Running Head HOUSING; RECREATIONAL AREAS AND BATH Essays

Running Head: HOUSING; RECREATIONAL AREAS AND BATHING FACILITIES; DISASTER SANITATION TUI UNIVERSITY Timothy N. Tarrant Module 4: BHE 314 Environmental Health and Safety Dr. Rania Sabty-Daily 20 August 2008 Abstract The first purpose of this paper is to investigate problems at a local apartment complex. There is lead-based paint peeling from the walls and mold growing on the walls. This paper will summarize the health hazards associated with lead and mold, and describe what may be done to control these two public health hazards. The second purpose of this is to determine how to protect the health of local swimmers at a recreational pool. I will discuss two methods that have been used to treat swimming pool water, ozonation and chlorination. Then I will identify the method that would provide the best protection to swimmers and the public's health. HOUSING AND HABITABILITY According to the Office of Lead-Based Paint Abatement and Poisoning Prevention, "Childhood lead poisoning is the most common environmental disease of young children." (EPA, 1996) Lead salts were added to paints as coloring agents and stabilizers during the Industrial Revolution. This lead-based paint was used to paint both exterior and interior surfaces of apartments, homes and buildings built prior to 1978. Subsequently, the federal government has since banned lead-based paint from housing in 1978. (HUD, 2007) Lead poisoning is caused by ingestion of lead from paint, soil, household dust, and even by drinking contaminated water. Lead paint that has deteriorated will mix with soil, is tracked into homes and becomes mixed with household dust. Children are often poisoned through the ingestion of paint chips or playing in contaminated soil. Lead-based paint can resurface and pose a hazard when paint surfaces crack, scale, peel and chip or become loose. Lead poisoning can cause brain, kidney, and nervous system damage. The effects on the central nervous system are mostly irreversible and include mental retardation, behavioral problems, and language deficits. Symptoms of lead poisoning are varied and dependent on the age of the exposed person and duration of exposure but include anemia, abdominal pain, irritability, slurred speech, lethargy, convulsions, coma, and even death. There are some simple things that you can do to protect your family from exposure to lead. The most important is basic hygiene and cleanliness. Wipe off dirt from shoes before walking into a house, mop dirty or dusty areas in the house and keep child play areas clean. Children should also keep from placing fingers or toys in their mouths. Hand hygiene is also very important. Children should wash their hands before eating or going to bed. This will limit accidental exposure through ingestion. If painted surfaces within the house are deteriorating, then repairing such areas will temporarily reduce the hazards. To permanently remove the painted lead hazards, someone that is certified in lead abatement should be hired. Certified workers have specialized training to properly and safely remove the paint and clean up residual dust. (HUD, 2007) Another household hazard present in many American homes is mold. Concerns in recent years have been brought up because of the causal relationship between mold and allergies, asthma, and exposure to mold- producing toxins. According to a 1999 May Clinic Study, "nearly all chronic sinus infections afflicting 37 million Americans are a result of molds." (Mann, 2002) Mold can grow on walls, ceilings, carpets, furniture and other household surfaces. Mold spores can cause serious health problems but mold doesn't affect everyone in the same manner. Hurricane Katrina created a huge mold problem within the United States. "One of the worst effects of water damage comes in the form of mold. Following a hurricane or severe floods, mold may develop, causing serious health problems. The state and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are working to inform the public as to the health hazards associated with mold, what can be done to minimize mold, and what ways can be effective in cleaning up mold." (FEMA, 2005) Mold is normally found in areas that have a relatively high humidity and can often be found just by the damp musty smell that is produced. Controlling household moisture is essential to control mold. In addition, direct sunlight prevents the growth of mold. Proper ventilation and the use of a dehumidifier will prevent and get rid of mold. The best way to remove mold growth from hard surfaces is to use commercial products, soap and water, or a bleach solution. SWIMMING POOLS Protecting people at recreational swimming pools is serious business. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, between