Rachel Carson was a biologist and conservationist. Her works and efforts brought about an environmental movement. It is because of her research, work, writings, and studies about the dangers of pesticides that many lives of various animals and species were saved. What was not a broadly acclaimed and accredited was the countless lives of humans that were sacraficed in the process.
Rachel Carson advocated the banning of pesticides, namely DDT, of which she felt was responsible and causing death to many animals like birds and beetles to name a couple of the species harmed by pesticides. On the opposing by banning and ceasing to make available such pesticides she was indirectly advocating the emergence and spread of diseases like malaria, yellow fever, and plague that could be prevented with the same pesticides. It is argued that Carson was putting the lives of animals before those of the her own kind. She did years of research, wrote articles and worked with prestigious biologists that knew the ins and outs and pros and cons of making policies against pesticides, yet she continued with her efforts.
While it is something to be said about standing up and speaking for those that are not able to speak and often are second when it comes to humans, Rachel Carson in essence is responsible for millions of deaths across the world. The good of banning pesticides does not seem to outweigh making cures, preventing diseases, preventing spread, saving lives, and possibly erradicating diseases. Many of the vectors like flies and moquitoes that are responsible for spreading many of the dredful human killing diseases can be killed with the same pesticides that Carson was against.
It is always two sides to a story. You win some and you lose some. While gains do often come with risks and sacrafices, Rachel Carson made the ultimate sacrafice by leaving her fellow man to fend for himself against these diseases that plagued that Earth without other ways of fighting them off but with the pesticides she wanted to ban.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Mercury: The Element
Mercury is a naturally occurring element that can be found throughout the environment. It is a very potent pollutant and very toxic.The amount of mercury found in parts of the environment like lakes, stream and the atmosphere have been increased due to human activites such as burning coal and using mercury to manufacture certain products. By eating organisms that live in places where microbes have converted some of the natural and human mercury to a more toxic form called methylmercury, humans and animals get most of their exposure and risk.
Still not fully understood is the bioconcentration of mercury. Elemental mercury is transported around the globe in gas form. In some areas its origination has been shown to come from industrial soucres like power plants. Two major forms of mercury besides elemental mercury are ionic mercury and organic mercury or methylmercury. Methylmercury is bioconcentrated due to the retention throughout the food chain among several organisms. It is the accumulation of mercury in fish that is of most concern because in some regions the amount of mercury found in fish is near or exceeds the limit for safe human consumption. The amount of mercury for safe human consumption is 0.5-1.0ppm.
More information about mercury, its toxicity, and effects can be seen via the link below.
Mercury brochure:
http://www.mercer.edu/enp/Hg_Baker.pdf
References:
United States Environmental Protection Agency. How Does Mercury Work in the Environment? Retrieved from http://publicaccess.supportportal.com/link/portal/23002/23012/Article/17229/How-does-mercury-occur-in-the-environment July 10, 2011.
Morel, F.M; Kraepiel, A.M.L., and Amyot, M. (1998). The Chemical Cycle and Bioaccumulation of Mercury. Annual Review of Ecological Systems, 29, 543-566.
Still not fully understood is the bioconcentration of mercury. Elemental mercury is transported around the globe in gas form. In some areas its origination has been shown to come from industrial soucres like power plants. Two major forms of mercury besides elemental mercury are ionic mercury and organic mercury or methylmercury. Methylmercury is bioconcentrated due to the retention throughout the food chain among several organisms. It is the accumulation of mercury in fish that is of most concern because in some regions the amount of mercury found in fish is near or exceeds the limit for safe human consumption. The amount of mercury for safe human consumption is 0.5-1.0ppm.
More information about mercury, its toxicity, and effects can be seen via the link below.
Mercury brochure:
http://www.mercer.edu/enp/Hg_Baker.pdf
References:
United States Environmental Protection Agency. How Does Mercury Work in the Environment? Retrieved from http://publicaccess.supportportal.com/link/portal/23002/23012/Article/17229/How-does-mercury-occur-in-the-environment July 10, 2011.
Morel, F.M; Kraepiel, A.M.L., and Amyot, M. (1998). The Chemical Cycle and Bioaccumulation of Mercury. Annual Review of Ecological Systems, 29, 543-566.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Parasites and Diseases of the World
Parasites and Diseases of North America
Cryptosporidiosis has become one of the most common causes of waterbourne diseases in North America. Below is a list of common parasites in North America:
Protozoa (rnicroscopic single-celled organisms)
Blastocystis hominis
Endolimax nana
Cryptosporidiuin parvum
Entamoeba histolytica
Entamoeba coli
Entamoeba hartmanni
Giardia lamblia
Chilomastix mesnili
Cyclospora cayetanensis
Helminths (macroscopic multicellular worms)
Ascaris lumbricoides (human roundworm)
Strongyloides stercoralis (threadworm)
Ancylostoma duodenale/Necator americanus (hookworms)
Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm)
Trichuris trichiura (whipworm)
Parasites and Diseases of South America
Schistomsoma are common parasites of South America and are specific to the human intestine. Cysticercosis (tapeworm infection) is endemic in South America being the leading cause of infection of the brain.
Parasites and Diseases of Asia
Japanese Encephalitis is endemic in Asia and is a mosquito-bourne diseased. Dengue Fever is spread through the bite of Aedes aegypti mosquito in Asia.
Parasites and Diseases of Africa
Malaria is one of the most common diseases of Africa. Onchocerciasis ("river blindness") is endemic in Africa and is caused by the larvae of Onchocerca volvulus. Dengue Fever is also very prevalent in Africa spead by the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Cholera is also prevalent in Africa, spread by unsanitary conditions and contaminated water. African Trypanosomiasis ("sleeping sickness") is common on many African countries and spread by the tsetse fly.
Parasites and Diseases of Europe
The Anopheles vector is the dominant parasite in Europe. Malaria is a common disease.
Parasites and Diseases of Antarctica
Skin lesions are symptomatic of the disease Parapox virus caused by parasites in the Fauna of Antarctica.
Parasites and Diseases of Australia
Parasitic infections are the most prevalent and important among grazing ruminants in Australia caused by Liver Fluke and nematodes that can sometimes cause stomach ulcers. Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus is the most important sheep and goat parasites while Ostertagia ostertagi is the most common cattle parasite.
Hepatitus A and B are common and highly dominant worldwide.
References:
Robert, K., and Smoky, H. (2007). Cysticercosis: An Emerging Parasitic Disease. Am Fam Physician. 76(1):91-96.
The Centers for Disease Control. Common Infectious Diseases Worldwide. Retrieved from http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0903696.html June 29, 2011.
Stephen, C.J., and Hutchinson, G.W. (2003). Pathology and Diagnosis of Internal Parasites in Ruminants. Gross Pathology of Ruminants, 16:309-338.
Cryptosporidiosis has become one of the most common causes of waterbourne diseases in North America. Below is a list of common parasites in North America:
Protozoa (rnicroscopic single-celled organisms)
Blastocystis hominis
Endolimax nana
Cryptosporidiuin parvum
Entamoeba histolytica
Entamoeba coli
Entamoeba hartmanni
Giardia lamblia
Chilomastix mesnili
Cyclospora cayetanensis
Helminths (macroscopic multicellular worms)
Ascaris lumbricoides (human roundworm)
Strongyloides stercoralis (threadworm)
Ancylostoma duodenale/Necator americanus (hookworms)
Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm)
Trichuris trichiura (whipworm)
Parasites and Diseases of South America
Schistomsoma are common parasites of South America and are specific to the human intestine. Cysticercosis (tapeworm infection) is endemic in South America being the leading cause of infection of the brain.
Parasites and Diseases of Asia
Japanese Encephalitis is endemic in Asia and is a mosquito-bourne diseased. Dengue Fever is spread through the bite of Aedes aegypti mosquito in Asia.
Parasites and Diseases of Africa
Malaria is one of the most common diseases of Africa. Onchocerciasis ("river blindness") is endemic in Africa and is caused by the larvae of Onchocerca volvulus. Dengue Fever is also very prevalent in Africa spead by the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Cholera is also prevalent in Africa, spread by unsanitary conditions and contaminated water. African Trypanosomiasis ("sleeping sickness") is common on many African countries and spread by the tsetse fly.
Parasites and Diseases of Europe
The Anopheles vector is the dominant parasite in Europe. Malaria is a common disease.
Parasites and Diseases of Antarctica
Skin lesions are symptomatic of the disease Parapox virus caused by parasites in the Fauna of Antarctica.
Parasites and Diseases of Australia
Parasitic infections are the most prevalent and important among grazing ruminants in Australia caused by Liver Fluke and nematodes that can sometimes cause stomach ulcers. Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus is the most important sheep and goat parasites while Ostertagia ostertagi is the most common cattle parasite.
Hepatitus A and B are common and highly dominant worldwide.
References:
Robert, K., and Smoky, H. (2007). Cysticercosis: An Emerging Parasitic Disease. Am Fam Physician. 76(1):91-96.
The Centers for Disease Control. Common Infectious Diseases Worldwide. Retrieved from http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0903696.html June 29, 2011.
Stephen, C.J., and Hutchinson, G.W. (2003). Pathology and Diagnosis of Internal Parasites in Ruminants. Gross Pathology of Ruminants, 16:309-338.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Global Warming
It has long been debated whether global warming can be attributed to the actions of humans or if it would occur naturally over time. There are studies that support both sides of the pendulum, however I believe that global warming can in fact be attributed in some part to human activites.
In the 13th century during a period known as the Little Ice Age temperatures were 0.5-1 degree cooler than they were today. It was not until the 19th century that the temperature started to rise and are continuing to rise. The question is what is the source of the increase.
Recent climate record and history from the past 1000 years show no connection to warmer global climate and severe weather and storms. Frequency in storms attribute more to cooler climate change. Thus global warming is not due in part to weather changes.
The burning of coal, oil, and natural gas is said to contribute to global warming. Deforestation also is a human activity that warms the climates by cutting down trees that would absord and soak up greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide. Lost of vegetation does not add to the emission of carbon dioxide as much as deforestion. The change in land use has contributed to the emission of carbon dioxide accumulation. Carbon dioxide has a longer life than some of the other greenhouse gases like ozone and nitrous oxide and thus the massive amounts can prove to be more harmful over time. With the increase in industry, use of coal, oil and gas, population growth, and land use it is seemingly that we will continue to emit large amounts of carbon dioxide.
References:
United Nations Environmental Programme. What Human Activities Contribute to Climate Change. Retrieved June 21, 2011 from http://www.gcrio.org/ipcc/qa/04.html
Balinaus, S. Are Human Activites Causing Global Warming? Retrieved June 21, 2011 from http://www.marshall.org/article.php?id=79
In the 13th century during a period known as the Little Ice Age temperatures were 0.5-1 degree cooler than they were today. It was not until the 19th century that the temperature started to rise and are continuing to rise. The question is what is the source of the increase.
Recent climate record and history from the past 1000 years show no connection to warmer global climate and severe weather and storms. Frequency in storms attribute more to cooler climate change. Thus global warming is not due in part to weather changes.
The burning of coal, oil, and natural gas is said to contribute to global warming. Deforestation also is a human activity that warms the climates by cutting down trees that would absord and soak up greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide. Lost of vegetation does not add to the emission of carbon dioxide as much as deforestion. The change in land use has contributed to the emission of carbon dioxide accumulation. Carbon dioxide has a longer life than some of the other greenhouse gases like ozone and nitrous oxide and thus the massive amounts can prove to be more harmful over time. With the increase in industry, use of coal, oil and gas, population growth, and land use it is seemingly that we will continue to emit large amounts of carbon dioxide.
References:
United Nations Environmental Programme. What Human Activities Contribute to Climate Change. Retrieved June 21, 2011 from http://www.gcrio.org/ipcc/qa/04.html
Balinaus, S. Are Human Activites Causing Global Warming? Retrieved June 21, 2011 from http://www.marshall.org/article.php?id=79
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Where in the WORLD???
The World's population tripled in the 20th century. There are more than 6.5 billion people in the world today. Approximately 2/3 of them are Asians occupying less than 1/3 of the land. North America inhabits only about 5% of the world's population. Chart 1 displays the Geographic breakdown of the population. Tokyo, Japan is the number one most populated city followed by Mexico City, Mexico. The top 10 most populated cities in the world can be viewed via link and the top ten most populated cities in America can be viewed via link 2. With the influx of population many cities are thriving off rising and upcoming hi-tech industries more so than the traditional industry. Allegany County Maryland has a long history of being a prime location for traditional industries. Being located in the Mid-Atlantic region allows easy access to almost a third of the nation's population. The growing population not only has impact on industry growth but also use of resources and land. There has been an increase in the demand and use for renewable water to more than six-fold. The growth of the population along with industrialization and urbanization both will have serious consequences for the demand of water and the environment. While many people are feeling the effects of population growth, scarce water and land, limited resources, and industrial changes, some tribes however have been able to maintain ecological equilibrium with their environment for years with little technology and engaging in agriculture labor. The society of the Sahariya Tribe resides in the Gwalior District in north Msdhya Pradesh. Many tribes like this one are made up of long lines of families and extended family. They have been surviving with their traditional indutries, customs, and culture. They have weak infrastucture areas and are not well connected with roads or bridges. 66% of water withdrawal is used for irrigation in order to help with the ongoing agriculture crisis and increase food security. The other 34% is broken down in 20% for industry, 10% for households, and 4% evaporated from resevoirs. Places like the Skagit Valley in northeast Washington which has some of the best soil in the land. The land is very high in organic matter content. It also has a cool, wet climate. With more than one out of every six people lacking access to safe drinking water it is not shocking to know that nearly 1.8 million people die from diarrheal diseases everyday and nearly 3900 children die everyday from water bourne diseases. The distribution of Earth's water is displayed in figure 1.
Figure 1
Chart 1
Figure 1
Link 1
Top 10 Most Populated Cities in the World
Link 2
Chart 1
| GEOGRAPHIC REGION | POPULATION | PERCENT OF WORLD |
|---|---|---|
| Asia | 3,518,000,000 | 56.4% |
| Africa | 839,000,000 | 13.5% |
| Europe (including nations that were part of the Soviet Union) | 803,000,000 | 12.9% |
| Latin America and Caribbean | 539,000,000 | 8.7% |
| North America (U.S. and Canada) | 320,000,000 | 5.1% |
| Near East | 179,000,000 | 2.9% |
| Oceania (Pacific Islands) | 32,000,000 | .5% |
| Source: Global Population Profile: 2002, U.S. Census Bureau 2004 |
References:
Top 10 Most Populated Cities in America. Youtube. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VA3uYpu4MEs&feature=related June 1, 2011.
Top 10 Most Populated Cities in the World. Youtube. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCV0S-pt9hs&feature=related June 1, 2011.
Traditional Industries. Allegany County Department of Economic Development. Retrieved from http://www.alleganyworks.org/tradition.php June 1, 2011.
World Diversity Patterns. O'Neal, D. Retrieved from http://anthro.palomar.edu/ethnicity/ethnic_5.htm June 1, 2011.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Protecting the Environment
During the course of the MPH 720 Global Environmental Health class I hope to learn about and discuss the issue of how limited resources and rapid cosumption by the growing population effects and impacts our overall global stability and health. Provided here is a link that touches on this issues and sheds light on what is occuring: http://www.sierraclub.org/population/consumption/. With the U.S being one of the largest consumers of the world it is important to focus in on how we can start at home being more resourceful, less wasteful, and protecting the globe.
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