Ideal Chemical Policy

The Louisville Charter provides an excellent blueprint for an ideal chemical policy reform. Beginning with finding safer substitutes and solutions, individuals can make these changes to pave the way for the usage of safe chemicals on a broader scale. This is essentially the low hanging fruit on the list of reforms but it can have a profound impact to reduce individual as well as community exposure to toxins in the environment. On both an individual and community level, phasing out persistent, bio-accumulative or highly toxic chemicals can have a significant impact, especially when combined with offering safer substitutes and solutions. From a public health protection perspective, the Louisville Charter prioritizes for reform to take immediate action when it comes to protecting communities as well as workers. On a community level, this reform also seeks to give early warnings, require comprehensive safety data for all chemicals and give the public and workers the right-to-know and participate.

These are all important elements to consider since they promote overall awareness and education for the general public in order to keep people safe. With this approach, it looks at the system as a whole and seeks to create reform at all levels. I think that this should be implemented nationwide and potentially include a larger educational or advertising component to make this information widely available and easily accessible by the general public.

Chemical Policy Reform

The Louisville Charter seeks to reform chemical laws to protect human health and the environment. The Louisville Charter proposes:

1. Safer substitutes and solutions
2. Phasing out persistent, bio-accumulative or highly toxic chemicals 
3. Giving the Public and Workers the full right-to-know and participate 
4. Acting on early warnings
5. Requiring comprehensive safety data for all chemicals
6. Taking immediate action to protect communities and workers

All 6 of these elements provide important safeguards for humans and to minimize potential exposures to toxic chemicals. I think that the first element, finding safer substitutes and solutions is a great place for everyone to start making a reform. It allows you to keep on using products that are deemed necessary/needed while providing a safer and healthier alternative. Small steps like this can have a large impact and pave the way towards compliance and overall reform.

Blog: Pesticides

For dinner last night, I ate chicken breast and broccoli. I found that chicken surprisingly had only 7 pesticide residues. However, half of these pesticides are known or probable carcinogens, suspected hormone disruptors, neurotoxins and contain developmental or reproductive toxins. The broccoli I had last night contains 33 pesticides, which include known or probable carcinogens, suspected hormone disruptors, neurotoxins and developmental or reproductive toxins. I eat broccoli and chicken at least 5 times a week which is really disturbing considering that these are commonly consumed by people who are dieting and body building. It makes me concerned that those of us who are trying to lose weight or get in shape are putting ourselves at risk by eating "healthy." Many meal plans advocate consuming chicken, healthy leafy greens, and fruit, but misses to inform people of the risks associated with consuming these products. Both broccoli and chicken contained pesticides that unfortunately affect honeybees.


We should be publicizing and informing the public about the pesticides that are in the food that we're consuming. I think that there needs to be stricter regulations imposed on the usage of pesticides and stronger enforcement by the government on the agricultural industry. There also needs to be increased advertising on the dangers of pesticides, education and information on food packaging to make the public aware of the effects of their food choices. In addition, we also need to reduce our dependence on pesticides since they are negatively impacting the bees and exposing us to harmful chemicals in the environment.



Source: http://www.whatsonmyfood.org/food.jsp?food=BR

Source: http://www.whatsonmyfood.org/food.jsp?food=PR

Agency's Role

Department of Health & Human Services 

The Department of Health & Human Services has the goal of protecting the health of all Americans, especially those who are the most vulnerable. The HHS has a large impact on Americans, with some of it's biggest organizations being the NIH, the CDC, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Medicare/Medicaid and the FDA. This department contributes to a wealth of ongoing research and literature on health conditions, provides research funding, examines environmental toxins, conducts epidemiological assessments, disaster preparedness, drug safety and assistance to Americans who cannot afford insurance or traditional healthcare. Research under the HHS not only looks at diseases and medication efficacy, but takes on a public health approach. The HHS conducts vigorous research on poverty guidelines, protection of human subjects in research, community health data, statistics and reports on births, deaths, diseases, health care spending, and the health profession workforce.  In addition, the HHS is constantly growing and learning due to the constant research being conducted within most of the organizations within the HHS. Being the the HHS encompasses a wealth of services, I feel that the HHS has a multi-faceted approach that creates a significant impact on Americans and their overall well being. 

https://www.hhs.gov/programs/research/research-hhs-operating-divisions.html

Local Environmental Services

In light of the recent and devastating fires in the North Bay, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District has been getting a lot of attention. The BAAQMD website provides a wealth of resources on regulation, current research, annual reports, air quality, permits, current air quality plans, climate, grants, and pertinent information at a community level. One of the easiest tools to see on their website is the Air Quality Index Levels of Health Concern, which is a color coded and up-to-the hour map of the Bay Area, that shows the air quality around the Bay Area. It is also very helpful that this website provides information on the direction of the wind, Spare the Air Day Status and 5-day projection of the Bay Area air quality. This site also provides links to other local organizations and resources to keep yourself safe from smoke or bad air quality.

It was interesting to learn that the BAAQMD offers a Wood Smoke Reduction Incentive Program that is currently wait listed. This program provides rebates to homeowners who make improvements to their homes in order improve air quality and reduce particulate matter pollution, especially during the cold winter months. Another great feature about the BAAQMD site is that it provides agendas for local board meetings, conferences and workshops.

Source: http://www.baaqmd.gov/

Obesogens

1. Utilizing the first article, discuss what is locally grown and what is currently in season in your area.
Based on the first article, I agree that buying local is beneficial for the environment because it is sustainable, healthier, requires less transport, less pollution and can reduce the demand of commercial farming. In Union City, I'm lucky to have a good variety of locally grown and seasonal fruits and vegetables. Currently, avocados, cranberries, dates, dragon fruit (Pitaya), figs, grapefruit, guavas, kaffir limes, kiwis, kumquats, lemons, limes, oranges, passion fruit, pawpaws, peaches, pears, persimmons, pomegranates, organic golden flax, and tunas (Cactus Apples) are all in season in Union City.

Source: https://www.localharvest.org/store/fruits.jsp

2. Discuss your thoughts on seasonal/local foods and hospital menus. 
Personally, I love to purchase and support seasonal/local foods. I like that I know where some of my food comes from, and it's nice to be able to support local businesses. Also, I've found that many local products are fresher and taste better. It's great that major stores like Safeway have sections that are specifically for local foods and that they highlight local foods. In regards to hospital menus, I notice that they are becoming more environmentally friendly. Currently, UCSF Medical Center has implemented plant-based products in the cafeterias and will sometimes showcase it as one of the main dishes on the hospital menus.

3. Find a Harvest Calendar for your state (or a state you are interested in) utilizing the link in the first article (found underneath the example Harvest Calendar for New York State). 

Southern and Central California Harvest Dates, In Chronological Order

CROP	MONTH
Asparagus	March -April
Strawberries	Apr.10 - June 30
Blackberries	June 1 - July 30
Blueberries	May 15 - June 30
Boysenberries	May 10 - July 5
Cherries  (more detail)	May 5 - June 30
Apricots	May 10 to August 15
Peaches	May 20 - September 5
Nectarines	May 20 - September 15
Olallieberries	June 1 to July 31
Plums	June 1 - September 5
Pears	August 10 - September 10
Green Beans	June 15 - September 15
Peas	June 15 - September 15
Corn	June 25 - September 30
Raspberries	July 1 - September 15
Grapes	July 10 - October 15
Apples	July 15 (early apples) - September 25
Tomatoes	July 15 - September 15
Okra	July 15 - September 15
Almonds	August 20 - December . 13
Figs	September 05 - October 31
Persimmons	September 20 - October 31
Walnuts	September 25 - Jan. 10
Oranges	All year round, depends on the variety. See this page for examples

Source: https://www.pickyourown.org/CAharvestcalendar.htm#AGOeBVX64f5lFzfc.99
4. What are your thoughts on the second article? Have you heard of obesogens before?
Obesogens is a very interesting article on a topic that is often overlooked. I never heard of obesogens before taking MPH 632 and I'm really surprised that I didn't hear about it sooner. Obesity is continuing to rise, yet the medical community focuses more on diet and exercise. It's scary that the articles reports that there are 15-20 different chemicals that can cause weight gain and may be contributing to the obesity epidemic. Expanding on previous readings in MPH 632, BPA is mentioned in the article. It's still very disturbing that BPA is found in receipt paper, medical devices, and in the lining of some canned foods, things that we generally do not have much control over.

5. Pick one of the potential obesogens discussed in the article and using your resources from earlier modules (such as toxnet), do some research on this potential obesogen. Share what you found! 
The article mentions perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) as a potential endocrine disruptor and a PPARy agonist. In addition, the article mentions that almost all Americans have PFOA in their blood and that kids have higher levels due to exposure to PFOA. PFOA is said to be in carpets, furniture, nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, Scotchguard repellent and some microwavable items. According ot Toxline, PFOA exposure in childhood puts adults at a predisposition to be overweight and obese.


Source: https://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search2/f?./temp/~pTD1MX:1:@od@@/cgi-bin/sis/search2/d?./temp/~UstcPW:0@

Use of Antibiotics

Both articles on Antibiotic Resistance 101 How Antibiotic Misuse on Factory Farms Can Make You Sick and Nearby Livestock May Raise "Superbug," Risk, both provided clarification on an alarming topic. Reading these articles made me disgusted with the farming industry. I've heard things about the rise of antibiotic resistant bacteria among humans but never realized that one of the main culprits was our food sources. These articles report that livestock is given antibiotics to prevent infection and promote faster growth, which in turn, accelerates the development of antibiotic-resistant (AR) bacteria in humans. This is causing humans to contract illnesses that are very difficult to combat since they do not respond to antibiotics the way they should. It's scary to learn that the only thing you can somewhat control is by going plant-based and refraining from animal products. The article on Antibiotic Resistance 101, does however, recommend that you can buy organic, look for a label stating that the meat has been raised without antibiotics, or to buy directly from the farmer, which allows you to ask the farmer directly about his or her practices. It's upsetting because you cannot necessarily be certain that your meat is free from of antibiotics and that you can never be certain what your meat is exposed to. It's very upsetting that everyone's health is being put at risk for the benefit of the farming industry's pockets.

The article, Scientists Discover That Antimicrobial Wipes and Soaps May Be Making You (and Society Sick), provided some valuable information. I'm guilty of using antibacterial/antimicrobial wipes because of may of the same reasons that other people use them. I too, am naive and think that using antimicrobial products will somehow shield and protect me from the grime of the world. From sticky surfaces, blood from meat, or coming into contact with anything gross, I reach for a wipe. Otherwise, I'll use antimicrobial soap. At work, I'm exposed to triclosan-based soap and I'm required to "gel-in" before going into a patient exam room. What really surprised me about this story is the effects of these chemicals on society as a whole. I never even thought about the effects of triclosan going into the drains and being ingested or absorbed by fish, which can be passed on to us. Also, fish have had reproductive issues after being exposed to triclosan, making me wonder how triclosan affects human reproductive health. Tying into this article, the article about Antimicrobials into the Manufacture of Hospital Furnishings, raises similar concerns. While it seems that this type of furniture is good in a hospital setting since many sick individuals are seen in hospitals, it is unfortunately not beneficial because it is also contributing to antibiotic resistance. 

Industrial Farming

1. Your thoughts about the vanishing of bees (what else have you heard/seen about this issue?)
The Vanishing of Bees was a very informative and eye-opening. I've heard in various articles that bees are dying in mass but honestly never thought too much of it. This documentary defines the vanishing of bees as "Colony Collapse Disorder," which wreaks havoc on small and commercial farming alike. This documentary made me realize how vital bees are to the environment and how much of an impact they have on the food supply. It was inspiring yet upsetting that bee keepers had to plead to law makers and go to extensive lengths to persuade law makers to pay attention and protect the bees.

2. Dirt!: The Movie
Dirt! made me realize that the dirt and soil that we step on is more valuable than meets the eye. This movie made me realize that dirt and soil are nutrient-dense and vital to our food supply. In addition, it contains various bugs and other organisms that turn compost and other waste into nutrients for the soil. Unfortunately, much of the industrial farming industry and agriculture are ruining dirt and soil, leaving this precious resource depleted. With this in mind, we need to be more mindful of how our activities are impacting the dirt/soil and make more conscious choices to improve our dirt/soil. Composting and reducing the impacts of industrial farming are good starters to improve our dirt/soil.

3. Were you able to discover if there is a factory farm near you? Were you already aware of farms near you? What do you think about this? 
I did not find a factory farm located near me.

4. Composting: Do you currently compost? Have you composted in the past? Do you know anyone who composts? Would you consider composting, after learning about its benefits from the movie? 
I currently do not compost since I do not have any plants and I don't particularly enjoy gardening (I hate bugs!). I did compost in the past when I was younger when my grandparents used to grow a vegetable garden. Currently, I don't know anyone who composts. I would definitely consider composting even though I don't garden and donate my composts to local gardens or gardeners due to the benefits of composting.

Sewage Facilities

Union City has 1 sewage plant, the Alvarado Treatment Plant under the Union City Sanitary District. It's located in a more industrialized part of Union City and it close to the bay water and the San Mateo Bridge.

Campaign for Tap Water

To get people to people to drink tap water instead of bottled water, my campaign slogan would be: "Leave Polluting Plastic in the Past and Turn to Tap Water."

Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR) and Water Quality

1. What is the source of your drinking water? Where does your water ORIGINATE? (It is treated at a water treatment plant, but what watershed or aquifer is the sources of the water?)

The source of my drinking water comes from a variety of sources including treated surface water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and/or Lake Del Valle via the South Bay Aqueduct, purchased water from SF that is surface water originating from the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir or locally in the Calaveras or San Antonio Reservoirs in the Alameda Creek watershed. The other two sources include blended water from the Niles Cone Groundwater Basin, runoff from the Alameda Creek watershed, blended water from the Peralta/Tyson and Mowry Wellfield Water Blending Facility and from desalted or desalinated water produced at the Newark Desalination Facility from brackish local groundwater. Water in my community originates from local ground water, blending facilities, desalination facilities, aquifers and watersheds.

2· What chemicals were found in your water that were higher than expected? Fluoride, Trihalomethanes, Bromate, Disinfectant Residual (as Cl2), and 5 Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) were found to have higher than expected levels in my water.

3. What chemicals did you NOT expect to find in your water?
I was really surprised and concerned to find radium-226 and disinfectant residual in my water.

4. Are there associated health risks with the chemicals found in your water? (sources for this last question include the EPA, CDC, ATSDR and the National Library of Medicine's ToxNet program.
According to ToxNet, fluoride, trihalomethanes, bromate disinfectant residual and 5 haloacetic acids can potentially impact pregnant women and fetuses. These chemicals are associated with spontaneous abortion, birth defects, Down Syndrome and smaller than average neonates.

Water Quality

1. Where does your water come from? The source! Track it from the source to your tap. 

My water comes primarily from a Alameda County Water District's blending facility that blends purchased San Francisco water and local groundwater that comes from the Niles Cone Groundwater Basin which underlies the Tri-City area and is replenished through infiltration from local rainwater, runoff from the Alameda Creek watershed, and water from the South Bay Aqueduct.

2. What did you discover about your water quality? 

I discovered that ACWD works to inform the public of Public Health Goals (PHGs) or Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (MCLGs), despite that PHGs are non-enforceable goals and are based solely on public health risk considerations.

3. Do you use a filter for your water?
I currently use a Brita filter.

4. What are you trying to filter out? 

I use a Brita filter to filter out chlorine taste, odor, zinc, copper, cadmium, and mercury.

5· Do you drink bottled water? How does this square with what you learned when you watched the Story of Bottled Water? 

I occasionally drink from bottled water, but I'm pretty good at bringing my own reusable BPA-free water bottle. The Story of Bottled Water really emphasizes how quickly plastic water bottles are clogging our landfills and adding to pollution levels. I've learned a lot about the negative impact of bottled water and it goes in line with the video on the Story of Bottled Water.

Public health importance of safe drinking-water

After completing this module, it’s fascinating that even thought we are 60-70% comprised of water, we as humans do not pay much attention to how quickly we are depleting our planet of clean drinking water. It’s frightening to see how quickly Earth is being depleted of resources and that it is also causing physiological changes to countries. It’s not surprising that the U.S. consumes the most water per capita and that the population has significantly boomed, creating a higher demand for water. It’s scary to see that we are rapidly depleting our ground water, especially from the agricultural industry and that it can be polluted by these industries. The Clean Water Act of 1972 assisted with controlling U.S. water pollution with specific goals as well as deadlines. This act target pollution from factories, sewage treatment facilities, pipes, agricultural run-off, construction site waste, and requires permits with NDPS to dump from point sources. The Clean Water Act assisted with providing the framework for bills and regulation of clean water in the U.S. This act will continue to be important and should be expanded to protect our water supply from being depleted.

Fragrance

Fragrances have several potentially negative health effects and many people don’t realize how offensive their fragrances are to some people. Especially working in the healthcare industry, it’s very irritating to the respiratory system when patients wear heavily scented perfumes or body lotions. To properly develop a fragrance-free policy, I believe that it is best to begin with examining existing policies. Current policies are mainly seen in healthcare, advising patients to be fragrance-free for their appointments. However, this is not particularly effective, since patients still show up smelling heavily of fragrance. Patients may be unaware that the scent they have grown used to is offensive to others. I feel that the best approach to developing a chemical/fragrance policy to decrease body burdens and exposures is an educational approach. 

Initially, it would be beneficial to research the most commonly used beauty products and fragrances. For example, this may include strong scents such as Chanel No. 5, Bath and Body Works sprays/lotions, and baby powder. From there, creating education materials pertaining to products people recognize will create a bigger impact instead of stating complex chemicals. Educating patients, students, and staff on the potential dangers of their fragrances and making them applicable to products they use will make people more accountable. I would also want to include the effects of exposure to the chemicals in products on individuals as well as others. For exposures related to cleaning products, I would implement a policy where rooms will be unusable until the fragrance has cleared. For example, the Saniwipes used in medical facilities has a 3-minute dwell time, which would be the time that the wipes still emit odor and are present.  Also for heavily scented or deep cleanings, I would have staff conduct cleanings when patients or students are not around to reduce the overall body burden. 

Radon

It was very shocking to learn that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and that personally I was also unaware of the silent effects of radon. 

My radon awareness campaign would consist of the following steps:

1. Create educational materials and a course to educate communities on radon

2. Partner with local DPH’s to create culturally competent materials for communities to be distributed at community events (i.e. farmer’s markets, health fairs, etc.)

3. Provide free radon kits, informational materials and assistance for low-cost mitigation professionals for at-risk communities

4. Locate community leaders to assist communities to assist with tracking, monitoring, and reporting levels of radon and exposures to radon

5. Partner with local DPH professionals to conduct community assessments every 2-3 years depending on the overall risk within the community

I would partner with community leaders, local DPH’s, local government officials, real estate agents, upstreamists and primary care physicians.