Edna L Negrón Martínez
Public Health and the Environment presents a timely pathway articulating the connections between the social, ecological, and economic factors that impact population health. This book aims to engage the reader in a sound understanding of the fundamental determinants that significantly impact the environment and people’s health. The Second Edition features updated web links to online availability, editing more than ten images, including Tables and Figures, and a reshaped interior design. Also, it introduces an e-Book format that is fully searchable online. The content of the seven chapters covers a breadth of scientific evidence from primary and secondary research systematically analyzed. It includes examples of health-relevant tools and indicators that show the impacts of individual and collective actions to inspire nearby solutions. Chapter One describes some of the field’s most important landmarks over the past two centuries. This chapter also illustrates the interdependence of humankind with nature’s ecosystem services and provisions. Global environmental trends are described in Chapter Two, highlighting those hazards that impact human health. Chapter Three presents case studies in Environmental Health. It also encourages health professionals to identify, evaluate, and control risks of exposure to ambient contaminants. The value of building capacity for workforce development is the theme of Chapter Four. There is consensus on environmental health challenges due to unsustainable consumption patterns and the resulting contaminants that abound in many urban settings worldwide. The rationale of Chapter Five is a discussion of the influence of the urban environment on people’s health and well-being. Chapter Six presents key findings of the effects and connections of the burden of disease to the economy, causing substantial healthcare costs that might limit the attainment of society’s progress. Moreover, it signifies the objectives and actions of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The final chapter, Chapter Seven, emphasizes the significance of a holistic education approach, both formal and non-formal include knowledge, values and attitudes, and skills competencies. This approach is consonant with sustainability practices among members of societies in their personal, professional, and community performances.
