NS 411 Test 4 (Ch 5, 9, 23, 32)

Body Burden

Accumulation of chemicals in blood, fat, breast milk, and other body fluids.

Emotional Abuse

Acts or omissions by parents or other caregivers that cause, or could cause, serious behavioral, cognitive, emotional, or mental disorders.

Intergovernmental Organizations

Agencies consisting of the official representatives of governments working together for a stated purpose.

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)

An agency of the United Nations concerned with the health and welfare of mothers and children.

Universal Deceleration of Human Rights: 1948

"Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well being of himself and his family, including food, clothing, housing, and medical care."

Nursing and Global Health

- Nurses play leadership role in health care throughout the world - Role of the nurse is defined poorly in lesser-developed countries: Care depends on physicians. - Leaders during and recovery from natural disasters - Role of nursing changing in China - High physician-to-population ration in some countries.

Violence in Soceity

- One of the fastest growing public health problems today - Cuts across all socioeconomic groups - Includes all age groups and relationship types.

Diarrheal Disease

- One of the leading cause of illness and death in children less than five years of age throughout the world: Each year there are 1.6 million diarrheal deaths related to unsafe water, sanitation, and hygiene - Rampant among the impoverished - Many countries have developed diarrhea control programs that improve childhood nutrition.

Nutrition and World Health

- Poor nutrition by itself or that associated with infectious disease accounts for a large portion of the world's disease burden. - Many children around the world are underweight and have multiple micronurtient deficiencies. - Improved nutrition is related to stronger immune systems, decreased illness, better maternal and child health, longer life spans, and improved learning outcomes for children.

Division of Violence Prevention (DVP)

- Prevent injuries and deaths caused by violence - Monitoring violence-related injuries - Conducting research on the factors that put people at risk or protect them from violence - Creating and evaluating the effectiveness of violence prevention programs - Helping state and local partners plan, implement, and evaluate prevention programs - Conducting research on the effective adoption and dissemination of prevention strategies

Public Health Responses to Global Issues

- Responses to disease outbreaks - Global disease surveillance - Global health research - Dissemination of public health approaches to health problems - Global disease control initiatives - Public health training and capacity building.

Ecology

- The study of living things in relationship to their environment. - Everything is connected; everything must go somewhere - Systems Theory: Change in any portion might affect other parts.

Communicable Diseases

- Tuberculosis (TB): Largest cause of death form a single infectious agent - AIDS: Increasing incidence in adolescents, young adults, and heterosexuals - Malaria: Affects more than 50% of the worlds' population

Global Health Inequites

-10/90 rule - Less than 10 percent of world's research budget is spent on conditions that account for 90 percent of world's diseases.

Chapter 23: Violence: A Social and Family Problem

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Chapter 5: Global Health

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Chapter 9: Environmental Health Risks: At Home, at Work, and in the Community

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Goals for Primary Health Care:

1. An organized approach to health education. 2. Aggressive attention to environmental sanitation. 3. Involvement and training of community and village health workers 4. Development of maternal and child health programs that include immunization and family planning 5. Initiation of preventive programs that are specifically aimed at local endemic problems 6. Accessibility and affordability of health care 7. Availability of chemotherapeutic agents 8. Development of nutrition programs 9. Promotion and acceptance of tradition medicine

Health for All

A commitment to the social justice of eliminating health disparities of people everywhere.

United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

A federal agency that provides expertise and funding to countries that need economic development

Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)

A federation of 25 countries in the Americas with a mission to strengthen international and local health systems to improve the health and living standards of the population of the Americas.

Beveridge Model

A health care system model operated with government management and organization, funded by taxes.

Global Health Council

A leading voluntary organization focusing on global health and development.

Bismarck Model

A model of a health care system in which decentralized management and organization and a variety of funding sources are used.

World Health Organization (WHO)

A multilateral agency of 193 countries working to improve the health status of the world's population.

Bullying

A pattern of physical, verbal, or other behaviors directed by one or more children toward another child that are intended to inflict physical, verbal, or emotional harm.

Cycle of Violence

A reoccurring pattern of abusive behavior often described as having three phases: tension building, battering, and apologetic.

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

A research institution that is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. NIOSH's responsibility is to develop and implement research strategies to determine the extent of workplace injuries and illnesses and the efficacy of workplace intervention to decrease injuries and illnesses.

Social Learning Theory

A sociological theory that children learn to engage in acts of violence by observing role models and seeing problem solving through violence portrayed as successful in the media (Warriner, 1994).

Globalization of Health

A view of health as a world concern that requires a cooperative international effort to address health concerns, rather than as an isolated issue for each country to address alone.

Which intervention has been effective in helping prevent the spread of HIV in developing countries? A. Voluntary counseling and testing B. Immunization against the virus C. Providing medications to those who have the virus D. Mandatory screening

Answer: A Voluntary counseling and testing Rationale: Voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) is a major strategy of HIV prevention and treatment. With the help of trained counselors, people learn how to reduce their risk of infection. They are also helpful in getting more people tested. AIDS vaccine development is progressing, but at this time it is not a readily available option. Medication to maintain the immune status or treat the illnesses that accompany HIV infection is costly and not available to large segments of the developing world. Mandatory screening is not feasible, considering the few economic resources that are available in developing countries. Also, it appears that peer education and voluntary testing may be more effective.

The overall purpose of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is to: A. ensure safe and healthful working conditions. B. ensure that specific standards for workplace safety are being met. C. promote workplace satisfaction. D. perform occupational health and safety research.

Answer: D Perform occupational health and safety research Rationale: The overall purpose of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is to perform occupational health and safety research. NIOSH has developed and funded the first Education and Research Centers across the United States. The role of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is to ensure safe and healthful working conditions and that specific standards for workplace safety are being met. The three priority categories that are addressed by NIOSH include disease and injury, work environment and work force, and research tools and approaches. Although research about workplace satisfaction may be performed, that is not the overall purpose of NIOSH.

A community/public health nurse uses secondary prevention when: A. encouraging individuals to wear bicycle helmets. B. educating a family about using recyclable products. C. rapidly evacuating residents after a chemical plant explosion. D. assessing for possible environmental exposure to asbestos.

Answer: D Assessing for possible environmental exposure to asbestos. Rationale: Assessing for possible environmental exposure to asbestos is an example of secondary prevention. Secondary prevention is performed when a nurse observes for signs and symptoms of environmental exposures and assesses all clients for environmental risks. Educating a family about using recyclable products and encouraging individuals to wear bicycle helmets are examples of primary prevention. Primary prevention is aimed at health promotion and illness prevention, reducing the risk of exposure and illness. Rapidly evacuating residents after a chemical plant explosion is an example of tertiary prevention. Tertiary prevention is aimed at minimizing disability and maximizing functional capacity.

Health Disparities

Any difference in health outcomes among populations; the unequal levels of health among nations (See also Health care disparities).

Hazardous Waste

Any discarded material that may pose a substantial threat or potential danger to human health when improperly handled" (1976 Resource Conservation and Recovery Act).

DVP Prevention Priorities

Child Maltreatment Intimate Partner Violence Sexual Violence Suicide Youth Violence Elder Abuse Global Violence

Major Global Health Problems and the Burden of Disease

Communicable Diseases Diarrheal Disease Maternal and Women's Health Nutrition and World Health Natural and Man-Made Disasters

Risk Communication

Communicating about the risks of environmental hazards within a community.

Millennium Development Goals

Eight goals to make the elimination of worldwide poverty by 2015 a very high priority.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Either new, previously unknown infections or old reemerging infections that are increasing in frequency and severity worldwide.

Exposure Assessment

Evaluation that consists of identifying the pathways by which toxicants may reach individuals, estimating how much of a chemical an individual is likely to be exposed to, and estimating the number of individuals likely to be exposed.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Federal agency that provides expertise in disease control and prevention and directs ongoing health-related programs through the International Health Program Office.

Sexual Abuse

Harm to a person from fondling, intercourse, incest, rape, exhibitionism, and commercial exploitation through prostitution or the production of pornographic materials.

Household Hazards

Hazardous products used and disposed of by residential (as opposed to industrial) consumers; such products include paints, stains, varnishes, solvents, pesticides, and other materials or products containing volatile chemicals that can catch fire, react, or explode or that are corrosive or toxic

Estimated Cost of Violence

In 2007, CDC published a study that estimated the cost of violence in the US exceeds 70 billion each years.

Brownfield

In contrast to a Superfund site, a Brownfield site is a property designated for redevelopment in which there is a concern that some past use has created a health risk.

Child Neglect

Maltreatment of children that is the result of failing to provide for their basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter, and health care.

Child Abuse

Maltreatment of children; it may be physical, neglectful, sexual, or emotional.

Elder Abuse

Maltreatment of older persons (usually older than 65 years). The abuse can be physical, emotional, or financial. Failure to provide adequate care and comfort for elderly persons who are under the community health nurse's care would be considered neglect. Financial exploitation of vulnerable elderly persons is a growing problem and has been identified as the most common form of elder abuse.

Natural and Man-Made Disasters

Natural disasters: earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, hurricanes, cyclones, droughts. Typicall the poor are the worst hit due to their lack of resources to cope and rebuild Man-Made Disasters: Bioterrorism attach, chemical emergency, radiation poisoning, genocide.

Violence

Nonaccidental acts that result in physical or emotional injuries.

Voluntary Organizations

Nongovernmental organizations committed to a variety of welfare endeavors.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

Papers that list chemical information about specific materials.

Intimate Partner Violence

Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse of one's spouse or other partner.

Role of Population Health

Population health: focuses on the broad range of factors conditions that have a strong influence on the health of populations. Promotes primary healthcare.

Right to Know

Statutes and regulations that enable the public to access information about specific contaminants expelled into the environment.

Public. Health Approach to Violence

Systematic process applied to populations: - Describe the problem - Identify risk and protective factors - Develop prevention strategies - Assure widespread adoption of strategies that achieve desired outcomes.

Superfund

The program that funds and carries out EPA solid waste emergency and long-term removal and remedial activities. These activities include establishing the National Priorities List, investigating sites for inclusion on the list, determining their priority, and conducting and/or supervising cleanup and other remedial actions.

Precautionary Principle

The statement that if there is some evidence about the relationship between toxic substances or environmental hazards and human health, even if scientific evidence about cause and effect is not available, precautionary measures should be taken to protect the environment and human health.

Toxicology

The study of chemicals and their potential to make humans (and other life forms) sick.

Fate and Transport

The way in which pollutants migrate from one place to another.

Mandatory Reporting

The legal requirement that certain professionals report documented or suspected cases of abuse or neglect.

Worker Protections

- 1911: State workers compensation law - 1970 Occupational safety & health administration (OSHA); National Institutes for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) - 1986: Hazard Communication Standard - 1990: Americans with Disabilities Act.

Maternal and Women's Health

- A woman's ability to survive pregnancy and childbirth is indicative of the society in which she lives. - Maternal health has widespread effects on children and families - Most deaths to women around the world are related to pregnancy and childbirth - Safe motherhood initiatives are still needed.

Environmental Hazards

- Chemical: solids, liquids, dusts, fumes, mists, vapors, & gases. - Biological: food-born disease, vector-born disease - Physical hazards - Radiation - Home safety: falls & posionings

Global Health and Global Development

- Global health diplomacy: Example the Uganda project - Improvement in overall health status of a population contributes to the economic growth of a country in several ways.

Major Global Health Organizations:

- Multilateral organizations: WHO, UNICEF, PAHA, World Bank - Bilateral Organizations: USAID - Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or private voluntary organizations (PVOs): Oxfam, project hope, international red cross, catholic relief services, church-sponsored health care missionaries. `

Environmental Diasters

- Nuclear waste - Chemical waste - Weather - World Trade Center (9/11)

Millennium Development Goals

1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger 2. Achieve universal primary education 3. Promote gender equality and empower women 4. Reduce child mortality 5. Improve maternal health 6. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases 7. Ensure environmental sustainability 8. Develop a global partnership for development The government of the 22 wealthiness donor nations in the world agreed to commit 0.7% of their gross domestic product by the year 2015 toward the accomplishment of the Millennium Development Goals. The United States has only donated less than 0.2%

World Bank

An intergovernmental financial agency concerned with improving the economic status of poor countries by providing resources and sharing knowledge through partnerships in the public and private sectors.

Determining how land is to be used and zoning laws are the responsibility of the: A. city or county government. B. state government. C. federal government. D. environmental protection agency.

Answer: A City or county government Rationale: It is the responsibility of the city or county to determine how land is to be used, and the mechanism that they use is their "zoning" laws. Land can be zoned for use as residential, commercial, light or heavy industry, rural/farming, etc. The state government may be involved with the state-level environmental protection agency to determine how much pollution a factory or other institution can emit into the air or water. The federal government may be involved in passing laws that protect the public from environmental hazards, such as the Clean Air Act.

Which would be considered to be part of the microsystem of the environment? A. Family B. Culture C. Schools D. Government agencies

Answer: A Family Rationale: The microsystem of the environment is the level of the system closest to the human population. It includes the environment immediately surrounding the person, such as the family and the home. Culture, schools, and government agencies are examples of the macrosystem, the larger context in which the microsystem is embedded.

Which statement best describes the role of the World Health Organization (WHO)? A. Its emphasis is to provide health care services and support to poor countries. B. Its overall goal is to improve the health status of developed countries. C. Its focus is in the areas of child and maternal health. D. Its mission is to serve as a primary lender for third-world countries.

Answer: A It emphasis is to provide health care services and support to poor countries. Rationale: The WHO provides both technical support and health care services to member nations, with an emphasis on poorer countries. The WHO involves approximately 193 countries and its focus is on working with the underdeveloped, poorer member countries. The WHO does not have a specific area of health where it focuses its efforts. It directs and coordinates international health projects, collaborates with other organizations and agencies in health care programs, and monitors and reports on worldwide disease conditions. The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) concentrates its efforts in the area of maternal and child health. Although the WHO does provide funding for its international projects, it does not serve as a primary lender for third-world countries. The World Bank funds loans to poorer nations.

Which statement about home safety is correct (select all that apply)? A. Deaths from poisonings in the 0- to 4-year-old group have fallen dramatically. B. Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injury deaths for adults older than 75 years of age. C. Drownings are the leading cause of injury death among toddlers. D. Most firearms deaths occur when playing with or cleaning firearms. E. Fires and burns are the third highest cause of home death. F. Wealthy families are immune to home hazards.

Answer: A, B, C, Rationale: Death from poisonings in the 0- to 4-year-old group have fallen dramatically since 1959, in part because of the introduction of child-proof containers and educational campaigns such as "Mr. Yuk." Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injury deaths for adults older than 75 years of age. Lack of stair rails and grab bars, tripping hazards, unsteady furniture, poor lighting, loose electrical cords and rugs, slippery surfaces, and clutter contribute to falls in the elderly. Drownings are the leading cause of injury death in toddlers. It has been estimated that for each drowning death, there are one to four near-drownings that result in hospitalization. Most firearm deaths are the result of suicides and homicides. Fires and burns are the fifth highest cause of home death. No family is immune to home hazards

Poorer countries experience (select all that apply): A. higher death rates. B. shorter life expectancy. C. a greater incidence of infectious diseases. D. a poorer standard of health and health care. E. more natural disasters. F. more crime.

Answer: A, B, C, D, Higher death rates, shorter life expectancy, a greater incidence of infectious diseases, a poorer standard of health and health care. Rationale: Poorer countries have higher rates of death, disease, and disability. Life expectancy in poorer countries is lower. Infectious diseases, which may be nonexistent in developed countries, are rampant in poorer countries. Poorer countries have less ability to provide health care for their people. Poorer countries do not experience more natural disasters than wealthier countries, but they are not as well equipped to handle the disasters. Poorer countries do not experience more crime than wealthier countries, but poorer countries do not have the resources to react to crime like wealthier countries.

Emerging infectious diseases: A. will not be problematic because of advances in technology. B. may include new, previously unknown conditions. C. are of concern in developing countries. D. are monitored by the United Nations.

Answer: B May include new, previously unknown conditions Rationale: Emerging infectious diseases are new, previously unknown conditions. The threat of a new influenza pandemic and SARS are two examples of new conditions that have emerged. Although there have been advances in technology, emerging infectious diseases are still of concern. This is especially problematic because there is a time lag between recognition of the problem and development of effective treatment. Emerging infectious diseases are of concern in all nations, both developing and developing countries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are both involved in monitoring and coordinating responses related to emerging infectious diseases.

Which activity would the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) be involved in? A. Providing funding to create home emergency kits B. Monitoring an outbreak of measles in a community C. Setting up a well-child clinic in a neighborhood D. Educating parents about child safety

Answer: B Monitoring an outbreak of measles in a community. Rationale: The focus of the CDC is disease control and prevention. In instances of disease outbreaks, experts in the field are dispatched to the area of need. Monitoring an outbreak of measles in a community would be an activity that may involve the CDC. Creating home emergency kits, setting up well-child clinics, and educating parents does not coincide with the focus of the CDC.

A poorly designed child safety seat would be classified as a: A. biological hazard. B. physical hazard. C. chemical hazard. D. psychosocial hazard.

Answer: B Physical Hazard Rationale: Physical hazards include poorly designed or unsafe construction of equipment, buildings, roads, or playgrounds; improperly placed items, and general lack of attention to safety, noise, and radiation. A poorly designed child safety seat would be classified as a physical hazard. Biological hazards are related to the spread of infectious disease. Dusts, fumes, mists, vapors, and gases are examples of chemical hazards. The major psychosocial hazard is stress. This category is the most difficult to describe because it is the most difficult to measure.

Which disease has been eradicated worldwide? A. Measles B. Smallpox C. Polio D. Tuberculosis

Answer: B Smallpox Rationale: Smallpox has been eradicated worldwide. The last known case was in Somalia in 1977. Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease, but has the highest death rate. Measles vaccine coverage in very poor countries may be less than 50%. Significant progress has been made in the eradication of polio. It has decreased 99% since 1988. It is now found only in parts of Africa and south Asia. Tuberculosis is a leading cause of infectious-disease death. This is a serious health problem because the disease is becoming resistant to chemotherapy.

Which nursing role is being performed when an occupational health nurse coordinates appointments for a worker who sustained a back injury? A. Clinician B. Educator C. Case manager D. Consultant

Answer: C Case Manager Rationale: As a case manager, the occupational health nurse coordinates health and rehabilitation services for an individual worker from the onset of an injury or illness to an optimal return to work status or satisfactory alternative. This role is being used when coordinating appointments for a worker who sustained a back injury. As a clinician, the occupation health nurse is responsible for preventing work-related and non-work-related health problems and restoring and maintaining health. As an educator, the occupational health nurse assumes responsibility for programming and administration of curricula and/or clinical experiences in occupational and environmental health nursing. As a consultant, the occupational health nurse serves as an advisor for developing, selecting, implementing, and evaluating occupational and environmental health and safety services.

The term environmental justice describes the: A. aspects of human health that are determined by physical and chemical problems in the environment. B. freedom from illness or injury related to exposure to toxic agents. C. disproportionately high exposures of low-income and minority populations to environmental health risks. D. assessment of risks in the community.

Answer: C Disproportionately high exposures of low-income and minority populations to environmental health risks. Rationale: Environmental justice refers to disproportionately high exposures of low-income and minority populations to environmental health risks, such as air pollution, hazardous waste incinerators, toxic landfills, pesticides, lead exposure, and unsafe drinking water. Environmental health is defined as the aspects of human health that are determined by physical, chemical, biological, social, and psychological problems in the environment. The Institute of Medicine defines environmental health as the freedom from illness or injury related to exposure to toxic agents and other environmental conditions that are potentially detrimental to human health. Assessing risks in the community is a way that nurses can examine environmental health issues.

Which discipline is responsible for measuring occupational health exposures? A. Toxicologists B. Sanitarians C. Industrial hygienists D. Ergonomists

Answer: C Industrial Hygienists Rationale: Industrial hygienists are responsible for measuring occupational health exposures. They are trained to do measurements for chemicals in workplace air and dust, to assess noise levels, and to address work-related temperature issues. Toxicologists help to provide some of the scientific underpinnings for our understanding of how human health, ecological health, and the environment are all interconnected and affect each other. Sanitarians are often involved in food safety, vector control, housing-related environmental risks, and other environmental programs typically found in local health departments. Ergonomists address issues related to work stations and how well they "fit" the worker, in order to eliminate/reduce muscular strain or vision problems.

The Bismarck model can be described as a health care system that: A. provides medical care to poor individuals. B. is funded by the government only. C. is funded by both personal contributions and taxes. D. provides medical care to all.

Answer: C Is funded by both personal contributions and taxes. Rationale: The Bismarck model is funded by a combination of personal contributions and taxes. The national government assumes responsibility for financing and planning, but organizing and delivering care are shared with private enterprise. The Bismarck model provides medical protection to most people. It covers more than just poor individuals. The model that is funded by the government only is the Beveridge model, and it is funded by taxes. Under the Bismarck model, most people have medical care protection. Workers may have insurance from their employers while everyone else has another form of insurance or is subsidized by the government. However, this does not guarantee health insurance to all.

8. The community/public health nurse uses surveillance when: collecting data to help describe the population, its health status, and the health risks. talking to parents about the risks of not having smoke detectors in the home. reporting a child who has lead poisoning. advocating for policies to improve air quality.

Answer: C Reporting a child who has lead poisoning. Rationale: Surveillance is used when reporting environmental diseases, such as cancer registries, birth defect registries, and blood lead level registries. Assessment is used when collecting data to help describe the population, its health status, and the health risks. Risk communication is used when the community/public health nurse communicates to others about health risks, such as talking to parents about the risks of not having smoke detectors in the home. Advocacy is used when advocating for policies that influence the health of the population.

Which intervention best demonstrates how nurses can participate in global health? A. Reading a foreign newspaper B. Educating the neighborhood about HIV/AIDS C. Volunteering with international organizations D. Recruiting international students into nursing

Answer: C Volunteering with international organizations Rationale: Ways to participate in global health include volunteering, research and clinical practice, membership in international nursing groups, and engaging in the political process. Reading a foreign newspaper may help increase a nurse's awareness of global health issues, but it does not demonstrate participation in global health. Educating the neighborhood about HIV/AIDS will help increase awareness and knowledge at the local level, but does not demonstrate the focus on worldwide health. Recruiting international students into nursing may help add diversity to the nursing profession. However, it does not show how a nurse can participate in global health.

It is necessary for public health nurses to be aware of global health because: A. the health of populations worldwide needs to be closely monitored. B. more nurses are being recruited to work in foreign countries. C. worldwide travel occurs more rapidly than in previous decades. D. third-world countries need assistance to treat disease.

Answer: C Worldwide travel occurs more rapidly than in previous decades. Rationale: Worldwide travel is one of the main reasons public health nurses need to be aware of global health. Highly infectious diseases can circle the world rapidly, as more than 2 million people cross national boundaries daily. Although the health of populations worldwide is of concern, it would not be a primary role of public health nurses to closely monitor the health status of populations worldwide. Although nurses do more traveling now than in previous decades, there is not a large recruitment of U.S. nurses to foreign nations. Third-world countries may need assistance to treat disease. However, the public health nurse will not be able to provide such assistance independently.

What is the best global indicator of child health? A. poverty rate B. life expectancy C. immunization rates D. malnutrition

Answer: D Malnutrition Rationale: Malnutrition is the best global indicator of child health. The best measure of malnutrition is growth stunting. Poverty, life expectancy, and immunization rates are major indicators of health of a population and nation; however, these are not the best global indicators of child health.

Incest

Sexual activity among sanguineous family members.

Dose Response

Shifts in toxicologic responses of an individual (such as alterations in severity) or populations (such as alterations in incidence) that are related to changes in the dose of any given substance.

Child Protective Services

The agency assigned to investigate reports of child abuse or neglect.

Environmental Health

The aspects of human health, including quality of life, that are determined by physical, chemical, biological, social, and psychological problems in the environment. This term also refers to the theory and practice of assessing, correcting, controlling, and preventing those factors in the environment that can potentially affect adversely the health of current and future generations.

Epidemiological Transition

The change in patterns of illness and death from acute to chronic conditions that is influenced by improvements in a country's economic status.

Environmental Justice

The concept of the disproportionately high exposures of low-income and minority populations to environmental health risks such as air pollution, hazardous waste incinerators, toxic landfills, pesticides, lead exposure, and unsafe drinking water.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

The federal agency that administers the provisions of the 1970 Occupational Safety and Health Act, ensuring safe and healthful working conditions.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The government agency with the primary responsibility for setting and enforcing standards related to environmental pollutants.

Intergenerational Transmission of Violence

The idea that violent behavior is learned and transmitted through families over generations.

Physical Abuse

The infliction of physical injury as a result of punching, beating, kicking, biting, burning, shaking, or otherwise harming a child or an adult.

Terrorism

Unlawful use of force/violence against persons, property in order to intimidate or coerce a government or civilian population in furtherance of political or social objectives.

Alma-Ata Conference

World assembly of nations in 1978 that declared Health for All a policy of the World Health Organization.

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)

[1] a chronic condition [2] with symptoms that recur reproducibly [3] in response to low levels of exposure [4] to multiple unrelated chemicals and [5] improve or resolve when sources of exposures are removed; a sixth criterion for this designation is that symptoms occur in multiple organ systems. (Bartha et al., 1999, abstract).