NSC 206- Environmental Health

Environment is the circumstances, objects, or conditions by which one is surrounded Or the complex of climatic, edaphic (soil-based), and biotic factors that act upon an organism or an ecologic community. Human environment includes what man occupies now including land and water forms. It is broken into six systems- climate, hydrological, edaphic, plant, animal and saprophyte. Man is included in animal system Public Health Definition of the Environment - all that which is external to the individual host. It can be divided into physical, biological, social, and cultural factors, any or all of which can influence health status in populations. In modern concept, environment includes not only the water, air and soils that form environment but also the social and economic conditions under which we live. In Nigeria, as in many countries, the environment is influenced by human activities. Understanding the human activities in the community is important in ensuring a safe environment for present and future generations. In this unit, the environment is defined, components of environment highlighted and environmental hazards which human are exposed to and the health effects.