Introduction to Environmental Health: A Global Perspective

Book excerpt: Introduction to Environmental Health: A Global Perspective explores the fundamentals of environmental health, giving students a solid grounding in current issues and controversies and enhancing understanding of the scientific data that drives these issues. Each chapter of the text begins with an introduction and concise review of each topic, which is then expanded through relevant readings, most of which include data sets. Chapters include readings that illustrate concepts in the context of a developed country, followed by readings that illustrate that same concept in a developing country. This gives students the opportunity to explore how economics impacts environmental policies. By examining environmental health from several demographic and cultural perspectives, the material also educates students about environmental justice, and the consequences of human activity on natural systems. The book addresses a variety of environmental health topics including human population, toxicology, biomes, water resources, and solid and hazardous waste management. This edition features updated introductions, timely readings, and up-to-date statistics. Introduction to Environmental Health is ideal for undergraduate courses in environmental heath, public health, health sciences, sustainability, and global health. The book includes upper level materials, and in-depth readings and case studies. Filled with current examples and contemporary readings, the text makes environmental science both relevant and relatable. Anne Marie Zimeri earned her Ph.D. in molecular genetics at the University of Georgia. She is currently an assistant professor at the University of Georgia, Athens, where she teaches courses in environmental health science, genetic applications in environmental health sciences, solid and hazardous waste management, emerging technologies, and global food security. In addition to teaching, Dr. Zimeri serves as the undergraduate coordinator and internship coordinator for the EHAC Accredited Department of Environmental Health Sciences Program.