Lecture 26 Evaluation of Hazards In a Community Flashcards
(18 cards)
What contaminants were found in the Shelly Ditch case study?
Lead (34–1600 ppm) and PCBs (0.2–384 ppm)
Why was Shelly Ditch a public health concern?
It was located in a residential neighborhood, close to an elementary school, posing a high risk of human exposure.
What are the environmental standards for soil in this case?
PCBs: 1 ppm (limit)
Lead: 200 ppm (limit)
What are four critical questions to ask in a chemical exposure assessment?
- Are environmental standards exceeded?
- Who could be exposed?
- Are immediate actions needed?
- Who needs to take these actions?
What activities were carried out to engage the community?
5 public meetings
School presentations
Meeting with Board of Realtors
Community census
Exposure investigation
Health professional training
Why is it important to consider population breakdown in exposure assessments?
Different demographics (like children) may have greater vulnerability and different exposure risks.
What are the 7 principles discussed in the lecture for working with exposed communities?
- Pay attention
- Teamwork
- Prepare
- It’s not about you
- Be mindful of your message
- Be aware of other agendas
- Know your mission
What is the critical tool associated with Principle #1, “Pay Attention”?
CARE — People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care (Theodore Roosevelt).
Why is perception vs. reality important in risk communication?
Misalignment can hinder public trust and reduce the effectiveness of health interventions.
Why are children considered the most sensitive population in environmental health?
They breathe more air, drink more water, and eat more food per pound of body weight.
They are more likely to ingest contaminants through hand-to-mouth behavior.
What federal agency was discussed as a key resource in this case study?
ATSDR – Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
What is ATSDR’s mission?
To use the best science, take responsive public health actions, and provide trusted health information to prevent harmful exposures.
Why is collaboration a critical tool in environmental health responses?
No single agency can address all community needs alone — teamwork is essential for effective action.
What does the principle “It’s not about you” refer to?
The focus should be on the community’s needs and not personal agendas or recognition.
Why must the health department lead messaging efforts?
To ensure accurate, consistent, and trusted information is delivered to the public.
Why are women of reproductive age (15–44 years old) considered a vulnerable population in environmental health assessments?
Because chemical exposures during this stage can affect both the woman’s health and fetal development, increasing the risk of adverse reproductive and developmental outcomes.
Why were dogs included in the Shelly Ditch exposure investigation?
Because dogs live close to the ground, may dig or roll in contaminated soil, and may ingest soil, making them both vulnerable to exposure and useful indicators of environmental contamination.
What fact sheets were created regarding pet exposure in the community?
Lead in Dogs
PCBs in Dogs
