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Earth Science
Table of Contents
Unit 10 Overview: Earth Science and Society
10.1 Earth Resources and Sustainability
10.2 Environmental Policies and Regulations
10.3 Geoscience Careers and Applications
10.4 Earth Science and Public Health
10.5 Earth Science and Technology

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10.4 Earth Science and Public Health

Citation:

Earth science and public health are deeply intertwined. Natural processes like earthquakes and climate change can significantly impact human well-being. Understanding these connections helps us develop strategies to protect communities from environmental hazards and health risks.

Earth scientists play a crucial role in safeguarding public health. They help identify clean water sources, monitor air quality, and create early warning systems for natural disasters. This knowledge is essential for developing policies and interventions that promote healthier, safer living environments.

Earth Science and Public Health

Connections between Earth Science and Public Health

  • Earth science plays a crucial role in understanding and addressing public health issues by studying the interactions between the Earth's systems and human activities
  • Geologic processes (volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, landslides) can have significant impacts on human health and well-being
    • Injuries, fatalities, and the spread of diseases
  • Climate change, influenced by Earth's systems and human activities, can affect public health
    • Extreme weather events, heat waves, and the spread of vector-borne diseases (malaria, dengue fever)
  • Earth science helps identify and assess environmental health hazards
    • Air and water pollution, soil contamination, and exposure to toxic substances (lead, mercury) can have detrimental effects on human health
  • Understanding the Earth's systems and processes is essential for developing strategies to mitigate public health risks
    • Early warning systems for natural hazards, environmental monitoring, and land-use planning

Role of Earth Science in Mitigating Health Risks

  • Earth science research helps identify areas at high risk for natural hazards
    • Enables the development of risk assessment models and hazard maps to guide land-use planning and emergency preparedness efforts
  • Monitoring and early warning systems allow for timely evacuation and emergency response, reducing the potential for injuries and fatalities
    • Seismic networks, volcanic observatories, and weather forecasting
  • Earth science informs the design and construction of resilient infrastructure to minimize the impact of natural hazards on human health and safety
    • Earthquake-resistant buildings, flood control measures (levees, dams), and wildfire-resistant landscaping
  • Collaboration between Earth scientists and public health professionals facilitates the development of evidence-based policies and interventions
    • Mitigates health risks associated with natural hazards and environmental factors

Natural Hazards and Human Health

Direct Impacts of Natural Hazards on Human Health

  • Natural hazards (earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, landslides) can cause direct injuries and fatalities
    • Force of the event and the destruction of infrastructure
  • Floods and hurricanes can lead to drowning, physical trauma, and the spread of waterborne diseases
    • Contaminated water sources and compromised sanitation systems
  • Wildfires can cause burns, respiratory issues from smoke inhalation, and mental health problems
    • Displacement and loss of property
  • Droughts can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, and the spread of communicable diseases
    • Limited access to clean water and food sources

Indirect Health Consequences of Natural Disasters

  • Natural disasters can disrupt healthcare systems, making it difficult for affected populations to access medical care and essential medications
    • Exacerbates existing health conditions and increases the risk of disease outbreaks
  • The mental health impacts of natural disasters can be long-lasting and require ongoing support and treatment
    • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression
  • Displacement and loss of homes can lead to overcrowding in shelters or refugee camps
    • Increases the risk of infectious disease transmission (cholera, measles)
  • Damage to critical infrastructure (power grids, water treatment plants) can compromise public health and safety
    • Lack of access to clean water, proper sanitation, and safe food storage

Earth Science for Health Risks

Identifying and Protecting Clean Water Sources

  • Earth science plays a critical role in identifying, assessing, and protecting sources of clean water
    • Aquifers, rivers, and lakes are essential for human health and well-being
  • Hydrogeologic studies help understand the movement, storage, and quality of groundwater resources
    • Informs the sustainable management of water supplies and the prevention of contamination
  • Earth science research contributes to the development of water treatment technologies and infrastructure
    • Ensures the delivery of safe drinking water to communities
  • Geologic and geochemical studies help identify and mitigate sources of water pollution
    • Industrial contaminants, agricultural runoff (pesticides, fertilizers), and naturally occurring toxins (arsenic) can impact water quality and public health

Monitoring and Managing Air Quality

  • Earth science informs air quality monitoring and management by studying the sources, transport, and fate of air pollutants
    • Particulate matter, ozone, and toxic gases (sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides)
  • Atmospheric research helps understand the factors influencing air quality
    • Meteorological conditions, emissions from human activities (transportation, industry), and natural sources (wildfires, dust storms)
  • Earth science research guides the development of air quality regulations and pollution control strategies
    • Emission standards, clean fuel requirements, and land-use planning to reduce air pollution exposure
  • Earth science contributes to the development of clean energy technologies
    • Geothermal, solar, and wind power can help reduce air pollution and improve public health outcomes by replacing fossil fuel combustion

Earth Science for Clean Water and Air

Water Resource Management and Protection

  • Earth science informs the sustainable management of water resources to ensure long-term availability and quality
    • Groundwater recharge, surface water-groundwater interactions, and water budgets
  • Geologic mapping and characterization of aquifers help identify and protect critical water sources
    • Delineation of recharge areas, assessment of aquifer vulnerability, and establishment of wellhead protection zones
  • Earth science contributes to the development of water conservation strategies and technologies
    • Efficient irrigation practices, water recycling and reuse, and stormwater management (permeable pavements, green roofs)
  • Geochemical and isotopic studies help trace the origin and fate of water contaminants
    • Identifies pollution sources and informs remediation strategies to restore water quality

Earth Science-Based Solutions for Air Quality Improvement

  • Earth science research informs the development of urban planning and green infrastructure strategies to reduce air pollution
    • Urban forests, green spaces, and vegetation barriers can absorb pollutants and improve air quality
  • Geospatial analysis and modeling help identify air pollution hotspots and optimize the placement of monitoring stations
    • Enables targeted interventions and public health advisories for vulnerable populations (children, elderly, individuals with respiratory conditions)
  • Earth science contributes to the development of advanced air filtration and purification technologies
    • Activated carbon filters, photocatalytic materials, and biofilters can remove pollutants from indoor and outdoor air
  • Collaboration between Earth scientists and public health professionals helps develop educational campaigns and behavioral interventions
    • Promotes individual actions to reduce air pollution (using public transportation, adopting clean cooking methods) and minimize exposure to polluted air

Key Terms to Review (18)

Public awareness campaigns: Public awareness campaigns are organized efforts aimed at raising awareness and informing the public about specific issues, often related to health, safety, or environmental concerns. These campaigns utilize various communication methods to educate and motivate individuals to take action or change behaviors that can positively impact their health and the community at large.
Risk communication: Risk communication is the process of conveying information about potential hazards and risks to the public in a clear and effective manner. This involves providing accurate data, potential consequences, and guidance on how to mitigate those risks, enabling individuals and communities to make informed decisions regarding their health and safety.
Climate change adaptation: Climate change adaptation refers to the process of adjusting social, economic, and environmental practices to minimize the negative impacts of climate change and to take advantage of any potential benefits. This involves changes in policies, infrastructure, and community practices to enhance resilience against climate-related hazards, ensuring that communities can cope with the effects of a changing climate.
Ecosystem resilience: Ecosystem resilience refers to the ability of an ecosystem to absorb disturbances and still maintain its essential structure, processes, and functions. This characteristic allows ecosystems to recover from various stressors, such as climate change, pollution, or invasive species, while continuing to provide essential services such as clean water, food production, and habitat for wildlife. Resilient ecosystems can adapt to changes and help mitigate the impacts of environmental stressors on both ecological and human communities.
John Snow: John Snow was a pioneering English physician and a key figure in the development of modern epidemiology, particularly known for his work during the cholera outbreak in London in 1854. He is often referred to as the 'father of epidemiology' due to his innovative use of mapping and statistical analysis to identify the source of disease outbreaks, which connected public health to environmental science.
Safe Drinking Water Act: The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is a federal law enacted in 1974 aimed at ensuring the quality of Americans' drinking water by setting standards for water contaminants. It establishes regulations for public water systems to protect human health and the environment by regulating the levels of various pollutants and ensuring safe drinking water access.
Environmental Health: Environmental health refers to the branch of public health that focuses on the relationships between people and their environment, promoting human health through the prevention and control of environmental hazards. This includes studying how factors like air and water quality, waste management, and exposure to toxic substances affect health outcomes. Understanding environmental health is crucial for developing policies and practices that protect communities from potential health risks arising from environmental factors.
Vector-borne diseases: Vector-borne diseases are illnesses caused by pathogens and parasites that are transmitted to humans through vectors, typically arthropods such as mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. These diseases highlight the interconnectedness between environmental conditions and public health, as factors like climate change and land use can influence vector populations and disease transmission patterns.
Epidemiology: Epidemiology is the study of how diseases affect the health and illness of populations. It focuses on understanding the patterns, causes, and effects of health conditions in defined groups, helping to identify risk factors and inform public health decisions. By analyzing data from various sources, epidemiologists play a critical role in controlling outbreaks and improving health outcomes through preventive measures and policy recommendations.
Community resilience: Community resilience refers to the ability of a community to prepare for, respond to, and recover from adverse events, such as natural disasters, public health crises, or economic shocks. It encompasses the strengths and resources a community can mobilize to withstand challenges and adapt to changes, thereby maintaining its functionality and well-being. The concept is intertwined with social cohesion, resource availability, and effective communication within the community.
Water contamination: Water contamination is the introduction of harmful substances into water bodies, making the water unsafe for consumption and detrimental to ecosystems. This issue arises from various sources, including industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, and sewage pollution, significantly affecting public health and the environment. Understanding water contamination is vital as it connects to broader discussions about resource management, sustainability, and health risks associated with polluted water supplies.
Sustainability: Sustainability refers to the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This concept emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between environmental health, economic viability, and social equity, ensuring that resources are used wisely and responsibly over time.
Clean Air Act: The Clean Air Act is a comprehensive federal law enacted in 1970 aimed at regulating air emissions from stationary and mobile sources to ensure that air quality meets health-based standards. This legislation is pivotal in addressing air pollution caused by fossil fuel combustion and industrial activities, contributing to sustainable practices and public health improvements.
Air Pollution: Air pollution refers to the presence of harmful substances in the atmosphere, which can have detrimental effects on human health, ecosystems, and the environment. It encompasses a variety of pollutants, including particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds. Understanding air pollution is crucial as it influences weather patterns, impacts biodiversity, and poses significant public health risks.
Biomagnification: Biomagnification refers to the process by which certain harmful substances, such as heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants, become more concentrated as they move up the food chain. As smaller organisms absorb these substances, predators that consume them accumulate even higher concentrations, leading to potentially toxic levels in top predators, including humans. This phenomenon highlights the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the potential for pollutants to have far-reaching effects on both wildlife and human health.
Rachel Carson: Rachel Carson was an American marine biologist, conservationist, and author who is credited with advancing the global environmental movement through her groundbreaking book 'Silent Spring'. Her work highlighted the dangers of pesticide use and its detrimental impact on ecosystems, particularly marine life, influencing policies and raising awareness about biodiversity conservation, environmental regulations, and public health issues related to environmental degradation.
Deforestation: Deforestation is the process of clearing or removing forests or trees from land, often for agricultural, urban development, or logging purposes. This significant environmental issue leads to habitat loss, decreased biodiversity, and disruptions in ecological balance, affecting various aspects of the environment.
Urbanization: Urbanization is the process by which an increasing percentage of a population comes to live in urban areas, resulting in the growth of cities and towns. This phenomenon often leads to changes in land use, economic activities, and social dynamics as people migrate from rural regions to urban centers in search of better opportunities. The effects of urbanization can have significant implications on environmental factors such as water management during floods and droughts, the health of ecosystems, and public health challenges due to increased pollution and density.