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OBJECTIVES: At the end of this session the learners will able to

Define Environment Discus components of Environmental Describe Environmental Issues in the global Discuss water pollution, air pollution Know about Source of air pollution and effects of air pollution Know about Environment health Issues in Pakistan Discuss about hospital waste management

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ENVIRONMENT: The term environment implies all the external factors living and nonliving, material and nonmaterial which surround man. In its modern concept, environment includes not only water, air and soil that form our environment but also the social and economic conditions under we live. Environment has been divided into three components 1: Physical: Water, air, housing, wastes, radiation, etc. 2: Biologic: Plant and animal life including bacteria, viruses, insects, rodents and animals 3: Social: Customs, cultures, habits, income, occupation, religion etc. The key to mans health lies largely in his environment. In fact, much of mans ill health can be traced to adverse environmental factors such as water pollution, soil pollution air pollution poor housing, conditions, presence of animal reservoirs and insects vectors of disease which pose a constant threat to mans health. Often man is responsible for pollution of his environment through urbanization industrialization and other human activities. The household, workplace, Outdoor and transportation environments pose risks to health in a number of different ways from the poor quality of air that many people breathe, to the hazards related to unsafe water, poor sanitation and hygiene. It is estimated that 24% of global disease burden and 23% of all deaths can be attributed to environmental factors and about 36% of this burden affects children from 0-14 years of age. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES IN GLOBAL:

Climate change Global warming Fossil fuels Sea level rise Greenhouse gas Nuclear issues Nuclear power Nuclear weapons Nuclear and radiation accidents Nuclear safety Ozone depletion CFC Pollution Point source pollution Light pollution Noise pollution Water pollution Acid rain Thermal pollution Water crisis Ship pollution Wastewater Fish kill Air pollution

WATER POLLUTION:

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Pure uncontaminated water does not occur in nature. It contains impurities of various kind-natural and man-made. The natural impurities are essentially dangerous. A more serious aspect of water pollution is that caused by human activity-urbanization and industrialization. The source of pollution resulting from these are: a) Sewage: which contains decomposable organic matter and pathogenic agents. b) Industrial and trade wastes which contain toxic agents raging from metal salts to complex synthetic organic chemicals. c) Agricultural pollutants, which comprise fertilizers and pesticides. And d) Physical pollutants via heat (thermal pollution) and radioactive substances. Water-related diseases: The term water-related diseases include the classical water-borne disease. Developing carry a heavy burden of water-related diseases the heaviest being the diarrheal diseases. AIR POLLUTION: The term air pollution signifies the presence in the surrounding atmosphere of substances (e.g. gases, mixtures, of gases and particulate matter) generated by the activities of man in concentration that interfere with human health, safety or comfort, or injurious to vegetations and animals. The direct effects of air pollutants on plants animals and soil can influence the structure and function of ecosystem. Air pollution is one of the present-day health problems throughout the world. Source of air pollution: The main sources of air pollution are
a) Automobiles: Motor vehicles are major source of air pollution b) Industries: industries emit large amount of pollutants in atmosphere. c) Domestic source: Domestic combustion if coal, wood or soil is major source of smoke,

dust, sculpture dioxide and nitrogen oxide.

d) Miscellaneous: These comprise burning refuse inclinators, pesticides spraying, natural

sources (e.g. wind, borne dust, fungi, molds, bacteria) and nuclear energy programs EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION: About 1.3 billion urban residents worldwide are exposed to air pollution level above recommend limits. Air pollution can affects by two ways: a) Health Aspects:

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The health effects of air pollution are both immediate and delayed. The immediate effects are borne by the respiratory system; the resulting state is acute bronchitis. If the air pollution is intense it may result even in the immediate death by suffocation. The delayed effects most commonly linked with air pollution are chronic bronchitis, lung cancer, bronchial asthma, emphysema, and respiratory allergies.
b) Social and economic aspects:

These comprise destruction of plant and animal life: corrosion of metals: damage to buildings: cost of cleaning and maintenance and repairs and aesthetic nuisance. Air pollution also reduces visibility in towns. It can soil and damage clothing. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH ISSUES IN PAKISTAN A number of serious environmental problems are inherent in the country, which are of great ecological concern in terms of its sustainable economic future. These include soil erosion, pesticide misuse, deforestation, desertification, urban pollution, waterlogging & salinity, freshwater pollution and marine water pollution. Some environmental health issues are following: 1. Drinking water quality, sanitation (including solid waste,) and hygiene; 2. Air pollution (indoor and outdoor); 3. Healthcare waste and hazardous wastes 4. Chemicals and pesticides; 5. Environmental Heath Impact Assessment (EHIA) 6. Environmental Health Aspects of Emergencies and Disasters 7. Food Safety HOSPITAL WASTE MANAGEMENT: Health-care waste is a by-product of health care services, generated in diagnosis, treatment, prevention, or research of human and animal disease. This includes nonhazardous waste known as domestic solid waste and hazardous waste like sharps, no sharps, blood, bloody parts, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and radioactive materials. Most of the waste (75% to 90%) being generated through activities of health care providers is general non-risk waste and the remaining approximate 10%-25% is considered hazardous and may create variety of health risks. Conclusion: The lack of proper and up-to-date legislations, regulations and appropriate standard for prevention and control of environmental health risks and hazards are considered as a major obstacle for

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enforcement and provision of environmental safeguards. Furthermore, there is a strong need for development of skilled professionals and administrative manpower to properly execute the monitoring and surveillance role of the health sector in water quality safety and protection, prevention of health hazards emanating from poor sanitation, improper solid wastes management, poor food safety measures, air pollution (including indoor) and hazards from health care wastes and other sources. There is a dire need to establish environmental departments/units at national, provincial and district levels, as a first step for advancing the environmental health improvement action.

REFERENCES:

K.PARK Prventive and social medicine textbook 27th edition (2007) Jabalpur India. www.google.com/enviromentissues http://www.globalissues.org/issue/587/health-issues. www.google.com.pk/wikipedia/healthissuesinpakistnan

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_care_in_Pakistan