CGH 304: Environmental and Occupational Health
Masters of Public Health Program
Instructor: Dr. Marc Strassburg
Tel: (818) 415-3003
email: marc.strassburg@cgu.edu
Time: Monday and Thursday, 4:00–6:50 p.m.
Location: Academic Computer Building – Rm 108
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of environmental health. The
format includes lectures, case studies, student presentations, and discussions. An overview of the
principles of epidemiology, toxicology, and exposure assessment are provided within the context of
specific hazards. A number of exposures and their possible role as carcinogens will have special focus
in occupational settings. In addition: air pollution, heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, pesticides,
and radiation are covered. These topics have been selected to illustrate the application of epidemiologic
methods to environmental health issues, outbreaks, and assessments. Other topics include
environmental justice and the legal and regulatory basis for management of environmental health risks
are addressed. Students evaluate current literature and become familiar with controversies regarding
health risks hazard assessments as well as global health issues. Actual Case Studies related to
investigations in Southern California will be reviewed during most session. Mitigating health risks and
problems will be discussed and how this fits into a comprehensive public health program. Broad issues
related to the ‘environment at risk’ are discussed, including injury control, greenhouse gasses, largescale disasters, and bioterrorism. Environmental health practitioners will be invited to present lectures
on a variety of topics. A tour of toxic sites with emphasis on ‘environmental justice’ will be arranged for
the class.
This is an example from previous classes;
Invited Lecture – Ms Penny Newman, Executive Director, Center for Community Action and
Environmental Justice
Special Guest – Mr. Joshua Garcia, Intern for the SouthCoast Air Quality Management District
Special Tour - Toxics Sites conducted by the Center for Community Action & Environmental Justice
Invited Lecture – Environment at Risk? Biological Terrorist Agents – By Dr. Frank Sorvillo,
Epidemiologist Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
MPH COMPETENCIES
This course is designed to address the following MPH and concentration competencies:
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MPH 1.
MPH 9.
Assess the health status of populations and their related determinants of health and
illness (e.g., factors contributing to health promotion and disease prevention, availability
and use of health services).
Communicate in writing and orally, in person, and through electronic means with linguistic
and cultural proficiency.
Apply the basic public health sciences (including, but not limited to biostatistics,
epidemiology, environmental health sciences, health services administration, and social
and behavioral health sciences) to public health policies and programs.
Conduct a comprehensive review of scientific evidence related to a public health issue,
concern or intervention.
Prepare proposals for funding from external sources.
HPEE 4.
Conduct evaluation and research related to health education.
ABE 1.
Describe the roles that epidemiology and biostatistics serve in the discipline of public
health, and be able to describe a public health problem in terms of magnitude, people,
time, and place.
Apply proper terminology and definitions used in biostatistics and epidemiology
Identify key sources of data for biostatistical and epidemiologic studies.
Explain the importance of biostatistics and epidemiology for informing scientific, ethical,
economic and political discussion of health issues.
Comprehend ethical and legal principles pertaining to the collection, maintenance, use
and dissemination of data and other epidemiological information.
Interpret, articulate, and critique results of statistical and epidemiological analyses found
in public health studies.
Develop written and oral presentation based on epidemiological students and statistical
analyses for both public health professionals and educated lay audiences, and prepare
manuscripts for the peer-reviewed literature.
MPH 3.
MPH 6.
MPH 7.
ABE 2.
ABE 3.
ABE 7.
ABE 8.
ABE 9.
ABE 10.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Students who complete this course will be able to:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
Discuss the history and definition of environmental health.
Discuss the association between population growth and dissemination of environmental
pollutants.
Describe methods used in epidemiology and toxicology to assess environmental exposures and
hazards.
Describe policies that have been developed to manage health risks associated with exposures to
environmental hazards.
Identify chemical, physical, and microbial agents that originate in the environment and can impact
human health.
Describe specific applications of environmental health concepts to fields such as water quality
control, food safety, and occupational health.
REQUIRED COURSE READINGS:
1. Essentials of Environmental Health. Robert H. Friis Jones and Bartlett Publishers, 2nd Edition (2010) --
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ISBN 0763778907
2. Various readings as assigned.
Supplemental Reading
1.The Global Politics of the Environment. Lorraine Elliot, New York University Press, 2nd Edition (2004)
ISBN 0814722180 (for those very interested in Policy)
2. The Praeger Handbook of Environmental Health, Praeger, Robert H. Friis, editor (2012) ISBN
9780313386008 (comprehensive set of 4 volumes for those who will be majoring in the field – I will make
my contribution of Chapter 8 in the Fundamentals of Environmental Epidemiology available for students)
WEB SITE
Please review the materials on Dr. Friis’ web page as needed:
http://publichealth.jbpub.com/essential/friis/2e/
EVALUATIVE CRITERIA:
21%
21%
20%
28%
5%
5%
Midterm
Final Exam
Presentation*
Homeworks**
Current Event***
Attendance/Participation****
*A PowerPoint Presentation consisting of approximately 10-15 slides (10-20 minutes. Topics will be
assigned during session #1. Upload to Sakai.
Grading for the PowerPoint presentation:
1. Overall effectiveness of presentation: both clarity of slides, balance of text and graphics, and
delivery.
2. Epidemiological and scientific appropriateness -- evidence-based, and was the information
presented in the appropriate manner --e.g. age-specific rates, adjusted rates. Were biases and any
confounders mentioned, etc?
3. Depth of presentation - did presenter go beyond what was in the book – in general, no more than
75% of the slide materials should come from the book.
4. Knowledge of subject matter and ability to convey it – and relating to one's audience
5. Integration of current events (which are not included in the chapter)
**14 Homeworks. Answer the study questions and exercises at the end of the chapter or write a one
page policy brief on some aspect of the chapter. This is due at to the start of the subsequent Session -Upload to Sakai. 1 point deducted for late submissions.
***Current events will be presented at the start of each class. Students will be assigned a session. This
is an 'informal' verbal summary of a current event (defined as occurring or published within the last 12
months) and lead in a class discussion - the topic should be related to the session topic. Upload to
Sakai with a one paragraph comment.
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****You are expected to ask questions, contribute to discussions, present assignments and attend all
class sessions and to follow classroom Decorum (see below).
QUIZZES/EXAMS
All chapters have in-class Quizzes (given at the start of the following session). A Mid-term and Final is
given for which students may re-take a specific chapter or a chapter quiz they missed. The highest
grade will count.
DECORUM
Students who wish to use computers (include ipads, laptops, etc.) for note-taking may do so. Use of
computers and other electronic devices such --- for emailing, texting, game playing etc is not permitted
(this is discourteous and annoying to those giving lectures or participating in classroom discussions).
Classroom discussion is greatly encouraged, ---side-bars are not! In addition, students are expected to
follow all guidelines regarding academic integrity and conduct, please see
http://www.cgu.edu/pages/4850.asp.
ELECTRONIC COURSE MANAGEMENT
The Claremont Sakai is the online learning portal which contains a variety of readings and other course
materials.
COURSE SCHEDULE
SESSION
1
TOPICS, READING ASSIGNMENTS, AND HOMEWORK
Course overview. Review of lecture framework and objectives.
Introduction to environmental problems and issues.
Introduction: The Environment at Risk
Readings: Chapter 1
2
Environmental Epidemiology
Readings: Chapter 2
Due: Chapter 1 Homework. Quiz Chapter 1
3
Environmental Toxicology
Readings: Chapter 3
Due: Chapter 2 Homework. Quiz Chapter 2
4
Environmental Policy, Regulation and Environmental
Justice
Readings: Chapter 4
Due: Chapter 3 Homework. Quiz Chapter 3
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5
Zoonotic and Vector-Borne Diseases
Readings: Chapter 5
Due: Chapter 4 Homework. Quiz Chapter 4
6
Toxic Metals and Elements
Readings: Chapter 6
Due: Chapter 5 Homework. Quiz Chapter 5
7
Pesticides and Other Organic Chemicals
Readings: Chapter 7
Due: Chapter 6 Homework. Quiz Chapter 6
8
Ionizing and Nonionizing Radiation/ Energy Needs
Readings: Chapter 8
Due: Chapter 7 Homework
Mid-Term covering Chapters 1-7
9
Water Quality
Readings: Chapter 9
Due: Chapter 8 Homework. Quiz Chapter 8
10
Air Quality
Readings: Chapter 10
Due: Chapter 9 Homework. Quiz Chapter 9
11
Food Safety
Readings: Chapter 11
Due: Chapter 10 Homework. Quiz Chapter 10
12
Solid and Liquid Wastes
Readings: Chapter 12
Due: Chapter 11 Homework. Quiz Chapter 11
13
Occupational Health (1)
Readings: Chapter 13
Due: Chapter 12 Homework. Quiz Chapter 12
14
Occupational Health (2)
Readings: Chapter 13
15
Injuries / Disasters
Readings: Chapter 14
Due: Chapter 13 Homework. Quiz Chapter 13
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16
The Environment at Risk – Summary Session
Final covering Chapters 8-14
Due: Chapter 14 Homework
Selected Readings from AJPH
The Clean Air Act Deserves Our Full Support. Georges C. Benjamin
American Journal of Public Health: December 2011, Vol. 101, No. S1, pp. S5-S5
http://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/pdf/10.2105/AJPH.2011.300360
Trends in Fatalities From Distracted Driving in the United States, 1999 to 2008
Fernando A. Wilson, Jim P. Stimpson American Journal of Public Health: November 2010, Vol. 100, No.
11, pp. 2213-2219
Crash and Risky Driving Involvement Among Novice Adolescent Drivers and Their Parents. Bruce G.
Simons-Morton, Marie Claude Ouimet, Zhiwei Zhang, et al.. American Journal of Public Health:
December 2011, Vol. 101, No. 12, pp. 2362-2367
Symposium on Integrating the Science of Environmental Justice into Decision-Making at the
Environmental Protection Agency: An Overview
Onyemaechi C. Nweke, Devon Payne-Sturges, Lisa Garcia, et al. American Journal of Public Health:
December 2011, Vol. 101, No. S1, pp. S19-S26
http://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/pdf/10.2105/AJPH.2011.300368
Environmental Justice: A Continuing Commitment to an Evolving Concept
Linda S. Birnbaum, Harold Zenick, Christine M. Branche. American Journal of Public Health: November
2009, Vol. 99, No. S3, pp. S487-S489
http://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/pdf/10.2105/AJPH.2009.179010
Occupational Health, Mercury Exposure, and Environmental Justice: Learning From Experiences in
Tanzania Samuel J. Spiegel American Journal of Public Health: November 2009, Vol. 99, No. S3, pp.
S550-S558. http://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/pdf/10.2105/AJPH.2008.148940
Preventing Eye Injuries Among Citrus Harvesters: The Community Health
Worker Model. Paul F. Monaghan, Linda S. Forst, Jose Antonio Tovar-Aguilar, et al. Am J Public Health
published 20 October 2011, 10.2105/AJPH.2011.300316
Injuries at Work in the US Adult Population: Contributions to the Total Injury Burden. Gordon S. Smith,
Helen M. Wellman, Gary S. Sorock, et al. American Journal of Public Health: July 2005, Vol. 95, No. 7,
pp. 1213-1219
http://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/pdf/10.2105/AJPH.2004.049338
Conceptual Models for Cumulative Risk Assessment. Stephen H. Linder and Ken Sexton Am J Public
Health published 20 October 2011, 10.2105/AJPH.2011.300318
http://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/pdf/10.2105/AJPH.2011.300318
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Comment: integrating epidemiologic data into risk assessment. D Wartenberg, R Simon American
Journal of Public Health: April 1995, Vol. 85, No. 4, pp. 491-493
http://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/pdf/10.2105/AJPH.85.4.491
Epidemiology and quantitative risk assessment: a bridge from science to policy. I Hertz-Picciotto
American Journal of Public Health: April 1995, Vol. 85, No. 4, pp. 484-491.
http://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/pdf/10.2105/AJPH.85.4.484
General Web Sites and Various Resources
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National Center for Environmental Health http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/
CDC Environmental Health http://www.cdc.gov/node.do/id/0900f3ec8000e044
Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry (ATSDR) http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/
L.A. Public Health Environmental Health: http://www.lapublichealth.org/eh/
Environmental Protection Agency: http://www.epa.gov/
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/homepage.html
CDC Food Safety Office http://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/
CDC Cancer Clusters: http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/clusters/default.htm
Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF) http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/emf/
CDC Radiation Emergencies http://www.bt.cdc.gov/radiation/
CDC Water Quality http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/
CDC Emergency and Environmental Health Services http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/eehs/
CDC Emergency preparedness and response - http://www.bt.cdc.gov/index.asp
L.A. County - Emergency Preparedness & Response
http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/eprp/index.htm
Environmental Sampling - PowerPoint:
http://www.esm.ucsb.edu/academics/courses/206/Lectures/env_sampling_f.ppt
Recommended Revisions to the London Principles http://www.fedfocus.org/finalreport3-test.html
Health and Disasters - UCLA: http://www.ph.ucla.edu/cphdr/index.html
Safety and Health Terms & Abbreviations: http://www.emt-online.com/Dictionary.htm
Industrial Hygiene - Toxicology, Chemical Information and MSDS
http://www.osh.net/directory/ind_hyg/hygiene_01.htm
Environmental Health and Toxicology - National Library of Medicine NIH
http://sis.nlm.nih.gov/enviro.html
CA.gov Food and Agriculture http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/cac/
FEMA http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/
Methodologic Frontiers in Environmental Epidemiology, Rothman:
http://ehp03.niehs.nih.gov/article/fetchObjectAttachment.action?uri=info:doi/10.1289/ehp.93101s4
19&representation=PDF
CDC Learning Connection. http://www.cdc.gov/learning/by_topic.html
11/29/2012-mas
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