chapter 7
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Chapter 7: Environmental and Occupational HealthMaggie Baker
Fall 2011
Environment and our Health
Environmental Factors affecting all
Industrial pollution
“Lifestyle choices”
Chemicals and toxins banned in the United States but still used in developing countries
Hazards resulting from mining, toxic-waste dumps and radioactive waste sites
Limitations on “Lifestyle Choices”
Economic status
Family/Work Obligations
Lack of information
Availability of alternative solutions
Negligence by government agencies
Lack of community awareness/support
Large corporations and divisions of the government often address environmental issues by noting the responsibility of the individual to make the right living choices. However, frequently these “choices” are not available to us because of:
Can you avoid them all,all of the time?
Occupational Health Issues for Women
Low paying/stressful jobs
No access to worker’s compensation, occupational rehabilitation, disability compensation
Ill-fitting safety equipment not made for women’s bodies/sizes
Jobs where it is necessary to stand, sit or do monotonous tasks for hours at a time
Lack of health insurance or time off to seek medical care
What’s keeping us from activism?
Responsibilities at home after work hours when activist activities are planned and executed
Low seniority/feeling like we have to support our bosses
Lack of organization/union membership
Language barriers
Citizenship issues
Dependence on job, especially at lowest paying/less skilled jobs
Effects from Environmental and Occupational conditions
Skin diseases
Respiratory ailments
Multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS)
Infectious diseases
Reproductive health hazards/disorders
Breast milk contamination
Endocrine disruption
Breast cancer
Hearing loss
Back pain
Neck, shoulder and hand strain or injuries
Foot and leg pain
Effects from air quality
Stress
Effects from shift work
Harassment and violence
Reduce exposure, feel better!
Read food labels
Wash hands (everyone!) before touching, preparing or eating food
Install carbon monoxide monitors in your home- never leave the car running in the garage
Have your home checked for dangerous levels of lead and radon
Have your drinking water checked and filter tap water
Use natural cleaning products
If working with chemicals, change into clean clothes before returning home/picking up children
Safe work environments start with you
Find support, organize and mobilize
Promote safer materials
Wear safety equipment
Request furniture to fit your body
Rearrange your desk and office to avoid repetitive movements
GET UP! move around, take breaks, stretch (there are great guided chair yoga and meditation videos on youtube for free!)
Wear well-fitting ear plugs or headphones in loud environments
Do not tolerate harassment and violence- get help! (www.womenthrive.org, www.aflcio.org, www.now.org are some sites for further information and to find help)
Quotes:
(Myth or Reality?)
“Women are more biologically vulnerable to environmental toxins than men.
Reality.”
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
- Margaret Mead
Discussion Question:
What have you personally done or can do to make your living environment more healthy for you and your family?
What small changes can you make at work to make a healthier occupational environment?
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