Anthony J McMichael and Ulisses Confalonieri
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199239481
- eISBN:
- 9780191716973
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199239481.003.015
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health, Epidemiology
Global climate change, caused by human actions, is a recent, remarkable and distinctive source of risks to human health. Because of its newness, complexity and scale, it poses important challenges to ...
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Global climate change, caused by human actions, is a recent, remarkable and distinctive source of risks to human health. Because of its newness, complexity and scale, it poses important challenges to epidemiologists. These include some ‘boundary’ issues in relation to the scope, responsibility, and capacity of epidemiological research. That in turn presents a further challenge to the ongoing evolution of epidemiological research methods, historically driven by the ever-changing agenda of public health problems, social concerns and prevailing theories. This chapter presents an approach to teaching climate change to students of epidemiology, covering teaching objectives, teaching contents, and assessing students' achievements.Less
Global climate change, caused by human actions, is a recent, remarkable and distinctive source of risks to human health. Because of its newness, complexity and scale, it poses important challenges to epidemiologists. These include some ‘boundary’ issues in relation to the scope, responsibility, and capacity of epidemiological research. That in turn presents a further challenge to the ongoing evolution of epidemiological research methods, historically driven by the ever-changing agenda of public health problems, social concerns and prevailing theories. This chapter presents an approach to teaching climate change to students of epidemiology, covering teaching objectives, teaching contents, and assessing students' achievements.
Frank Kessel, Patricia Rosenfield, and Norman Anderson (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- September 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195324273
- eISBN:
- 9780199893966
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195324273.001.0001
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, Cognitive Psychology
Interdisciplinary research now receives a great deal of attention because of the rich, creative contributions it often generates. But a host of factors — institutional, interpersonal, and ...
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Interdisciplinary research now receives a great deal of attention because of the rich, creative contributions it often generates. But a host of factors — institutional, interpersonal, and intellectual — also make a daunting challenge of conducting research outside one's usual domain. This book is a guide to the most effective avenues for collaborative and integrative research in the social, behavioral, and bio-medical sciences. It provides answers to questions such as what is the best way to conduct interdisciplinary research on topics related to human health, behavior, and development? Which are the most successful interdisciplinary research programs in these areas? How do you identify appropriate collaborators? How do you find dedicated funding streams? How do you overcome peer-review and publishing challenges? The book outlines the lessons that can be taken from the study, and then presents a series of case studies that reveal the most successful interdisciplinary research programs. These programs provide a variety of models of how best to undertake interdisciplinary research. Each of the chapters has carried out innovative, collaborative programs, and all give compelling accounts of the benefits of interdisciplinary research and the central strategies required to achieve them.Less
Interdisciplinary research now receives a great deal of attention because of the rich, creative contributions it often generates. But a host of factors — institutional, interpersonal, and intellectual — also make a daunting challenge of conducting research outside one's usual domain. This book is a guide to the most effective avenues for collaborative and integrative research in the social, behavioral, and bio-medical sciences. It provides answers to questions such as what is the best way to conduct interdisciplinary research on topics related to human health, behavior, and development? Which are the most successful interdisciplinary research programs in these areas? How do you identify appropriate collaborators? How do you find dedicated funding streams? How do you overcome peer-review and publishing challenges? The book outlines the lessons that can be taken from the study, and then presents a series of case studies that reveal the most successful interdisciplinary research programs. These programs provide a variety of models of how best to undertake interdisciplinary research. Each of the chapters has carried out innovative, collaborative programs, and all give compelling accounts of the benefits of interdisciplinary research and the central strategies required to achieve them.
John C. Avise
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195393439
- eISBN:
- 9780199775415
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195393439.003.0003
- Subject:
- Biology, Evolutionary Biology / Genetics
This chapter addresses various gratuitous complexities—inherent in the human genome—that routinely compromise personal health. These range from problems associated with split genes (wherein introns ...
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This chapter addresses various gratuitous complexities—inherent in the human genome—that routinely compromise personal health. These range from problems associated with split genes (wherein introns are interspersed with exons), to various complications from the Byzantine mechanisms of gene regulation and nucleic acid surveillance, to the peculiarities of genomic imprinting, to the astoundingly bizarre structure and function of mitochondrial DNA. To explain these baroque features and their oft‐deleterious health consequences, explanations from theology and philosophy are contrasted with those that emerge from the evolutionary‐genetic sciences.Less
This chapter addresses various gratuitous complexities—inherent in the human genome—that routinely compromise personal health. These range from problems associated with split genes (wherein introns are interspersed with exons), to various complications from the Byzantine mechanisms of gene regulation and nucleic acid surveillance, to the peculiarities of genomic imprinting, to the astoundingly bizarre structure and function of mitochondrial DNA. To explain these baroque features and their oft‐deleterious health consequences, explanations from theology and philosophy are contrasted with those that emerge from the evolutionary‐genetic sciences.
Charles L. Nunn and Sonia Altizer
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- April 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780198565857
- eISBN:
- 9780191728235
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198565857.003.0008
- Subject:
- Biology, Animal Biology, Disease Ecology / Epidemiology
This chapter considers how understanding infectious disease in nonhuman primates provides insights to human health. In particular, it examines the origins of human infectious diseases and their ...
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This chapter considers how understanding infectious disease in nonhuman primates provides insights to human health. In particular, it examines the origins of human infectious diseases and their impacts in a historical context. More speculatively, it asks how behavioural counterstrategies to infectious disease in nonhuman primates pertain to understanding human behaviour in the context of Darwinian medicine. It also discusses the role of wild primates in the maintenance of zoonotic pathogen and disease emergence, and applies the concept of disease risk in order to investigate variation in human infections at global and regional scales.Less
This chapter considers how understanding infectious disease in nonhuman primates provides insights to human health. In particular, it examines the origins of human infectious diseases and their impacts in a historical context. More speculatively, it asks how behavioural counterstrategies to infectious disease in nonhuman primates pertain to understanding human behaviour in the context of Darwinian medicine. It also discusses the role of wild primates in the maintenance of zoonotic pathogen and disease emergence, and applies the concept of disease risk in order to investigate variation in human infections at global and regional scales.
Nancy Krieger
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- May 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195383874
- eISBN:
- 9780199893607
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195383874.003.0006
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health, Epidemiology
Chapter 6 traces the historical development and explicates the key constructs of the major theoretical alternatives to biomedical and lifestyle approaches: the sociopolitical and psychosocial ...
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Chapter 6 traces the historical development and explicates the key constructs of the major theoretical alternatives to biomedical and lifestyle approaches: the sociopolitical and psychosocial frameworks that comprise the main theoretical trends in social epidemiology. A central argument is that although these two trends are united in their view that societal context shapes population health and is responsible for health inequities, they nevertheless differ in important ways. The sociopolitical theories focus principally on power, politics, economics, and rights as key societal determinants of health, whereas the psychosocial theories emphasize psychologically-mediated determinants. Sociopolitical theories discussed include: social production of disease, political economy of health, social determinants of health, population health, fundamental cause, Latin American social medicine, and health and human rights. Analysis of the psychosocial theories traces their links to psychosomatic medicine, stress research, and the biopsychosocial model, and also examines their approaches to conceptualizing social hierarchy, allostasis, and allostatic load.Less
Chapter 6 traces the historical development and explicates the key constructs of the major theoretical alternatives to biomedical and lifestyle approaches: the sociopolitical and psychosocial frameworks that comprise the main theoretical trends in social epidemiology. A central argument is that although these two trends are united in their view that societal context shapes population health and is responsible for health inequities, they nevertheless differ in important ways. The sociopolitical theories focus principally on power, politics, economics, and rights as key societal determinants of health, whereas the psychosocial theories emphasize psychologically-mediated determinants. Sociopolitical theories discussed include: social production of disease, political economy of health, social determinants of health, population health, fundamental cause, Latin American social medicine, and health and human rights. Analysis of the psychosocial theories traces their links to psychosomatic medicine, stress research, and the biopsychosocial model, and also examines their approaches to conceptualizing social hierarchy, allostasis, and allostatic load.
Roger H. Clarke
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- September 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195127270
- eISBN:
- 9780199869121
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195127270.003.0012
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology, Biochemistry / Molecular Biology
This chapter discusses human health risk resulting from exposure to ionizing radiation. Since the book is concerned with environmental risk assessment, which does not normally involve deterministic ...
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This chapter discusses human health risk resulting from exposure to ionizing radiation. Since the book is concerned with environmental risk assessment, which does not normally involve deterministic risks, the emphasis of this chapter is on stochastic effects of exposure: cancer and hereditary risks. Risk coefficients can be applied to estimates of dose to specific organs of the body. The chapter reviews the evolution of risk coefficients from early epidemiological data to more recent scientific studies. The strengths and weaknesses of these studies are also discussed. It is pointed out that ongoing and future studies in epidemiology and animal sciences will likely not resolve the uncertainties surrounding the effects in humans of low-dose radiation. Accordingly, there will be an increasing need for weight-of-evidence judgments based on largely qualitative data from cellular or molecular studies.Less
This chapter discusses human health risk resulting from exposure to ionizing radiation. Since the book is concerned with environmental risk assessment, which does not normally involve deterministic risks, the emphasis of this chapter is on stochastic effects of exposure: cancer and hereditary risks. Risk coefficients can be applied to estimates of dose to specific organs of the body. The chapter reviews the evolution of risk coefficients from early epidemiological data to more recent scientific studies. The strengths and weaknesses of these studies are also discussed. It is pointed out that ongoing and future studies in epidemiology and animal sciences will likely not resolve the uncertainties surrounding the effects in humans of low-dose radiation. Accordingly, there will be an increasing need for weight-of-evidence judgments based on largely qualitative data from cellular or molecular studies.
M. Leigh Ackland, Julia Bornhorst, George V. Dedoussis, Rodney R. Dietert, Jerome O. Nriagu, Jozef M. Pacyna, and John M. Pettifor
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- May 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780262029193
- eISBN:
- 9780262327619
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- The MIT Press
- DOI:
- 10.7551/mitpress/9780262029193.003.0017
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health
By reducing immune function, trace metal deficiencies may substantially contribute to the global burden of diarrhea, pneumonia, and malaria. Human activities may be contributing to trace metal ...
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By reducing immune function, trace metal deficiencies may substantially contribute to the global burden of diarrhea, pneumonia, and malaria. Human activities may be contributing to trace metal deficiency in soils and plants by exacerbating the preponderance of cereals and cash crops that reduce food diversity and micronutrient intake. Adaptive strategies are needed to reverse these trends. Anthropogenic activities have led to increased toxic metal exposure, and effects on human hosts need clarification. Metal toxicities can also impair the immune system and hence increase the susceptibility to infectious pathogens. Climate change affects metal speciation and the build-up of trace elements in the human food chain, with as yet unknown outcomes on infectious disease. Food processing and the use of metallic nanomaterials can alter human exposure to metals in ways that can influence the host–pathogen competition for metals. The effects of metals on human health may also be mediated through modification of the epigenome, conferring drug resistance on pathogenic bacteria and enhancing/ reducing human tolerance to infectious parasites. The emerging metals cerium, gadolinium, lanthanum, and yttrium constitute another driver of change in metal exposure and may potentially modulate the immune system with unknown consequences for human health.Less
By reducing immune function, trace metal deficiencies may substantially contribute to the global burden of diarrhea, pneumonia, and malaria. Human activities may be contributing to trace metal deficiency in soils and plants by exacerbating the preponderance of cereals and cash crops that reduce food diversity and micronutrient intake. Adaptive strategies are needed to reverse these trends. Anthropogenic activities have led to increased toxic metal exposure, and effects on human hosts need clarification. Metal toxicities can also impair the immune system and hence increase the susceptibility to infectious pathogens. Climate change affects metal speciation and the build-up of trace elements in the human food chain, with as yet unknown outcomes on infectious disease. Food processing and the use of metallic nanomaterials can alter human exposure to metals in ways that can influence the host–pathogen competition for metals. The effects of metals on human health may also be mediated through modification of the epigenome, conferring drug resistance on pathogenic bacteria and enhancing/ reducing human tolerance to infectious parasites. The emerging metals cerium, gadolinium, lanthanum, and yttrium constitute another driver of change in metal exposure and may potentially modulate the immune system with unknown consequences for human health.
Charles Perrings, Harold Mooney, and Mark Williamson (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199560158
- eISBN:
- 9780191721557
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199560158.001.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology, Biodiversity / Conservation Biology
Bioinvasions and Globalization synthesises our current knowledge of the ecology and economics of biological invasions, providing an in-depth evaluation of the science and its ...
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Bioinvasions and Globalization synthesises our current knowledge of the ecology and economics of biological invasions, providing an in-depth evaluation of the science and its implications for managing the causes and consequences of one of the most pressing environmental issues facing humanity today. Emergent zoonotic diseases such as HIV and SARS have already imposed major costs in terms of human health, whilst plant and animal pathogens have had similar effects on agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. The introduction of pests, predators, and competitors into many ecosystems has disrupted the benefits they provide to people, in many cases leading to the extirpation or even extinction of native species. This book analyzes the main drivers of bioinvasions — the growth of world trade, global transport and travel, habitat conversion and land-use intensification, and climate change — and their consequences for ecosystem functioning. It shows how bioinvasions impose disproportionately high costs on countries where a large proportion of people depend heavily on the exploitation of natural resources. It considers the options for improving assessment and management of invasive species risks, and especially for achieving the international cooperation needed to address bioinvasions as a negative externality of international trade.Less
Bioinvasions and Globalization synthesises our current knowledge of the ecology and economics of biological invasions, providing an in-depth evaluation of the science and its implications for managing the causes and consequences of one of the most pressing environmental issues facing humanity today. Emergent zoonotic diseases such as HIV and SARS have already imposed major costs in terms of human health, whilst plant and animal pathogens have had similar effects on agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. The introduction of pests, predators, and competitors into many ecosystems has disrupted the benefits they provide to people, in many cases leading to the extirpation or even extinction of native species. This book analyzes the main drivers of bioinvasions — the growth of world trade, global transport and travel, habitat conversion and land-use intensification, and climate change — and their consequences for ecosystem functioning. It shows how bioinvasions impose disproportionately high costs on countries where a large proportion of people depend heavily on the exploitation of natural resources. It considers the options for improving assessment and management of invasive species risks, and especially for achieving the international cooperation needed to address bioinvasions as a negative externality of international trade.
Inga Wessels
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- May 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780262029193
- eISBN:
- 9780262327619
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- The MIT Press
- DOI:
- 10.7551/mitpress/9780262029193.003.0008
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health
This chapter provides a summary of the functions of essential metallic elements in human metabolism and during infectious diseases as well as their homeostasis during development, maturation, and ...
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This chapter provides a summary of the functions of essential metallic elements in human metabolism and during infectious diseases as well as their homeostasis during development, maturation, and aging. A list of food sources as well as information on the effects of deficiency and excess is provided for each metallic element. As concentrations of metallic contaminants in the environment rise, brief characterizations of nonessential but biologically relevant metallic environmental contaminants have been added. Cases of under-, mal- and overnutrition are increasing worldwide. In combination with decreased nutritional food values, this creates a growing threat for human health, affecting societal and health systems. Potential ways of approaching this problem are suggested and discussed.Less
This chapter provides a summary of the functions of essential metallic elements in human metabolism and during infectious diseases as well as their homeostasis during development, maturation, and aging. A list of food sources as well as information on the effects of deficiency and excess is provided for each metallic element. As concentrations of metallic contaminants in the environment rise, brief characterizations of nonessential but biologically relevant metallic environmental contaminants have been added. Cases of under-, mal- and overnutrition are increasing worldwide. In combination with decreased nutritional food values, this creates a growing threat for human health, affecting societal and health systems. Potential ways of approaching this problem are suggested and discussed.
LINCOLN C. CHEN and GIOVANNI BERLINGUER
- Published in print:
- 2001
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195137408
- eISBN:
- 9780199863983
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195137408.003.0004
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health, Epidemiology
This chapter explores the concept of globalization and makes an assessment of its potential influence on health and equity. It considers growing concerns about the impact of globalization on ...
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This chapter explores the concept of globalization and makes an assessment of its potential influence on health and equity. It considers growing concerns about the impact of globalization on inequities in health. The chapter does not argue whether globalization is intrinsically good or bad or whether we should nurture or impede it. Rather, it accepts that globalization is a reality, not a choice. A more pertinent question concerns the direction of globalization. What type of globalization is good or bad for human health? How are the globalizing processes that are underway to be confronted and used for, rather than against, the promotion of health equity?Less
This chapter explores the concept of globalization and makes an assessment of its potential influence on health and equity. It considers growing concerns about the impact of globalization on inequities in health. The chapter does not argue whether globalization is intrinsically good or bad or whether we should nurture or impede it. Rather, it accepts that globalization is a reality, not a choice. A more pertinent question concerns the direction of globalization. What type of globalization is good or bad for human health? How are the globalizing processes that are underway to be confronted and used for, rather than against, the promotion of health equity?
Helena Nygren-Krug
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- September 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199661619
- eISBN:
- 9780191765056
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199661619.003.0003
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health, Epidemiology
Exploring how we take human rights from concept to reality, this chapter provides insights from the head of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) portfolio on the right to health. It describes the ...
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Exploring how we take human rights from concept to reality, this chapter provides insights from the head of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) portfolio on the right to health. It describes the WHO’s strategy of identifying targets and benchmarks for the right to health, along with monitoring of progress. The right to health is only a piece of paper unless we ensure that States are implementing this right. And the only way to know whether there is effective implementation is through careful monitoring and evaluation. The use of clear indicators towards progress is essential if we are to significantly advance human health.Less
Exploring how we take human rights from concept to reality, this chapter provides insights from the head of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) portfolio on the right to health. It describes the WHO’s strategy of identifying targets and benchmarks for the right to health, along with monitoring of progress. The right to health is only a piece of paper unless we ensure that States are implementing this right. And the only way to know whether there is effective implementation is through careful monitoring and evaluation. The use of clear indicators towards progress is essential if we are to significantly advance human health.
Stephen J. Simpson and David Raubenheimer
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691145655
- eISBN:
- 9781400842803
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691145655.003.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Animal Biology
This introductory chapter expands on three important themes that form the backdrop of this book's study: nutrition touches and links all living things; nutrition is complex; and there have been ...
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This introductory chapter expands on three important themes that form the backdrop of this book's study: nutrition touches and links all living things; nutrition is complex; and there have been benefits both from the highly specific and detailed approach of applied nutritional sciences and the simplified, general approaches adopted in the ecological sciences. At the most conspicuous level, nutrition is a primary factor defining the geographic distribution and temporal pattern of activity for many animals. Achieving nutritional homeostasis involves a complex interplay between multiple and changing nutrient needs and variable foods. The detailed studies of human and animal nutritionists have yielded a wealth of information for deriving dietary recommendations for human health, formulating animal feeds, designing dietary regimes for captive animals, supplementing the nutrition of free-ranging animals—and many other important practical applications.Less
This introductory chapter expands on three important themes that form the backdrop of this book's study: nutrition touches and links all living things; nutrition is complex; and there have been benefits both from the highly specific and detailed approach of applied nutritional sciences and the simplified, general approaches adopted in the ecological sciences. At the most conspicuous level, nutrition is a primary factor defining the geographic distribution and temporal pattern of activity for many animals. Achieving nutritional homeostasis involves a complex interplay between multiple and changing nutrient needs and variable foods. The detailed studies of human and animal nutritionists have yielded a wealth of information for deriving dietary recommendations for human health, formulating animal feeds, designing dietary regimes for captive animals, supplementing the nutrition of free-ranging animals—and many other important practical applications.
Patrick van Zwanenberg and Erik Millstone
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780198525813
- eISBN:
- 9780191723902
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198525813.003.0004
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health, Epidemiology
This chapter discusses the initial emergence of BSE as a novel veterinary disease in the UK, and the process by which it came to be acknowledged officially. The initial response from MAFF to the ...
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This chapter discusses the initial emergence of BSE as a novel veterinary disease in the UK, and the process by which it came to be acknowledged officially. The initial response from MAFF to the emergence of BSE, involving first secrecy and then reassurances that were not based on sound science. The political and scientific conditions under which expert scientific advice was initially recruited are outlined, emphasizing how the severe limitations of scientific knowledge about risks to human health and the policy dilemmas this raised, complicated the tensions between MAFF and the Department of Health (DoH).Less
This chapter discusses the initial emergence of BSE as a novel veterinary disease in the UK, and the process by which it came to be acknowledged officially. The initial response from MAFF to the emergence of BSE, involving first secrecy and then reassurances that were not based on sound science. The political and scientific conditions under which expert scientific advice was initially recruited are outlined, emphasizing how the severe limitations of scientific knowledge about risks to human health and the policy dilemmas this raised, complicated the tensions between MAFF and the Department of Health (DoH).
Kristin Shrader-Frechette
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199794638
- eISBN:
- 9780199919277
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199794638.003.0004
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy
Chapter 4 argues that atomic energy is also costly in terms of human health, scientific data, and practical reliability. Because of industry cover-ups, ...
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Chapter 4 argues that atomic energy is also costly in terms of human health, scientific data, and practical reliability. Because of industry cover-ups, scientific misrepresentation, and violation of conflict-of-interest guidelines, this chapter shows that industry's atomic-energy-accident data are grossly flawed. These data significantly undercount harmful nuclear consequences. As a result, the chapter shows the public has been seriously misled about atomic energy, as medical journals confirm. In particular, industry PR caused many people to erroneously believe that the 1979 Three Mile Island (TMI), Pennsylvania, nuclear accident and core melt was a minor mishap that killed no one. In fact, there was a documented, 64-percent cancer increase, especially in childhood cancers. This chapter argues that the dominant or accepted scientific position about what has caused post-accident, TMI-related health problems fails. The most likely explanation is that TMI radiation caused these health harms. Flawed inductive methods help explain why the dominant or accepted causal hypothesis about TMI health effects—that nuclear-accident-related stress, not radiation, is the culprit—errs. Many scientists erroneously reject the radiation cause, partly because they fall into conflicts of interest and also misunderstand randomization requirements in statistics; thus they misuse classical-statistical tests to draw causal inferences from non-experimental data. However, given actual, non-experimental data from TMI, inference to the best explanation, especially contrastive explanation, better reveals the cause of TMI health harms. Once scientists use correct statistical methods, it is easy to show that nuclear fission is an extremely risky technology, thus a questionable way to address climate change.Less
Chapter 4 argues that atomic energy is also costly in terms of human health, scientific data, and practical reliability. Because of industry cover-ups, scientific misrepresentation, and violation of conflict-of-interest guidelines, this chapter shows that industry's atomic-energy-accident data are grossly flawed. These data significantly undercount harmful nuclear consequences. As a result, the chapter shows the public has been seriously misled about atomic energy, as medical journals confirm. In particular, industry PR caused many people to erroneously believe that the 1979 Three Mile Island (TMI), Pennsylvania, nuclear accident and core melt was a minor mishap that killed no one. In fact, there was a documented, 64-percent cancer increase, especially in childhood cancers. This chapter argues that the dominant or accepted scientific position about what has caused post-accident, TMI-related health problems fails. The most likely explanation is that TMI radiation caused these health harms. Flawed inductive methods help explain why the dominant or accepted causal hypothesis about TMI health effects—that nuclear-accident-related stress, not radiation, is the culprit—errs. Many scientists erroneously reject the radiation cause, partly because they fall into conflicts of interest and also misunderstand randomization requirements in statistics; thus they misuse classical-statistical tests to draw causal inferences from non-experimental data. However, given actual, non-experimental data from TMI, inference to the best explanation, especially contrastive explanation, better reveals the cause of TMI health harms. Once scientists use correct statistical methods, it is easy to show that nuclear fission is an extremely risky technology, thus a questionable way to address climate change.
George V. Dedoussis
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- May 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780262029193
- eISBN:
- 9780262327619
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- The MIT Press
- DOI:
- 10.7551/mitpress/9780262029193.003.0011
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health
Unhealthy lifestyle factors (e.g., cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, long working hours, reduced sleep, physical inactivity, obesogenic diets) and psychological stress contribute to ...
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Unhealthy lifestyle factors (e.g., cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, long working hours, reduced sleep, physical inactivity, obesogenic diets) and psychological stress contribute to cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other causes of mortality in industrialized countries. Many of these factors correlate with alterations in the homeostasis of trace metals, which play an important role in human health and are essential for human antioxidant defense and immune function. Metal levels consumed by humans are influenced by the mineral composition of soil used to grow food as well as weather conditions, the composition of irrigation water, and agricultural practices. In some cases, major sources of trace metals derive from environmental pollution that results from industrial and other anthropogenic activities. Food processing and packaging also play a role. Although primary exposure for some individuals happens in the workplace, most people encounter trace metals, both toxic and essential, through diet. Studies show that the most commonly metal-enriched foods are fish and seafood (mercury, copper, and zinc), vegetables and grains (cadmium, magnesium, and molybdenium), chocolate and coffee (cobalt, copper, and nickel), fruit (lead), nuts (selenium), and mushrooms (vanadium). This chapter discusses the impact of lifestyle on human exposure, homeostasis, and disease.Less
Unhealthy lifestyle factors (e.g., cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, long working hours, reduced sleep, physical inactivity, obesogenic diets) and psychological stress contribute to cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other causes of mortality in industrialized countries. Many of these factors correlate with alterations in the homeostasis of trace metals, which play an important role in human health and are essential for human antioxidant defense and immune function. Metal levels consumed by humans are influenced by the mineral composition of soil used to grow food as well as weather conditions, the composition of irrigation water, and agricultural practices. In some cases, major sources of trace metals derive from environmental pollution that results from industrial and other anthropogenic activities. Food processing and packaging also play a role. Although primary exposure for some individuals happens in the workplace, most people encounter trace metals, both toxic and essential, through diet. Studies show that the most commonly metal-enriched foods are fish and seafood (mercury, copper, and zinc), vegetables and grains (cadmium, magnesium, and molybdenium), chocolate and coffee (cobalt, copper, and nickel), fruit (lead), nuts (selenium), and mushrooms (vanadium). This chapter discusses the impact of lifestyle on human exposure, homeostasis, and disease.
Jozef M. Pacyna, Kyrre Sundseth, and Elisabeth G. Pacyna
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- May 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780262029193
- eISBN:
- 9780262327619
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- The MIT Press
- DOI:
- 10.7551/mitpress/9780262029193.003.0015
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health
This chapter discusses the occurrence, material flows, technical applications of and pollution by platinum, palladium), thallium, rare earth elements, gold, silver, and antimony, all of which are ...
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This chapter discusses the occurrence, material flows, technical applications of and pollution by platinum, palladium), thallium, rare earth elements, gold, silver, and antimony, all of which are essential for global economic growth. Modern technology relies on these chemicals for the production of various industrial goods. However, their use releases pollutants into the environment, thus posing a threat to human health. The impacts of these chemicals on human health are assessed in the context of their linkage to infectious diseases. The consequent environmental damage and political and economic implications of using these chemicals are also discussed. To reduce environmental emissions and impacts to human health, more efficient cost-effective approaches are needed in mining and production processes. It is suggested that recycling and waste management can be improved significantly in many regions of the world to lessen the environmental impact of using these metals while contributing to a better economic situation. Information on the potential impacts that REEs and technologies using these metals have on infectious diseases is largely missing in the literature. This information gap needs to be closed through forthcoming research.Less
This chapter discusses the occurrence, material flows, technical applications of and pollution by platinum, palladium), thallium, rare earth elements, gold, silver, and antimony, all of which are essential for global economic growth. Modern technology relies on these chemicals for the production of various industrial goods. However, their use releases pollutants into the environment, thus posing a threat to human health. The impacts of these chemicals on human health are assessed in the context of their linkage to infectious diseases. The consequent environmental damage and political and economic implications of using these chemicals are also discussed. To reduce environmental emissions and impacts to human health, more efficient cost-effective approaches are needed in mining and production processes. It is suggested that recycling and waste management can be improved significantly in many regions of the world to lessen the environmental impact of using these metals while contributing to a better economic situation. Information on the potential impacts that REEs and technologies using these metals have on infectious diseases is largely missing in the literature. This information gap needs to be closed through forthcoming research.
Nicole Hassoun
- Published in print:
- 2020
- Published Online:
- July 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780197514993
- eISBN:
- 9780197515020
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780197514993.003.0002
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Political Philosophy
Some maintain that people lack a human right to health because this right cannot provide guidance for distributing scarce resources. Even if the skeptics are right on this point, the second chapter ...
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Some maintain that people lack a human right to health because this right cannot provide guidance for distributing scarce resources. Even if the skeptics are right on this point, the second chapter suggests that is not a reason to reject the right; the role of the human right to health is to provide a kind of hope that can foster the virtue of creative resolve. This resolve is a fundamental commitment to finding creative solutions to what appear to be tragic dilemmas. Rather than helping one decide how to ration scarce resources, the human right to health provides reason to find ways to fulfill everyone’s claims. The hope this right provides gives us a response to apparent tragedy in motivating us to search for ways of avoiding it—rather than an account of distributive justice.Less
Some maintain that people lack a human right to health because this right cannot provide guidance for distributing scarce resources. Even if the skeptics are right on this point, the second chapter suggests that is not a reason to reject the right; the role of the human right to health is to provide a kind of hope that can foster the virtue of creative resolve. This resolve is a fundamental commitment to finding creative solutions to what appear to be tragic dilemmas. Rather than helping one decide how to ration scarce resources, the human right to health provides reason to find ways to fulfill everyone’s claims. The hope this right provides gives us a response to apparent tragedy in motivating us to search for ways of avoiding it—rather than an account of distributive justice.
Robert I. Field
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195159684
- eISBN:
- 9780199864423
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195159684.003.0001
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health, Epidemiology
This chapter presents background on the nature of health policy and the role of regulation in translating policy into action. It describes the fundamental policy goals of improving quality, enhancing ...
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This chapter presents background on the nature of health policy and the role of regulation in translating policy into action. It describes the fundamental policy goals of improving quality, enhancing access, and controlling costs and the ways in which they compete, as improvements in one goal inevitably harm one or both of the others. Over the course of the 20th century, the primary emphasis of most new regulatory initiatives evolved from quality to access to cost. The chapter then explains the process of regulation and the legal rules for governmental regulatory agencies, particularly the federal Administrative Procedures Act. It also describes the basic structure of the largest regulatory body of all, the Federal Department of Health and Human Services. It concludes with a discussion of perennial policy conflicts, including the balance between regulation and market forces, between private and governmental regulation, and between state and federal primacy in regulation.Less
This chapter presents background on the nature of health policy and the role of regulation in translating policy into action. It describes the fundamental policy goals of improving quality, enhancing access, and controlling costs and the ways in which they compete, as improvements in one goal inevitably harm one or both of the others. Over the course of the 20th century, the primary emphasis of most new regulatory initiatives evolved from quality to access to cost. The chapter then explains the process of regulation and the legal rules for governmental regulatory agencies, particularly the federal Administrative Procedures Act. It also describes the basic structure of the largest regulatory body of all, the Federal Department of Health and Human Services. It concludes with a discussion of perennial policy conflicts, including the balance between regulation and market forces, between private and governmental regulation, and between state and federal primacy in regulation.
John Kemm, Jayne Parry, and Stephen Palmer
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780198526292
- eISBN:
- 9780191723889
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198526292.003.0023
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health, Epidemiology
The basic idea of health impact assessment (HIA) as a task for public health professionals and for the public health service in Germany was introduced in the late 1980s. Since then, the idea was ...
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The basic idea of health impact assessment (HIA) as a task for public health professionals and for the public health service in Germany was introduced in the late 1980s. Since then, the idea was pursued both within as well as independent from existing impact assessment procedures in the environment sector. By now, it is widely held that impact assessment is a key instrument to link science and decision making, offering unique opportunities for the protection and promotion of human health. This chapter summarizes key lines of HIA development in Germany, highlighting some topics of the current debate.Less
The basic idea of health impact assessment (HIA) as a task for public health professionals and for the public health service in Germany was introduced in the late 1980s. Since then, the idea was pursued both within as well as independent from existing impact assessment procedures in the environment sector. By now, it is widely held that impact assessment is a key instrument to link science and decision making, offering unique opportunities for the protection and promotion of human health. This chapter summarizes key lines of HIA development in Germany, highlighting some topics of the current debate.
Kollar Eszter
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- January 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780748646920
- eISBN:
- 9780748676682
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748646920.003.0014
- Subject:
- Political Science, International Relations and Politics
Medical migration, the mass movement of medical professionals from the developing to the developed world, is widely seen as one of the most profound problems facing health systems in the poorest ...
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Medical migration, the mass movement of medical professionals from the developing to the developed world, is widely seen as one of the most profound problems facing health systems in the poorest countries of the world. Skilled health-workers leave high disease burden areas with acute staff shortages in order to serve patients in low disease burden regions that are already well equipped. The result of medical migration is deepening global inequalities in health. The relationship between medical migration and human rights has become a central concern in the discussions. On the one hand, rich nations actively recruiting doctors and nurses from poor and sick regions are said to be violating the human right to health of the poor. On the other hand, the migrants claim their (human) right to freedom of movement; a claim that is further supported by two instrumental claims concerning the developmental effects of remittances and of service sector liberalization. The paper unfolds the content of these allegedly conflicting claims in order to clarify the normative considerations at stake and to see in what sense can global health deprivations constitute constraints on medical professionals’ freedom of movement.Less
Medical migration, the mass movement of medical professionals from the developing to the developed world, is widely seen as one of the most profound problems facing health systems in the poorest countries of the world. Skilled health-workers leave high disease burden areas with acute staff shortages in order to serve patients in low disease burden regions that are already well equipped. The result of medical migration is deepening global inequalities in health. The relationship between medical migration and human rights has become a central concern in the discussions. On the one hand, rich nations actively recruiting doctors and nurses from poor and sick regions are said to be violating the human right to health of the poor. On the other hand, the migrants claim their (human) right to freedom of movement; a claim that is further supported by two instrumental claims concerning the developmental effects of remittances and of service sector liberalization. The paper unfolds the content of these allegedly conflicting claims in order to clarify the normative considerations at stake and to see in what sense can global health deprivations constitute constraints on medical professionals’ freedom of movement.
