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Our Global Environment

A Health Perspective, Sixth Edition

Anne Nadakavukaren

Human beings may be the dominant form of life on Earth today, but our health, well-being, and, indeed, survival are dependent on the health and integrity of the environment in which we live. Anne Nadakavukaren explores and clarifies this web of interdependency and interrelationships with uncommon insight into the functioning of the natural environment and the impact of human activities. She provides a comprehensive, up-to-date survey of the major environmental issues facing the world today within a dual framework of ecological concerns combined with specific issues of personal and community health.

With the same clear, compelling writing that has made this a perennial favorite among students and faculty alike, the author imparts to readers a sense of how today's environmental issues directly affect their own lives. Moreover, Our Global Environment provides the information and understanding they need to participate in the decision-making processes that will influence health and environmental quality in the decades ahead. Abundant illustrations and photos throughout the book illuminate the discussion, while boxed inserts contain timely, illustrative examples of the more general concepts discussed in the chapters.
 

$44.95 list, 616 pages

10-digit ISBN: 1-57766-402-7

13-digit ISBN: 978-1-57766-402-4

© 2006

Instructor’s Manual available

Study Guide: $18.95 list, 187 pages

10-digit ISBN: 1-57766-420-5

13-digit ISBN: 978-1-57766-420-8

© 2006

“I have used previous editions of this text continuously for each of the past 16 years. It is, hands down, the best, most comprehensive and current overview and introduction to the field of environmental health that I have found. Students really appreciate the Study Guide that accompanies the text, and as an instructor, I have found the Instructor’s Manual to be extremely helpful. Anne has truly made a significant impact on and contribution to the education of thousands and thousands of students over the years.” — Stephen D. Arnold, New Mexico State University 

“I have used this text as the primary required reading in my graduate class in environmental health for the past 11 years. I find it very appropriate because of its global approach to the concept of the environment and its impact on human health and development. Students have also accepted it well as a useful text for a solid training in public health! Thank you!”   — Kwesi Dugbatey, St. Louis University 

“I have used this book for environmental health classes for several years. In my opinion it is the best textbook available that deals with environmental health issues. I appreciate the author keeping the book up to date.”      — J. David Dunn, Western Kentucky University 

“This text is used at the graduate level at my alma mater, and I use it in a freshman-level science course that I teach. The information is important regardless of one’s educational level, and it’s relevant to us all. Congratulations on an excellent textbook!”   — Christopher Harvey, Florida Institute of Technology

Table of Contents

Part I. PEOPLE, PROGRESS, AND NATURE: Is Conflict Inevitable?

1. Introduction to Ecological Principles

Ecosystems / Biotic Community / Ecological Dominants / Biomes / Ecological Niches / Limiting Factors / Limits of Tolerance / Energy Flow through the Biosphere / Biogeochemical Cycling / Change in Ecosystems

2. Population Dynamics

Population Attributes / Population Growth Forms / Homeostatic Controls / Human Population Growth / Population Explosion / Urbanization / Population Projections

3. Population Control

Early Attempts at Family Limitation / Modern Family-Planning Movement / Birth Control—Its Health Impact / Contraceptive Safety / Family Planning in the Third World / Population Policy: Moving Beyond Birth Control

4. The People-Food Predicament

Factors Influencing Food Demand / Extent of Hunger / Causes of Hunger / Health Impact of Hunger / Prospects for Reducing World Hunger

5. Impacts of Growth on Ecosystems

Degradation of Land Resources / Loss of Biodiversity

Part II. OUR TOXIC ENVIRONMENT: Does Everything Cause Cancer?

6. Environmental Disease

Mutation / Birth Defects / Cancer

7. Toxic Substances

Testing for Toxicity / Assessing Health Risk / Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) / Dioxin (TCDD) / Asbestos / Lead / Mercury

8. Pests and Pesticides

What Is a Pest? / Problems Caused by Pests / Pest Control / Environmental Impact of Pesticide Use / Hazards to Human Health / Alternatives to Chemical Pest Control

9. Food Quality

Food Contaminants / Food Additives / Foodborne Disease / Preventing Foodborne Disease

10. Radiation

Ionizing Radiation / Ultraviolet Radiation / Microwaves / Electromagnetic Fields (EMF)

Part III. ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION: How We Foul Our Own Nest

11. The Atmosphere

Composition of the Atmosphere / Human Impact on the Earth-Atmosphere System / Rising Levels of Atmospheric CO₂—Moving toward a Warmer World? / Impacts of Global Warming / The Greenhouse Policy Debate

12. Air Pollution

Sources of Air Pollution / Impact of Air Pollution on Human Health / Pollution Control Efforts—The Clean Air Act / Global Air Quality Trends / Acid Deposition / Indoor Air Pollution

13. Noise Pollution

Sources of Noise / Noise as a Nuisance / Nature of Sound / Noise and Hearing Loss / Other Effects of Noise / Noise Control Efforts

14. Water Resources

Hydrologic Cycle / Water Quantity and Health / Water Supply: Our Next Crisis? / Groundwater / Water Management: Increasing Supply versus Reducing Demand

15. Water Pollution

Controlling Water Pollution: The Clean Water Act / Sources of Water Pollution / Municipal Sewage Treatment / New Approaches to Wastewater Treatment / Septic Systems / Industrial Discharges / Water Pollution and Health / Looking Ahead

16. Solid and Hazardous Wastes

Waste Disposal—A Brief History / Municipal Solid Wastes (MSW) / Current Waste Disposal Alternatives / Hazardous Wastes / Hazardous Waste Management Legislation: RCRA

Appendix A: Environmental Agencies of the Federal Government

Appendix B: Environmental Organizations