Running head: ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

Environmental Health
Andrea R. VanPortfliet
Ferris State University

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Environmental Health

Environmental factors can have a huge effect on the health of a community. Some factors
that can affect the population is water, air quality, neighborhood safety, and many others. A
persons environment can either have a positive or a negative effect. If a neighborhood is safe,
citizens will be more likely to take walks or allow their children to play outside. A neighborhood
with an unsanitary water supply will have more citizens with waterborne illness (Harkness &
DeMarco, 2012). This greatly affects nursing because the environment they work in will impact
the types of patients they receive.
Nursing and Environmental Health
In history, nurses have had a huge impact on the environment that their patients are kept
in. Florence Nightingale is credited as introducing this concept into modern nursing. She
advocated for fresh air and clean water for patients. Because of her research, these practices,
among others, are a part of nursing today (Wakefield, 2001). The environment of the patient,
before and during care, have a huge impact on their future health. Nurses need to advocate for an
appropriate environment for their patients, whether it be the neighborhood they live in, or the
hospital they are staying in.
Public health nurses can attempt to reduce the effect of contaminants in the community.
Education about exposure to contaminants can inform the population about potential danger and
make them more aware. The precautionary principle is a way to attempt to decrease the potential
harm done to a community by warning about products that could cause harm. Precautionary
measures should be taken with these products so no harm comes to the community. (Harkness &
DeMarco, 2012).

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In conclusion, environmental health can be affected by many different factors. This can
impact a populations health and nurses need to strive to advocate for better living conditions and
getting rid of contaminants. By doing do, the overall health of the community can be improved.

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References:

Harkness, G. A., & DeMarco, R. F. (2012). Community and public health nursing. Philadelphia,
PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Wakefield, J. (2001). Environmental Florence Nightingales: nursings new front
line. Environmental Health Perspectives, 109(3), A118A123.