Description
Environmental health is the science and practice of promoting optimal human health and preventing illness and injury by identifying sources and evaluating and controlling levels of and exposure to physical, chemical and biological agents in air, water, soil, food, and other media that may affect the quality of environmental settings or disrupt ecological conditions, and directly or indirectly contribute to adverse impact to human health and well-being. (National Environmental Health Association 2013)
Exposures to various environmental agents may directly or even indirectly impact human (and animal) health and initiation and progression of various diseases throughout a lifetime. These hazardous agents or stressors include chemical, physical and microbiological agents, which we are exposed to via the air, water, soil, food or combinations of matrices and exposure pathways. An Environmental Health Science (EHS) Model shown below summarizes the complexity of exposure beginning with sources of hazardous agents.
This course consists of numerous individual self-study asynchronous learning modules. Each module consists of a topic or topics applicable to environmental health science, otherwise known as, environmental public health. Modules include a case scenario to apply the information and/or a short multiple choice quiz. The modules also include corresponding readings to supplement the presented topic content. Modules may be completed as discrete standalone learning sessions or combined as a more comprehensive introductory course.
Objectives
Upon completion of the entire set of modules, learners will be better prepared to:
- apply an Environmental Health Science Model to applicable urban and rural and outdoor and indoor settings;
- categorize types of hazardous environmental agents;
- list types of contaminants generated in and from various sources of generation;
- differentiate between and among environmental (indoor and outdoor) contamination, types of hazardous exposures, and related risks of disease;
- apply best practice concepts related to the prevention, planning and preparation for emergency incidents involving health care settings and services; and,
- interpret applied environmental health readings and case studies.
Target Audience: The modules are designed for those with an interest in environmental health, including students pursuing academic programs (i.e. certificate; degree) who represent the emerging workforce, and, applicable professionals who are already part of the current workforce.
Course is offered by The Ohio State University Global One Health Initiative.
