identified in the rule are prohibited unless reviewed and approved by the EPA. It is great to hear that the use of Asbestos is currently being evaluated for today's use.

Module 10.5 National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

National Insitute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is a research agency focused on the study of worker safety and health, and empowering employers and workers to create safe and healthy workplaces. This organization is a part of the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It's vision is to have "Safer, Healthier Workers" and it's mission is to "develop new knowledge in the field of occupational safety and health and to transfer that knowledge into practice.
Specifically, I am blogging on the NIOSH program, Health Hazards Evaluations (HHEs). This program is to help employers and employees recognize and control health hazards in their workplace. The goals of this program is to provide authoritative assistance in evaluating new and recurring workplace health hazards and to raise awareness of recurring workplace health hazards and preventive measures based on health hazard evaluation findings. One great aspect of this program is that it offers occupational medicine residents an opportunity to engage in public health practice through a rotation program. This program allows Occupational medicine residents to have experience in various phases of worksite evaluations.

Module 10.2 MSDS and TOXNET of Hydrochloric Acid

In my old job as a Laboratory analyst , I was consistently in contact with Hydrochloric Acid. We used HCl for tests as well as acid washes of the shared glassware used around the laboratory.
Below is a Material Safety Data Sheet for Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)

http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9924285

The major health risks with HCl acid is that it is very hazardous in case of skin contact, eye contact, and ingestion. Particularly for skin contact, it is a corrosive, irritant, and permeator. It is slightly hazardous in case of inhalation. HCl is a classified 3 carcinogen (not classifiable for humans). It's mutagenic and teratogenic effects are also not available in the MSDS. Some PPE or special precautions that need to be taken are to wear goggles and gloves to reduce skin contact. When handling HCl, it is important to work behind a laboratory splash shield for prevention. When I was handling this chemical, I received training/education on the handling of acids and bases, as well as the risks. The training video strongly emphasized the dangers of skin contact with HCl. There were no discrepancies when comparing the MSDS to the ToxNet database.


The MSDS was an adequate tool for a worker to use to gain an understanding of the potential health risks and protection associated with HCl. The MSDS clearly and explicitly states the First Aid Measures. One thing I will critique is that the mutagenic effects, teratogenic effects, and developmental toxicity are unavailable.