Health Risks Of Manufacturing And Energy Production 634322

Health Risks Manufacturing And The Production Of Energyusing The Sce

Health Risks, Manufacturing, and the Production of Energy Using the scenario in Assignment 1, you are continuing to prepare for your presentation at the global conference on environmental health issues. Write a five (5) page paper in which you: 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. 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 recommendation. Evaluate the health risks associated with the waste produced during the manufacturing of products. Determine two (2) ethical concerns related to these practices, and propose a strategy to modify the current practices to resolve these issues. Provide a detailed outline of three (3) key government regulations created to protect the population and the environment from the effects of hazardous waste produced from manufacturing.

Paper For Above instruction

The production of energy is fundamental to modern civilization, yet it presents various health risks that require careful evaluation and management. Among the myriad methods of energy production, coal-fired power plants are a significant source of electricity worldwide and exemplify the complex interplay between energy needs, environmental health, and societal impacts. This paper focuses on the health risks associated with coal energy production, suggests process improvements to mitigate these risks, discusses global health issues linked to climate change, and reviews regulatory and ethical considerations surrounding waste management.

Health Risks of Coal Energy Production and Process Improvements

Coal-fired power plants are notorious for releasing pollutants such as particulate matter (PM), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), mercury, and heavy metals into the environment. These emissions have direct adverse health effects, including respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, neurological impairments, and increased mortality rates (World Health Organization [WHO], 2016). Fine particulate matter, especially PM2.5, can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, exacerbating asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory conditions (Lelieveld et al., 2019).

One significant health risk stems from mercury emissions, which bioaccumulate in the food chain, particularly in fish. Consumption of mercury-contaminated fish affects neurological development, particularly in children and pregnant women (Clarkson & Magos, 2016). To reduce these health risks, a promising process improvement is the adoption of cleaner coal technologies, such as flue-gas desulfurization (FGD), electrostatic precipitators, and hybrid filtration systems that capture particulates and mercury before release (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [EPA], 2012). Additionally, transitioning towards renewable energy sources, like solar or wind, would drastically diminish the health risks linked to fossil fuels and reduce environmental pollution (Jacobson et al., 2017).

Global Health Issues and Climate Change

Climate change poses significant threats to global health, evidenced by increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and changing disease vectors (Costello et al., 2009). Heatwaves contribute to heat-related illnesses and mortality, especially among vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions. The melting of polar ice and thawing permafrost release stored greenhouse gases and contaminants, further exacerbating health risks. Vector-borne diseases, such as malaria and dengue, are spreading into new areas due to shifting climatic zones, threatening populations worldwide (Githeko et al., 2006).

To mitigate these effects, models for governmental action can be built upon the concept of climate resilience and adaptation. Developed countries can establish comprehensive frameworks that promote sustainable development, enforce strict emission caps, and prioritize investments in green infrastructure. One such model is the "Green New Deal," which combines economic recovery with climate mitigation, emphasizing renewable energy investment, energy efficiency, and technological innovation (Heffron & McCauley, 2018). Such policies not only address environmental health but also foster economic resilience and social equity.

Health Risks and Ethical Concerns of Waste in Manufacturing

Manufacturing processes generate a range of hazardous wastes, including chemical solvents, heavy metals, and byproducts that threaten both human health and environmental integrity. Improper waste disposal can contaminate soil, water, and air, leading to chronic health issues such as cancer, neurological disorders, and reproductive problems (Robinson et al., 2019). Ethical concerns arise regarding the disproportionate burden borne by vulnerable communities, often marginalized socioeconomically, which are exposed to higher levels of toxic waste without adequate protection or compensation.

Two significant ethical issues include environmental injustice, where marginalized populations face heightened exposure, and lack of corporate accountability in waste management practices. To address these concerns, strategies such as implementing stricter regulations, enforcing transparency, and promoting corporate social responsibility are essential. Public participation and community engagement in waste management decision-making can empower affected populations and ensure equitable environmental health protections (Bullard, 2018).

Key Government Regulations for Hazardous Waste Management

Three primary regulations that aim to safeguard public health and the environment from hazardous waste include:

1. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) of 1976, which establishes the framework for proper management, treatment, and disposal of hazardous waste, emphasizing sustainability and pollution prevention (EPA, 2014).
2. The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), or Superfund, which enables the cleanup of contaminated sites and holds responsible parties accountable for waste remediation efforts (EPA, 2020).
3. The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) of 1976, regulating the manufacturing, importation, and use of chemical substances to prevent environmental and health hazards caused by toxic chemicals (EPA, 2013).

These regulations form a regulatory backbone that helps prevent hazardous waste from harming populations and ecosystems, fostering safer manufacturing practices and environmental stewardship.

Conclusion

Effective management of energy production and manufacturing waste is critical to safeguarding global health amid ongoing climate change. Transitioning to cleaner energy sources and adopting advanced pollution control technologies can substantially reduce health risks associated with fossil fuels. Additionally, constructing robust governmental frameworks and adhering to stringent regulations can mitigate waste-related hazards and promote environmental justice. Addressing these intertwined issues requires a multifaceted approach that balances technological innovation, ethical responsibility, and policy efficacy to ensure a healthier future for all communities worldwide.

References

• Bullard, R. D. (2018). Dumping in Dixie: Race, class, and environmental quality. Westview Press.
• Clarkson, T. W., & Magos, L. (2016). The toxicology of mercury and its chemical compounds. Critical Reviews in Toxicology, 46(10), 759–800.
• Costello, A., Abbas, M., Allen, A., et al. (2009). Managing the health effects of climate change. The Lancet, 373(9676), 1693–1733.
• Githeko, A. K., et al. (2006). Climate change and vector-borne diseases: A regional analysis. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 84(9), 785–791.
• Heffron, R., & McCauley, D. (2018). The "Just Transition" framework in climate policy. Energy Policy, 119, 1–7.
• Jacobson, M. Z., et al. (2017). 100% clean and renewable wind, water, and sunlight (WWS) all-sector energy roadmaps for 139 countries. Joule, 1(1), 108–121.
• Lelieveld, J., et al. (2019). The contribution of outdoor air pollution sources to premature mortality on a global scale. Nature, 525(7569), 367–371.
• Robinson, S., et al. (2019). Occupational health hazards in manufacturing: A review. Journal of Environmental and Occupational Health, 16(2), 89–99.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2012). Advances in coal combustion and pollution control technologies. EPA report.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2013). Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA): An overview. EPA publication.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2014). Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA): regulations and management. EPA guidelines.
• World Health Organization (WHO). (2016). Ambient air pollution: A global assessment of exposure and burden of disease. WHO.