14.3: Environmental Health Assessment
By the end of this section, you should be able to:
- Discuss the methods of measuring pollutants in the environment.
- Explain the steps in the risk assessment and risk-management processes.
- Assess the environmental health of individuals, homes, and communities.
Environmental assessment is the process of identifying, evaluating, and mitigating environmental risks to human health. It involves measuring pollutants, determining and managing risks, and conducting individual, home, and community assessments.
Measuring Pollutants
Measuring pollutants is essential for assessing and managing environmental and public health risks (Figure 14.4) (Manisalidis et al., 2020). Accurate measurement helps identify sources of pollution, monitor trends, and guide regulatory action. While environmental scientists are responsible for measuring pollutants, the C/PHN’s role is to ensure that measurements are taken, the results are communicated to the public, and any issues of concern are followed up on. The first step in measuring pollutants involves collecting samples. Different collection methods are used depending on the type of pollutant and the medium in which it is present (air, water, soil, etc.). Sampling may involve placing sensors, samplers, or collection devices in the target environment. Once samples are collected, various analytical techniques such as spectroscopy are deployed to determine the concentration of specific pollutants. For air pollutants, monitoring stations are set up in various locations to measure the concentration of gases and particulate matter. Instruments like gas analyzers, particle counters, and meteorological sensors help assess the levels of pollutants such as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ozone, and particulate matter. Water pollutants are measured with optical sensors, ion-selective electrodes, and spectroscopy to determine the presence and concentration of contaminants like heavy metals and chemicals. Soil is assessed using chemical and spectral analysis, with samples collected from different depths to understand the distribution of pollutants in the land.
Pollutants may also be measured indirectly through remote sensing techniques such as satellite imagery and aerial photography, which can be used to monitor larger areas and track pollution trends over time. These methods are also very useful for gauging changes in land use, deforestation , erosion , climate change , and other environmental factors that can contribute to pollution. Finally, climate modeling is used to predict and assess the impact of climate change, such as an increase in extreme weather that may lead to an increase in heat-related mortality.
In addition to providing data to assess and monitor the health of a population, measurements of hazardous agents play a significant role in protecting the community by supplying evidence for developing and enforcing environmental regulations.
Determining Risk and Risk Management
The EPA uses a four-step risk assessment to evaluate potential pollution and hazards, evaluate the likelihood of exposure-related health threats, and develop standards (EPA, 2023k). The first step, Hazard Identification , aims to identify potential negative outcomes that may result due to exposure to a specific agent. While multiple data points are involved in this analysis, the emphasis is on toxicokinetics , or the study of how chemicals are absorbed, metabolized, and eliminated, and toxicodynamics , which examines the impact of chemicals on the body and health.
The second step, Dose Response , aims to identify the ways that the amount of exposure (dose) relates to the probability and severity of negative health effects (response). The third step, Exposure Assessment, involves quantifying the extent, frequency, and length of human contact to an environmental agent or predicting the potential impact of future contact. Finally, Risk Characterization, the fourth step, aims to synthesize information from the first three steps to provide an overall understanding of the characteristics and occurrence of risks as well as indicate where uncertainties remain.
When the available evidence is uncertain or incomplete, a guiding concept is the precautionary principle , which directs decision makers to be proactive in safeguarding the environment and public health rather than waiting for conclusive evidence of harm. This principle shifts the burden of proof, or responsibility, to those advocating for a particular action, such as building a new power plant, to demonstrate that it will not cause harm to the environment or community. The principle can also lead to taking action to prevent harm, such as the decisions made by various governments at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to institute public health measures such as mask wearing, lockdowns, and travel restrictions, among others. Since little was known about this novel coronavirus, early action without scientific certainty was deemed necessary to protect the health of the public. This is an example of the precautionary principle in action.
Environmental Health Assessments
The link between human health and the environment underscores the need for systematic evaluations, which play a critical role in understanding population health. This section examines how environmental assessments inform nurses about the impact of the environment on the health of communities as well as individuals.
Individual Assessment
Individual environmental health assessments are essential tools for identifying, preventing, and educating individuals about environmental health concerns. These assessments aim to identify hazards, understand health implications, and mitigate risks. Individual environmental health assessments encompass a broad range of potential environmental exposures, including indoor agents, outdoor air pollution, water sources, exposure to pesticides or industrial waste, and the presence of radiation sources like radon. Factors such as the home and school or work environments, recreational activities, lifestyle, and personal health history are all considered. These assessments empower individuals to make informed decisions and assist nurses with individualizing care, creating action plans, and providing education, referrals, advocacy and follow-up.
In 2005, a team of nurses devised a framework, termed I PREPARE , as a tool for conducting individual environmental health assessments and developing a plan of action. I PREPARE is a mnemonic; each letter stands for a specific step in the assessment (Paranzino et al., 2005) as shown in Table 14.3. The Case Reflection that follows walks through an example of a nurse using I PREPARE to perform an individual environmental health assessment.
| Explanation | Examples of Nursing Actions | |
|---|---|---|
| I | Investigate potential exposures: This step involves asking questions to uncover potential sources of exposure to environmental hazards. | Ask if a client has ever felt sick after handling chemicals or toxic substances. |
| P | Present work: Inquire about the person’s current occupation and any potential workplace hazards. | Ask the client to describe their current job, the industry they work in, and any hazardous substances that they handle. |
| R | Residence: Assess potential residential exposures. | Ask about the age and type of dwelling, their water source, and indoor hazards such as mold or mildew. |
| E | Environmental concerns: Encourage clients to discuss environmental concerns in their neighborhood. | Ask if they live near landfills, farms, or factories. |
| P | Past work: Inquire about past occupations or exposures that may have exposed the client to hazardous materials in the past. | Ask if they have ever worked on a farm or in a factory or used solvents or other chemicals. |
| A | Activities: Assess the client’s activities that may have exposed them to environmental hazards. | Ask about hobbies, outdoor recreation, smoking, and diet. |
| R | Referrals and Resources: Provide information about relevant resources, referrals, or organizations that can help the individual address their environmental health concerns. | Provide information on government sites, such as the CDC, Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry, or the Occupational Safety & Health Administration. |
| E | Educate: Share information about the client’s potential environmental health risks and provide guidance on how to prevent or reduce exposure to protect their health. | If they may have been exposed to lead in their drinking water, provide information about testing and mitigation from local, state, and federal resources. |
Read the scenario, and then respond to the questions that follow.
Kyra, a 35-year-old client, presents to the county clinic after experiencing persistent symptoms, including coughing, sneezing, and hoarseness, for several months. She’s concerned that her symptoms might be related to the apartment she recently moved into. After reviewing her health history, Nurse Kyle uses the I PREPARE framework to perform an individual environmental health assessment.
I—Investigate Potential Exposures: Kyle asks Kyra if she has had any known exposure to pollutants at home, at work, or in the community. He asks if her symptoms improve or worsen when she is at home, at work, or outside. Kyra notes while she isn’t sure what she’s being exposed to, she usually feels worse in the morning.
P—Present Work: Kyle asks about Kyra’s work environment. Kyra is a graphic designer who works 3 days a week in a well-ventilated office building downtown and works from home the remaining 2 days.
R—Residence: Kyle investigates potential exposures by asking about the age and upkeep of the apartment building, such as whether it’s properly ventilated, if there have been any water leaks or mold issues, and if there are any pets or smokers in the home. She lives with her cat Mittens in an interior apartment on the first floor of an older building without air conditioning, but she does have a window in her kitchen. Kyra notes that the basement is used for utilities, such as laundry, and is poorly lit, unventilated, and damp.
E—Environmental Concerns: Kyle asks about industries, farms, and waste sites near Kyra’s home or workplace. She states that there has been ongoing construction adjacent to her building that often creates a layer of dust and construction debris in the immediate surroundings.
P—Past Work: As a junior designer, Kyra worked for a small business in an old industrial warehouse. She doesn’t know much about the history but states that they were not allowed to drink from the building’s faucets and were directed to use the water cooler.
A—Activities: Kyra enjoys gardening on her small balcony but finds it increasingly challenging due to her symptoms, which she says worsen when the nearby construction is underway.
R—Referrals and Resources: As a nurse working in a community clinic, Kyle is well prepared to offer referrals and local resources. After confirming Kyra’s insurance, he provides contact information for an allergy center covered by her plan and refers her for allergy testing.
E—Educate: Kyle works with Kyra to educate her about indoor and outdoor air quality, potential allergens, and actions she can take to make her environment and lifestyle healthier for now and the future.
- If you were Nurse Kyle, what additional questions would you ask Kyra to further investigate her symptoms and potential sources of exposure?
- From an environmental health perspective, what are some possible indoor environmental hazards that could be linked to Kyra’s health issues? What about outdoors? How can these be mitigated?
- Given Kyra’s past work history in the warehouse and the directive to avoid tap water, what are some potential concerns in the warehouse space?
- How might Kyra’s gardening activity on her patio interact with the nearby construction? How might Kyra’s activities be adapted to minimize her exposure to allergens and irritants?
- What education should Nurse Kyle provide? What role does education play in preventing environmental health concerns such as Kyra’s? How might this knowledge empower her to take proactive steps to improve her environment and overall health?
Home Assessment
What constitutes an environmentally healthy home? According to the National Center for Health Housing , a healthy home is dry, clean, safe, ventilated, pest and contaminant free, regularly maintained, and has a comfortable temperature (National Center for Healthy Housing, 2023). Home health assessments are critical for promoting health equity by addressing disparities in housing quality. For example, programs to improve home indoor air quality are proven to reduce the incidence of asthma among BIPOC children and children residing in substandard housing (Martin et al., 2021). Furthermore, this intervention can improve the health of older adults with respiratory diseases.
Some individuals are more vulnerable to the effects of an environmentally unhealthy or unsafe home. Children, whose bodies and systems are still developing, are particularly prone to negative impacts from exposure to contaminants. Older adults, who may have preexisting health conditions, may have weaker immune systems, and may spend more time indoors, can be more susceptible to respiratory and other disorders. Pregnant people can be exposed to indoor pollutants that affect fetal development, such as secondhand smoke. Individuals with chronic conditions, such as immune or respiratory disorders, are at a higher risk of exacerbations. Individuals with limited mobility due to disability, age, or aging may spend more time indoors and have difficulty relocating to a safer environment. Table 14.4 presents some examples of possible hazards inside the home.
| Type of Hazard | Potential Negative Health Effects |
|---|---|
| Biological Hazards | |
| Mold and fungi |
|
| Rodents (rats, mice) |
|
| Dust mites and cockroaches |
|
| Toxic Gases | |
| Radon |
|
| Carbon monoxide |
|
| Tobacco smoke |
|
| Toxic Substances | |
| Asbestos |
|
| Lead |
|
| Pesticides |
|
Due to the disproportionate impact of the home environment on children, it’s especially important for nurses to incorporate home environmental assessments when caring for the pediatric population. The Pediatric Environmental Home Assessment is an excellent tool for assessing the pediatric home environment, with a section for nursing observations. The National Center for Healthy Housing provides numerous interventions and resources focused on safe and healthy housing for all, especially the millions of Americans living in substandard housing. The passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in 2023 included substantial funding to improve efficiency and resilience in affordable housing and significant funding for research, development, and implementation (Goodwin & Jacobs, 2022).
Community Assessment
Community health assessments provide information about the potential, and real, environmental risks faced by individuals living, working, or recreating in a particular community. The assessment should include environmental health risks using online tools to identify potential exposures and types and levels of pollution using Envirofacts . While this data is critical, it is only part of the community assessment . Nurses can conduct a windshield survey to visually identify potential environmental risks, such as the location of industries, hazardous waste, dumps, major thoroughfares, pests, the use of pesticides, air quality, and housing conditions (see Creating a Healthy Community and Appendix A). In addition to observing environmental risks, a windshield survey should note areas that promote health in the community, such as parks, open spaces, gardens, and outdoor recreational areas. The University of Maryland School of Nursing and Environmental Health Center has developed the following Environmental Health Community Assessment tool focused on environmental health.
This scenario continues to follow Mr. Harper from earlier in this chapter. Read the scenario, and then respond to the questions that follow.
While assessing Mr. Harper’s home environment, Nurse Regis discovers that the house is adjacent to a mound of mining waste, raising concerns about the possible inhalation of particulate matter. Moreover, after hearing rumors that the community’s water supply might be contaminated, Mr. Harper now uses water hauled by his neighbor from a nearby stream. Mr. Harper points out the stream to Nurse Regis, who notes that rocks are tinged with red, a sign of acid mine drainage. Upon further assessment, Nurse Regis finds that Mr. Harper’s skin is reddened, dry, and itchy. When asked about the rash, Mr. Harper becomes irritable, stating he isn’t sure when the rash began and is more upset that he’s recently been having difficulty remembering things and easily becomes confused.
The nurse collaborates with a social worker from the county’s department of aging to arrange for an aide to assist Mr. Harper twice weekly, helping to keep his home dry and free of dust and bringing him a supply of bottled water to use until the community’s water is verified as safe.
- What further assessments should the nurse conduct given the suspicion of hazardous exposures?
- How should the nurse address Mr. Harper’s exposure to heavy metals in his daily life?
- As a public health nurse, what immediate actions would you take for Mr. Harper and his community? What resources would you use?