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Overview
Overview
In this activity, you will examine medical and non-medical ways to protect yourself from the effects of environmental contaminants. You will also look at the importance of good personal hygiene and household cleanliness in reducing your exposure to health risks from environmental contaminants.
In this activity, you will examine medical and non-medical ways to protect yourself from the effects of environmental contaminants. You will also look at the importance of good personal hygiene and household cleanliness in reducing your exposure to health risks from environmental contaminants.
Content
Content
Every day we are exposed to environmental factors and contaminants that pose risks to our health. It is important we protect ourselves to minimize these health risks.
How you protect yourself depends on the type of environmental risk and the mode of exposure. Lifestyle choices, medical treatments, personal hygiene, and the use of personal protective equipment and substances, all play an important role in minimizing the risks of environmental hazards.
1. Breathing Protection
1. Breathing Protection
Dust masks and respirators help to protect people from airborne pollutants, such as fumes and small particles. Indoor air filters can also be used to remove airborne pollutants from the air.
2. Protective Clothing
2. Protective Clothing
Gloves and other protective clothing minimize exposure to contaminated water and other liquid pollutants that could be absorbed through your skin. Wearing sun protective clothing can also reduce the risk of sunburn.
3. Environmentally Friendly Alternatives
3. Environmentally Friendly Alternatives
A good way to reduce the risk of environmental contaminants is to reduce the use of chemicals, such as toxic cleaners, pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Many less toxic products can be purchased, or made at home. Compost or other natural materials can be used to replace chemical fertilizers.
4. Proper Hygiene
4. Proper Hygiene
One of the simplest ways to minimize health risks is proper hygiene. Hand washing, especially before eating, can greatly reduce the chance of ingesting chemical residue or bacteria from touching contaminated surfaces.
Proper food handling is very important. Washing fruits and vegetables before you eat them, removes chemical residue and dirt. Proper handling of raw and cooked meat and poultry greatly reduces the risk of ingesting bacteria contaminants.
5. Life Style Choices
5. Life Style Choices
Simple choices can help protect you. Wearing sunscreen and avoiding sun exposure during the sun's peak UV times, greatly reduces the chance of sunburn and skin cancer. Avoiding outdoor exercise during heavy smog days can reduce the negative effects of poor air quality on your respiratory system.
6. Medical Treatments
6. Medical Treatments
Getting vaccinated can decrease the risk of illness from certain viruses in the environment. Antibiotics and other medications can be used to treat illness from bacteria and other biological contaminants that get into the body.
Classwork:
Classwork:
Complete your work in Google Classroom
Think about the COVID19 Pandemic. What do you feel is the most important way that a person can protect themselves from getting and spreading the virus? Write a one-paragraph response to this question.
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