EHP Science Education Program

The quality of air we breathe is critical for our well-being. Air pollution caused by vehicle exhaust, natural disasters, industrial emissions, atmospheric chemical reactions, and cigarette smoke affects both indoor and outdoor air quality. Exposure to air pollutants is associated with increased incidence of asthma, respiratory allergies, and airway diseases; there is growing evidence that systems besides the respiratory system also are affected. By understanding where air pollution comes from and how it acts, we can better protect our health, especially the health of children and other vulnerable subpopulations.

• Lessons in EHP's AIR module cover topics related to air quality monitoring, air pollution, and impact of air pollution on human health.

The availability and quality of water for use by humans, plants, and animals is affected by the increasing demand for water and increasing pollution of our oceans, lakes, rivers, and streams. Run-off from farms and paved surfaces, effluent from factories and power plants—all contribute to pollution of groundwater and surface water. This pollution makes its way to the oceans, where, added to overfishing and effects of climate change, it is altering the health of the ocean biota and marine resources. Awareness of these changes and their consequences is crucial if we are to protect this most precious natural resource.

• Lessons in EHP's WATER module discuss issues of water resources, pollution, routes of exposure, sources of pollution, health effects and policy.

Changes in land-use patterns are impacting microenvironments across the globe. Industrial-scale agriculture typically leads to loss of biodiversity and increased use of fertilizers. Sprawling urban growth takes over lands once used for traditional agriculture and fragments wildlife habitats, affecting the biodiversity of the surrounding ecosystem. Conversion of pervious to impervious surfaces—think pavement, parking lots, and rooftops—increases how much stormwater flows into sewers and surface waters, carrying with it heavy metals, oil and grease, and pesticides. Sustainable land use practices can help resolve these environmental problems.

• Lessons in EHP's LAND module include topics related to land use hazards, built environments, perils of impervious surfaces.

The changing climate is one of the most visible environmental issues of the 21^st century; increases in average temperatures, climate-sensitive diseases, and extreme weather events, along with rising sea levels and declining air quality, already affect many regions. Climate change is not just a problem of the future; it is a current problem that will become more pronounced, with more noticeable effects. This is a key consideration to keep in mind as we develop a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between climate change, our environment, and our health; as we seek to alleviate the impact of climate change; and as we choose the most efficient and effective adaptation strategies.

• Lessons in EHP's CLIMATE CHANGE module discuss energy issues, environmental and human impacts of climate change, alternative fuels, disaster and emergency preparedness.

"We are what we eat." But what are we eating? Obesity is an important public health concern facing multiple social strata. Childhood exposure to organophosphate pesticides has been associated with increased risk for developmental disorders. There is ongoing public debate about the safety of genetically modified foods in the absence of sufficient data describing the potential health and environmental risks associated with growing and eating these foods. Foodborne illness is on the rise due to contamination during preparation of prepackaged foods. Understanding what we are putting on our plates and in our body can help us make the healthiest choices possible for the overall well-being of society.

• Lessons in EHP's FOOD module include topics such as genetically modified and organic foods, presence of pesticides and additives in foods, obesity and food deserts.