Enviro Health

Zoonoses
Overview: Zoonoses, also known as zoonotic diseases, are infections that may be transmitted from living animals to humans. The word zoonoses is derived from Greek words zoon (animal) and nosos (disease).

Wind power
Overview: Wind power is a renewable energy source that is generated from wind. It does not deplete natural resources, such as coal, gas, water, or oil. Additionally, wind farms are usually retired and dismantled after 20-30 years of operation; once retired, they generally do not leave pollution behind at the site.

Water privatization
Water privatization is turning over all or part of the production, distribution, and management of water from public to private companies. Additionally, it has become a controversial topic throughout the world.

Water ozonator
Ozonator: An ozonator generates ozone, a colorless gas, and diffuses it into the air or water. The chemical reaction that occurs when ozone is created helps to remove pesticides, bacteria, odors, and inorganic and organic compounds from the surrounding environment. As a result, ozonators are commonly used for purification techniques, or to improve the smell or taste of water. Water ozonators are also called ozone generators.

Urban sprawl
Urban sprawl is the spreading out of a city and its suburbs into rural land. One characteristic that defines urban sprawl is low population density. Residential neighborhoods, for example, tend to have a low-population density: Homes are primarily single-family and are built on lots larger than those found in the city. In addition, commercial buildings in low-density areas tend to be one story and farther apart, often increasing the distance that people must travel between their destinations.

Toxic algae
Algae are a family of primitive, primarily aquatic, plants. Estimates of the number of species vary widely, ranging into the tens of thousands. Many species serve as an important source of food for marine life; however, about 40 produce toxic chemicals that may cause death to marine life and lead to human illness. Additionally, toxic algae produce blooms that make the ocean appear red under certain environmental conditions such as hurricanes. This is commonly referred to as red tide or harmful algal blooms (HABs).

Solar power
Solar power refers to energy from sunlight that has been converted into thermal or electrical energy.

Social welfare provision
In a broad sense, the term "welfare" refers to the well-being of an individual or group. "Welfare" is also used in reference to a set of government programs meant to provide assistance when circumstances threaten the well-being of an individual or family. Groups other than the government also provide social services. Some, such as Goodwill and the Salvation Army, provide social services as part of their main mission. Provision of social services is a side issue for other organizations such as churches. However, many church denominations operate dedicated social welfare organizations, such as the St. Vincent de Paul Society (Catholic) and the Jewish Family and Children's Services. In times of crisis, some of the groups that provide social welfare services also provide disaster relief.

Rodent control
Overview: Rodents are small mammals with sharp, continuously growing incisors (teeth) in their upper and lower jaws, which must be kept short by gnawing. Rodents use their incisors to gnaw wood, break up food, excavate tunnels, and defend against predators. Examples of rodents include mice, rats, chipmunks, woodchucks, voles, squirrels, prairie dogs, and beavers.

Radon
Radon is an invisible radioactive gas that has no taste, smell, or color. Over time, the uranium in rocks and soil decays and radon gas is released. The gas lets off radioactive particles. Rn is the atomic symbol for radon, and 86 is the atomic number. Niton is an old term for radon.

Pesticides
The general term "pesticide" includes herbicides, fungicides, rodenticides, insecticides, and other categories of substances designed to stop unwanted growth. Pesticides and herbicides are designed to kill pests (and plants that are considered pests), but their toxic effects may have unplanned impacts on harmless and even useful organisms, and may be harmful to human health.

Offshore drilling
General: Offshore drilling is the extraction of petroleum products, such as oil and natural gas, from deposits in the seabed. These deposits may be located at great depths. Offshore drilling may take place near the shoreline or in a lake or sea. It typically requires sophisticated equipment. Drilling equipment is kept above sea level on large platforms that may be moveable and float on masts or poles anchored to the seafloor. Drilling for oil underwater is usually more challenging than oil extraction on land.

Nuclear waste
Nuclear waste, also called radioactive waste, is produced by nuclear power plants or other facilities or vehicles that contain a nuclear reactor, factories that process nuclear fuels or materials such as uranium, and some research and medical institutions. Nuclear waste is a by-product of nuclear materials used to generate electricity, diagnose and treat disease, build weapons, and power ships, as well as of other nuclear-related activities. Nuclear waste is often hazardous and is strictly regulated by the government.

Nonprofit organizations
According to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the term "nonprofit" (also known as NPO, not-for-profit, service organization, or "nonstock") describes organizations that do not make a profit and usually do not issue stock. Nonprofits do not pay federal income taxes. Legal experts also describe a nonprofit as an organization dedicated to the public good that has a primary focus on social, cultural, educational, religious, or political issues.

Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology is the development and application of nanoparticles (nanomaterials), which are pieces of matter smaller than 100 nanometers. The width of a human hair is about 100,000 nanometers, so a nanoparticle is at least 1,000 times smaller than the width of a hair. A nanoparticle cannot be seen with the human eye or with most ordinary microscopes. Electron microscopes are used to view nanoparticles. These microscopes use beams of electrons to create highly magnified images.

Medical waste
Medical waste refers to clinical waste materials that are produced from healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, doctor's offices, pharmaceutical manufacturing plants, nursing homes, and research laboratories. These materials may include used syringes, soiled dressings, chemicals used to treat illness, equipment and facility chemical cleansers, and radioactive materials. Disposal of this waste is an environmental concern.

Light pollution
Light pollution is considered wasted light, or more light than is needed for proper illumination. Light pollution is usually classified as stray light emitted from poorly designed lighting fixtures. Stray light illuminates the areas not intended to receive light, including the area above and around light fixtures, and often impedes visibility of the night sky.

Kangen Water™
Kangen Water™ is the brand name of alleged health-enhancing alkaline water that is created through the process of electrolysis. Electrolysis separates "normal" tap water (H2O) into two parts: acidic H+ molecules and alkaline OH- molecules.

Hydroponic farming
Hydroponics is a farming method of growing plants inside an enclosed structure without soil, but in a selected growing medium where the lighting, temperature, and nutrients are closely regulated.

Hydroelectric power
Hydroelectric power plants use the planet's hydrologic (water) cycle to create electricity.

Human overpopulation
Experts define overpopulation, also called overinhabitation, as the presence of excessive numbers of a species, which are then unable to be sustained by the space and resources available.

Green money-saving tips
The term go green has gained popularity over the past decade since environmental concerns have become more understood and have attracted more media attention. Going green means making choices (such as using eco-friendly products) to help preserve the environment.

Green enterprises
The term "green enterprise" refers to services, products, and jobs from a number of sectors that focus on sustainability, fewer emissions of greenhouse gases, and slowing climate change. Other similar and commonly used terms are "green economy," "green business," and "sustainable business."

Green cleaning products
Cleaning products are commonly used in homes and buildings. Most standard cleaning products today have health and environmental implications. For instance, these products may cause breathing and skin problems and deplete the ozone layer. There are many natural products and methods that may help keep buildings clean and fresh-smelling without toxic effects.

Geothermal power
The term "geothermal" can be literally translated from Greek terminology to mean "from heat within the earth."

Fishing
Fishing is the act of catching fish. This term is often used to describe the catching of other aquatic life, including cephalopods (like squid), crustaceans (like lobsters and crabs), and shellfish (like oysters and scallops). There are various types of fishing, including traditional fishing, commercial fishing, recreational fishing, fish farming, blast fishing, cyanide fishing, and shark finning.

Environmental sociology
Environmental sociology is defined as the study of interactions among the physical environment, social behaviors, and social institutions.

Endangered species
Overview: Endangered species are organisms that have become so reduced in population size that they are at risk of becoming extinct. Endangered species have experienced a decline in population by at least 50% in the last 10 years, are confined to a fragmented area of less than 5,000 square kilometers of habitat, or have fewer than 2,500 mature organisms.

Ecological footprint
The ecological footprint is the most widely used supply-and-demand accounting method for determining the rate of consumption of the planet's natural resources (biocapacity) by humans. Since 1961, ecological footprint calculations have been created every two years and include: carbon footprint, climate change, and the recent calculation data of global water footprint.

Dams
A dam is a structure that blocks or impounds water for the purpose of retaining the water or preventing or diverting the flow of water. Dams can serve many purposes, including water storage, irrigation, and flood prevention. A hydroelectric dam uses moving water to generate electricity. Of the 80,000 dams found throughout the United States, only about 2,388 dams can be used to create electricity.

Coal mining
Coal mining is the extraction of coal from deposits found either near the surface of the earth or underground. Coal is a fossil fuel, a nonrenewable (available in limited quantities) fuel source. Coal consists of hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, sulfur, and other trace elements.

Carbon monoxide poisoning
Countries around the world are taking steps to combat toxic air pollution. One of the leading sources of air pollution is carbon monoxide (CO). This colorless, tasteless, and almost odorless gas has been shown to affect human and animal health, as well as cause serious damage to the environment. Research shows that efforts to limit and eliminate this potentially harmful gas may be working. Government agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), have worked to limit CO emissions and far-reaching national and international standards have been established. However, CO continues to be a serious problem. Due to the rapid development of developing nations, millions of new vehicles are adding to the levels of CO and other air pollutants. As such, a great deal of work remains to counter the effects of carbon monoxide.

Bioterrorism
Terrorism is the use of threats or violence to achieve political, social, or religious goals. Terrorism may be created by individuals or organizations, and may target civilians, political groups, or other organizations. Bioterrorism, also known as biological warfare or biological attack, is described by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a type of terrorism involving the intentional release of biological agents, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, or toxins (poisonous substances) from living organisms that brings about illness or death in human beings, animals, or plants. Viruses, bacteria, and fungi are tiny, disease-causing, microscopic organisms that can spread from person to person through air, water, food, or soil. Biological toxins are poisonous substances produced by living cells or organisms, which are capable of causing disease or death.

Asbestos removal
Asbestos is a fire-resistant fibrous mineral that was commonly used to insulate buildings until it was discovered to be a health hazard. Asbestos fibers are able to be woven much like plant fibers (such as cotton). Asbestos fibers are hundreds of times thinner than human hair, and a microscope is needed to see them. These minerals are useful because of their resistance to most chemicals and heat. Asbestos is classified as a silicate and includes six minerals: chrysotile, crocidolite, amosite, tremolite, anthophyllite, and actinolite.

Alternative transportation
Alternative transportation is defined as a mode of transportation that does not require the use of conventional petroleum-based fuel sources, such as gasoline or diesel. Mass transit vehicles that do not use petroleum-based fuel, such as some trolley cars and buses, are considered alternative forms of transportation. No-emission forms of transportation, such as walking or bicycling, are also classified as forms of alternative transportation.

Air pollution
Air pollution is the contamination of air by smoke and harmful gases. These airborne pollutants can have serious negative effects on both indoor and outdoor air quality.

Acid rain
Acid rain is a term that describes a combination of wet (rain, snow, sleet, fog and cloud water, dew) and dry (gases, dust, particles) materials that fall from the atmosphere to the surface of the earth. This natural depositing of materials is known as deposition. Normal rain has a pH (level of acidity) of about 5.6, while acid rain is defined as having a pH of less than 5.6.

World Health Organization (WHO)
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency within the United Nations (UN) organization. The UN is an international organization that serves as a leader on many issues, including political conflicts, education, agriculture, and the environment.

Whaling
Whaling is the hunting of whales. Whales are an important part of the marine ecosystem because they feed off of krill and plankton and maintain homeostasis in their environments. In the Antarctic, populations of Antarctic birds and pinnipeds have tripled due to reduced whale populations and the resulting larger availability of krill.

Water pollution
Overview: Water pollution is the contamination of drinking water, ground water, or any other source of water on the planet. Contamination may result from a number of sources, such as chemicals or medications that are improperly disposed of, acid rain, industrial waste, or bacteria.

Waste management
Waste management involves collecting, transporting, processing, and monitoring waste materials that are typically produced by human activities. It may involve recycling, destroying, or relocating waste. Waste management may help maintain sanitary conditions, protect the environment through proper waste-removal practices, and uphold aesthetic standards in a community. Waste management may involve solid, liquid, gaseous, or radioactive substances. Examples of liquid waste include wastewater (water contaminated by domestic residences, commercial properties, industry, and/or agriculture) and sewage (typically includes feces and urine as well as domestic, municipal, and industrial liquids). Examples of gaseous wastes include carbon monoxide and radiation; they may be produced by human biological processes, manufacturing, material processing, consumption of goods, or other human activities.

Toxic mold
Toxic molds are fungi that can produce substances that are harmful to humans. Not all fungi are toxic. In fact, some may not be harmful or may even beneficial to humans.

Thermal pollution
Thermal pollution is the change in the water temperatures of lakes, rivers, and oceans caused by made-man industries or practices. These temperature changes may adversely affect ecosystems by contributing to the decline of wildlife populations and habitat destruction. Any practice that affects the equilibrium of an aquatic environment may alter the temperature of that environment and subsequently cause thermal pollution. There may be some positive effects, though, to thermal pollution, including the extension of fishing seasons and rebounding of some wildlife populations.

Soil
Soil composition: Soil consists of broken rock particles that occur in nature and decaying organic matter from the surface of the earth. Thus, soil is a complex mixture of both organic and mineral components. It has a solid phase as well as a liquid phase and a gas phase near the surface. This rich mixture of organic compounds is capable of supporting an enormous variety of life, ranging from bacteria and fungi to plants and animals.

Sanitation and hygiene
General: According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 2.4 billion people in the world do not have access to clean water or waste management facilities. This figure represents almost 40% of the Earth's population. This lack of access to clean drinking water may expose people to numerous infectious, possibly life-threatening, diseases.

Recycling
Recycling is the process of collecting waste products and then sorting and reprocessing them into new products for resale. The most commonly recycled products are paper, metal, plastic, and glass. Technological improvements allow some materials, such as glass, to be recycled more than once.

Poverty
The word "poverty" is derived from the Latin word "pauper," which means poor. Poverty, according to the World Bank, is defined as the lack of sufficient income and other basic needs, such as food, clothing, shelter, health, and education, which are necessary to lead a healthy life.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs)
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are toxic chemicals that have a worldwide impact on human health and the environment. Since POPs may spread by wind and water, it is possible for them to affect humans and wildlife that are located far from the original source.

Occupational health
Occupational health refers to the identification and control of the risks arising from physical, chemical, or other workplace hazards in order to promote a safe and healthy working environment. These hazards may include chemical agents and solvents, heavy metals (such as lead and mercury), physical agents (such as loud noise or vibrations), and physical hazards (such as electricity or dangerous machinery, such as power saws and meat slicers). Occupational health also involves psychological factors such as work-related stress. The severity of occupational health problems varies greatly, from mild carpal tunnel syndrome to potentially fatal disorders (such as black lung disease) and fatal work-related accidents.

Nuclear power
In 1932, physicists John Cockcroft of England and Ernest Walton of Ireland were the first to split the atom with high-speed protons. This accomplishment led to their winning of the Nobel Prize in physics in 1951. Also in 1932, English physicist James Chadwick identified subatomic particles with neutral electrical charges, thus discovering the neutron.

Noise pollution - from Natural Standard
Noise is defined as unwanted sound that lacks a musical quality. Noise pollution is defined as annoying or damaging environmental noise levels that come from sources such as automobile engines, industrial machinery, or amplified music.

Meriva-SR©
Meriva-SR© is a patented time-release dietary supplement that combines curcumin and phosphatidylcholine. The product is manufactured by Thorne Research, Inc.

Logging and deforestation
Logging refers to the cutting down of trees, trimming of the cut trees into logs, and transportation of the logs to sawmills for processing. More broadly, logging may refer to the clearing of forested areas for subsistence farming, commercial farming, grazing, or other uses. Land clearance may be done in many ways, including slash-and-burn clearing, clearcutting (also called clearfelling) selective logging, and salvage logging.

Landmines
Landmines are explosive devices that are triggered by pressure, movement, or sound; they are sometimes detonated by tripwires. Landmines are also known as anti-personnel landmines (APLs) and anti-vehicle (anti-tank) mines. Anti-personnel mines are placed on or under the ground and are activated by the contact and proximity of a person. Anti-vehicle mines are designed to explode in the proximity of a vehicle, and are placed on or near transportation pathways and roads.

Infant and child mortality
The terminology used to describe different stages of life varies among national and international government agencies, countries, states, hospitals, and research institutions. This lack of standardization makes comparison of infant mortality data, or the number of infant deaths, difficult. Also, multiple terms may be used in reference to the same stage in life.

Hydrogenated fats
Hydrogenated fats were introduced in the early 20th Century as a means to extend the shelf life of vegetable oils and to provide a saturated fat that melts at a higher temperature, making them beneficial products for baking. The resulting fat products (such as margarine and Crisco�) are more resistant to spoilage and have a decreased need for refrigeration.

Hunting
Overview: Hunting refers to the pursuit of living animals for food, sport, or trade. Hunting may also involve the elimination of pests, such as rodents and rabbits, in order to control a pest population or prevent disease. Animals that are hunted (usually mammals or birds) are known as game.

Hormones and antibiotics in food supply
Well-being is linked to access to a healthy food supply. Currently, the farming industry is experiencing pressure to produce animals and vegetation destined for consumption at a predetermined weight and size, in the shortest amount of time and at the lowest possible cost. This demand has lead to the use of growth-promotion techniques, including low levels of antibiotics in feed, as well as naturally occurring and man-made steroid hormones during the growth phase.

Green health for pets
Green health for pets may include many aspects of environmentally conscious living and alternative veterinary medicine. Pet owners may choose natural or integrative therapies to treat pet illnesses and/or buy organic pet food.

Green communities
The terms green community, eco-community, and eco-village refer to communities founded, in part, on the principles of sustainability (where humans replenish the natural resources they use at the same rate those resources are used). Green communities often use strategies to either reduce their environmental footprints, or to reduce their negative impact on the surrounding environment. These communities often use renewable energy sources (energy that is replenished by nature) such as solar power; they may also create compact buildings that are constructed with environmentally friendly materials, they may offer alternative transportation options, and they often make an effort to preserve open space.

Green apparel
Green apparel refers to clothing that is produced in a sustainable way that minimizes the environmental impact of its production. It is often made with natural fibers, such as cotton, hemp, silk, eco-wool, and bamboo, but it may also include other materials, such as recycled plastic.

Food safety - from Natural Standard
Food safety refers to the conditions and practices that preserve the quality of food to prevent contamination and foodborne illnesses (those transmitted by food or beverages).

Factory farming
Factory farming: Factory farming is a system of livestock farming in which animals are kept in confinement at high-stocking density. Factory farming is an effort to yield the highest output at the lowest cost, and techniques vary around the world.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The U.S. government founded the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1970 to protect human health and the environment.

Ecotourism
Ecotourism is a type of recreational travel that, in the most general sense, strives to benefit the environment, celebrate its biodiversity, and introduce people to the surrounding area through eco-friendly touring.

Disability rights
Overview: According to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, a disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. A disability may include mental or psychiatric disorders, chronic diseases, or physical, sensory, cognitive, or intellectual impairments. A person may be born with a disability or acquire it at some point in his/her lifetime.

Consumption and consumerism
Modern society is normally described as a consumer society, which is based on the goal of constantly increasing the production and consumption of consumer goods.

Children's health protection
Around the world, children are exposed to environmental hazards ranging from famine to pollution. Children are more susceptible than adults to toxic exposure to chemicals found in food, water, dirt, and air. Environmental problems negatively affect children's health directly and indirectly, both in the short and the long term.

Blood safety
Overview: Blood safety refers to the procedures used to collect and store human blood products for the purpose of injecting them into another human being for medical reasons.

Biosafety
Infectious diseases: Biosafety, as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), describes safety measures applied to the handling of biologic materials or organisms with known potential to cause disease in humans. The CDC is a U.S. government agency focused on public health efforts to prevent and control infectious and chronic diseases. Exotic and deadly diseases must be studied under proper conditions to prevent infection and to find potential treatments optimally preventing future epidemics, and as a safeguard against practices such as bioterrorism. Bioterrorism is the use of disease-causing organisms as weapons.

Arsenic poisoning
Arsenic is a semi-metallic chemical that occurs naturally in the environment within the earth's crust, in water, and even in smoke from volcanoes. It may be found in soil, water, and human foods, such as chicken. People may become exposed to arsenic by eating or drinking it, breathing it in, and, in rare cases, touching it. People are regularly exposed to arsenic in small doses and can usually metabolize and excrete it without ill-health effects.

Air travel and cruise ship health
Air travel and cruise ship health involves protecting passengers and crew members during transportation, by minimising the risks of disease and injury.

Agricultural health
Agricultural health is the study of environmental, occupational, dietary, and genetic factors that may affect the health of those who work or live in agricultural environments, including farmers (i.e., farm owners), farm families, and farm workers.