What you didn't know about Hexavalent Chromium

Image taken from http://en.wikipedia.org

Most people have heard of hexavalent chromium [chromium (VI)] because they are familiar with the popular film Erin Brockovich, based on a true story. Click on the links below to learn some interesting facts about chromium (VI)!

Hexavalent Chromium Fact Sheet

Hexavalent Chromium Brochure

Impacts on Global Environmental Health

As the relationship between human health and the environment continue to rapidly evolve, through this course, I hoped to gather a better understanding of how major determinants of health are impacted by environmental issues in the global health community. Our research and discussions on global warming (Kyoto Agreement) and on strategies to help deal with public health issues on a global level have helped me to grasp a better understanding of environmental health on a larger scale. Speaking more generally, safe water, proper sanitation, and good hygiene are all important contributors in maintaining healthy communities, contributing to reducing the global impact of disease through the prevention and control of disease, injury, and disability. By working together, government and private organizations can continue to improve public health through sustainable practices and interventions and providing technical assistance to support the development and implementation of such interventions globally. 

Silent Spring

Image from mieukprevenir.blogspot.com

Rachel Carson, author, biologist, and ecologist, played a pivotal role in the environmental movement. After grabbing the public’s attention with her book Silent Spring, published in 1962, Carson brought awareness to the public of the dangers associated with synthetic pesticides and the damage they can cause to the environment and ultimately the health of the public. Despite the chemical industry’s attempts to spitefully slander and discredit her, Carson boldly expressed her concerns and challenged the practices of agricultural scientists and the government. Carson insisted new policies be set forth to protect human health and the environment. Following her death from breast cancer, the production of DDT was banned and Congress passed the National Environmental Policy Act, establishing the Environmental Protection Agency.

Both Carson and her book helped to expose the dangers of pesticide use and draw awareness to an important environmental issue, sparking one of many beginnings to environmental change to protect the environment and the public alike.