Chapter 8 Flashcards
(31 cards)
Silent Spring (Rachel Carson, 1962)
Groundbreaking book which raised concerns about chemicals used for pesticides and herbicides
Specific industrial developments that have impacted health
- Petrochemical industry
- Nuclear industry
- Hydroelectricity & Wind energy industry
Petrochemical Industry
- Manufactures synthetic products using raw materials, such as crude oil (petroleum) & gas
- Carson believed that immense amounts of carcinogens are produced from these industries, which end up throughout the environment
Petrochemical Industry (Air Pollution)
- Smog resulting from chemical reaction of pollutants from industrial plants & vehicle emissions with sunlight & stagnant air
- Causes respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, allergies & neurological effects
- Negatively effects ozone layer, which can lead to increases in rates of skin cancer, cataracts, immunosuppressant diseases & premature aging
- Requires people to utilize health care services & medications to greater extent
Ozone Layer (2014)
Showed some recovery of the ozone layer but still efforts needed to stop depletion
Petrochemical Industry (Land Pollution)
Agricultural Pesticides: increase crop production, are cost effective, decrease soil loss & produce consistent crops
*Have been used for over 100 years and previously believed to be harmless
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
Long-lasting & spread through soil, water & air; accumulate in fatty tissue of humans, fish, birds etc.
- Linked to cancer, nervous & reproductive disorders & birth defects
- Can migrate with animals and air
Endocrine Disruptors
Enhance or block production of certain hormones in body
The Case of Potato Farming in PEI
- Very high levels of pesticide used in this area because of humid conditions & risk for fungus
- Up to 20 doses of chemical sprays each growing season
- Environmental protection laws may not be enforced or big enough threat to ensure run-off from crops does not end up in rivers
- Farmers feel they have no choice because consumers want “perfect” fruits and veggies
PEI (Petrochemical Consequences)
- High rates of some cancers in farmers & in rural areas
- Government & Dept. of health denies rates of cancer are different than elsewhere
The Nuclear Industry
- Health effects of mining uranium, radiation & nuclear power plants
- Lung cancer occurs among mine workers
- Birth defects & stillbirths in communities near mines, although exact link not established
- Ingestion of uranium is dangerous as are nuclear accidents
- Nuclear accidents have short & long term effects
Chernobyl, Ukraine (1986)
Exposure to radiation has caused thyroid cancer & contaminated land, in addition to lasting effect
Hydroelectricity
*While some types of energy are deemed to be healthier than others, it is important to be critical of significant industrial changes to the lang
Hydroelecticity (Happy Valley/Goose Bay/Labrador)
- significant concerns arose over the Muskrat Falls hydroelectricity facility
- hydroelectricity dam is affecting the river & area
- Impact on water & lake will impact fish & other parts of the food chain
The Labrador Lang Protectors
Recognize importance of the land to Indigenous conceptions of health
- Food source is being compromised contributing to food insecurity, as well as disruption to access to river & traditional way of life
- Concern over lack of consultation & silencing by Government, feeling ignored by corporate interests & powerless to protect health & well-being
- Linked to a form of colonialism in which culture is being displaced & paternalistic policies enforced
Wind Energy Industry
- Wind farms that are in close proximity to people’s homes cause significant health effects
- Low level frequency causes headaches, nausea, dizziness etc
- Audible noise causes sleep disruptions, which has further ill effects
- Some doctors & researchers have labelled this condition (Wauhab or Wind Farm Syndrome)
Silence on Environmental Issues (Carson 1962)
Believed that silence on environmental issues & pollution can benefit industry, rather than populations
*While there is greater awareness & attention at the present, there remains silence on many issues related to the environment
2 main reasons for silence on environmental issues (Carson 1962)
- Environmental debates at the governmental level happen outside of the public realm
- Many scientists are pressured to avoid sharing research findings that can negatively affect industry
Environmental Racism
Common reality that disadvantaged communities are disproportionately exposed to environmental health factors & disasters brought about by government &/or industrial policies
Disadvantages Communities face (Environmental Racism)
- higher risk of being exposed to environmental toxins
2. Disproportionate rates of illness due to lack of choice in terms of where marginalized groups live and work
Agribusiness
Farming today is part of an integrated larger system that not only includes produce growers but also suppliers, distributors and food manufacturers
Manufacturers of Illness
Corporations who not only manufacture material goods and services. Their products can also produce illness and death
McDonaldization
The standardization of social life by rules and regulations such as increased monitoring and evaluation of individual performance, akin to the uniformity and control measures used by fast-food chains. These principles are now applied to other sectors, both locally and globally
Morbidity
Rates of illness
