HMEMS80 ASSIGNMENT 1
[COMPLETE ANSWERS] SEMESTER
2 2024
Question 1:
Explain the importance of environmental health in the context of public health. Provide
examples of how environmental factors can impact human health.
Answer: Environmental health is crucial in public health because it focuses on the external
factors that influence human health. These factors include air and water quality, chemical
exposures, and waste management.
For example:
● Air Pollution: Exposure to pollutants like particulate matter and ozone can lead to
respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic bronchitis.
● Water Quality: Contaminated water can cause gastrointestinal infections and diseases
like cholera and dysentery.
● Chemical Exposures: Pesticides and heavy metals can lead to chronic health
conditions such as cancer and developmental disorders.
Addressing these environmental factors helps prevent diseases, promote health, and improve
overall quality of life.
Question 2:
Discuss the role of policy in managing environmental health risks. How can policies be designed
to effectively reduce environmental health hazards?
Answer: Policies play a critical role in managing environmental health risks by setting
standards, regulations, and guidelines to protect public health. Effective policies can:
● Regulate Emissions: Implementing regulations to limit industrial emissions can reduce
air pollution and related health problems.
● Ensure Safe Water Supply: Establishing standards for water treatment and monitoring
can prevent waterborne diseases.
● Control Hazardous Materials: Enforcing regulations on the use and disposal of
hazardous chemicals can minimize contamination risks.
To be effective, policies should be based on scientific evidence, involve stakeholder input, be
enforceable, and include mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation.
Question 3:
[COMPLETE ANSWERS] SEMESTER
2 2024
Question 1:
Explain the importance of environmental health in the context of public health. Provide
examples of how environmental factors can impact human health.
Answer: Environmental health is crucial in public health because it focuses on the external
factors that influence human health. These factors include air and water quality, chemical
exposures, and waste management.
For example:
● Air Pollution: Exposure to pollutants like particulate matter and ozone can lead to
respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic bronchitis.
● Water Quality: Contaminated water can cause gastrointestinal infections and diseases
like cholera and dysentery.
● Chemical Exposures: Pesticides and heavy metals can lead to chronic health
conditions such as cancer and developmental disorders.
Addressing these environmental factors helps prevent diseases, promote health, and improve
overall quality of life.
Question 2:
Discuss the role of policy in managing environmental health risks. How can policies be designed
to effectively reduce environmental health hazards?
Answer: Policies play a critical role in managing environmental health risks by setting
standards, regulations, and guidelines to protect public health. Effective policies can:
● Regulate Emissions: Implementing regulations to limit industrial emissions can reduce
air pollution and related health problems.
● Ensure Safe Water Supply: Establishing standards for water treatment and monitoring
can prevent waterborne diseases.
● Control Hazardous Materials: Enforcing regulations on the use and disposal of
hazardous chemicals can minimize contamination risks.
To be effective, policies should be based on scientific evidence, involve stakeholder input, be
enforceable, and include mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation.
Question 3:
