Introduction to Environmental and Occupational Health

3 credits · Graduate

This course will introduce students to many of the principles and concepts underlying environmental and occupational health, focusing on human health. It will review the nature of a variety of agents, including chemical, physical, biological, ergonomic and radiation hazards, how these agents are dispersed and transformed in the environment, the pathways of human exposure to these agents, and characterization of the health effects resulting from exposure. It will present methods for evaluating and controlling hazards, including occupational hygiene evaluation techniques and risk assessment models used in environmental settings. A number of case studies will be covered in detail, including indoor air quality, heavy metals exposure, and organic dust in workplace environments. Special topics will include risk communication and health promotion in the workplace. The course will conclude with a summary of legislative initiatives and standards which have been implemented to protect human health and an evaluation of their effectiveness. CROSSLISTED: CH&E 6001.03