Essentials of Environmental Health

Abstract

It should be apprecia ted that environmental degradation ...represent[s) the ultimat e threat to human health ."-Tarcher, 1992 I ndividuals and communities are increasingly looking toward health care professionals for informat ion and coun sel on the identific ation and reduction of health risks associated with environmental exposure to potential hazards. This emphasis on environmental health presents important challenges and opportunities for occupational and environmental health nurses. They are positioned to assume leadership roles to enhance the health of individuals and communities. Occupational and environmental health nurses must have knowledge and competencies in environmental health because many environmental hazards originate in the workplace. Workers are themselves part of a larger community environment. Nurses with expertise in the identification of hazardous chemical and physical exposures, as well as pre