Health Risks Of Manufacturing And Energy Production
Health Risks Manufacturing And The Production Of Energyoverviewusing
Using the scenario in the Population Health and the Environment assignment, you are continuing to prepare for your presentation at the global conference on environmental health issues. Write a 5–6 page paper in which you:
1. Select a specific method of energy production. Determine the most significant health risk associated with the production of this energy source, and recommend a process improvement that could significantly reduce the level of risk associated with the current method of production. Support your recommendation.
2. Examine the major global health issues related to climate change. Propose a model that governments of developed countries could build upon to mitigate the negative effects of climate change on health and the environment. Provide a rationale for your recommendation.
3. Evaluate the health risks associated with the waste produced during the manufacturing of products. Determine two ethical concerns related to these practices and propose a strategy to modify the current practices to resolve these issues.
4. Provide a detailed outline of three key government regulations created to protect the population and the environment from the effects of hazardous waste produced from manufacturing.
Use at least three quality academic resources in this assignment. Note: Wikipedia does not qualify as an academic resource. This course requires the use of Strayer Writing Standards. For assistance and information, please refer to the Strayer Writing Standards link in the left-hand menu of your course. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.
Paper For Above instruction
The environmental impact of energy production and manufacturing presents significant health risks, which necessitate strategic interventions to promote public health and sustainability. This paper explores a specific energy production method, analyzes associated health risks, proposes improvements, examines global health issues related to climate change, and reviews regulatory strategies aimed at mitigating hazards from manufacturing waste.
Choice of Energy Production Method and Associated Health Risks
For this analysis, we select coal-fired power plants as the energy production method. Coal energy has historically been a primary source of electricity generation worldwide, yet it is also one of the most polluting processes. The most significant health risk associated with coal-fired power plants is the emission of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and mercury. These pollutants contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, including asthma, bronchitis, ischemic heart disease, and stroke. Additionally, coal combustion releases radioactive materials and heavy metals that pose long-term health hazards (World Health Organization [WHO], 2016).
To mitigate these health risks, implementing cleaner technologies such as flue gas desulfurization (scrubbers), electrostatic precipitators, and transitioning toward renewable energy sources like wind and solar are critical improvements. Among these, adopting advanced filtration systems can significantly reduce harmful emissions, thereby decreasing the incidence of pollution-related health conditions (Liu et al., 2020). This process enhancement can effectively diminish airborne pollutants and improve air quality in communities near power plants.
Global Health Issues Related to Climate Change
Climate change is a pressing global health issue driven primarily by greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel combustion. Rising temperatures contribute to the proliferation of vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue, due to expanding habitat ranges of mosquitoes (Costello et al., 2009). Moreover, climate-related disasters like hurricanes, floods, and heatwaves exacerbate health crises by disrupting sanitation, water supply, and healthcare infrastructure. Vulnerable populations, including low-income communities and the elderly, face disproportionate health burdens, including malnutrition, heat stress, and mental health impacts (Watts et al., 2018).
To address these issues, developed countries can build upon a comprehensive model that integrates climate mitigation and health adaptation strategies. This model involves reducing emissions through transition to renewable energy, strengthening healthcare infrastructure against climate-induced disasters, and implementing early warning systems for extreme weather events (Haines et al., 2019). These measures can limit the adverse health impacts while promoting resilience in vulnerable populations.
Health Risks of Manufacturing Waste and Ethical Concerns
The manufacturing process produces hazardous waste containing chemicals like solvents, heavy metals, and carcinogens. Improper disposal can contaminate soil, water, and air, posing serious health risks such as cancer, neurological disorders, and reproductive issues. Two ethical concerns include environmental justice—the disproportionate burden of waste exposure on marginalized communities—and corporate accountability for safe waste management (Brandon et al., 2020).
To resolve these issues, strategies such as enforcing strict waste disposal regulations and incentivizing the adoption of green manufacturing practices are vital. Establishing transparent waste tracking systems and engaging communities in environmental oversight can promote accountability and reduce health disparities associated with hazardous waste exposure.
Key Government Regulations to Protect Population and Environment
Effective regulation is essential for safeguarding health and environment from manufacturing hazards. Three critical policies include:
- Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) in the United States: Provides comprehensive rules for the management, disposal, and treatment of hazardous waste to prevent environmental contamination.
- EU Dangerous Substances Directive: Regulates the use, emission, and disposal of hazardous chemicals in manufacturing within the European Union, promoting safe handling and substitution of toxic substances.
- Globally harmonized system (GHS) for Classification and Labeling of Chemicals: Standardizes hazard communication, ensuring workers and communities are informed about chemical risks and safety measures worldwide.
These regulations are foundational in minimizing hazardous waste impacts, ensuring safe manufacturing practices, and protecting public health and ecosystems.
Conclusion
Addressing the health risks associated with energy production and manufacturing requires integrated approaches encompassing technological advancements, policy development, and global cooperation. Transitioning to cleaner energy methods, strengthening climate resilience, and enforcing strict hazardous waste management are essential components toward safeguarding population health and environmental sustainability. Continued research and policy innovation are vital for creating resilient systems capable of mitigating current and future environmental health threats.
References
- Brandon, G., et al. (2020). Environmental Justice and Hazardous Waste Management. Journal of Environmental Policy. 35(4), 567-587.
- Costello, A., et al. (2009). Managing the health effects of climate change. The Lancet, 373(9676), 1693-1733.
- Haines, A., et al. (2019). Public health benefits of strategies to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. The Lancet, 374(9707), 2094-2104.
- Liu, C., et al. (2020). Technological advancements in reducing emissions from coal plants. Environmental Science & Technology, 54(2), 1242-1250.
- Watts, N., et al. (2018). The 2018 report of The Lancet Countdown on health and climate change: shaping the health and climate agenda for 2020 and beyond. The Lancet, 392(10163), 801-824.
- World Health Organization (WHO). (2016). Ambient air pollution: A global assessment of exposure and burden of disease. WHO.