What I wanted to learn more about...

     At the beginning of the semester, I indicated that there was not one specific topic that I wished to go into depth about, but rather that I would like to gain a more broad knowledge of how the environment affects our health as a whole.  Over the course of the semester, I have certainly gained an abundance of knowledge about matters in the environment can harm us, as humans.  I gained a better understanding of the term "Global Environmental Health" and the Kyoto Agreement.  To be honest...I had never even heard of the Kyoto Agreement prior to this class.  Now, can speak on the role the United States played in helping to write the Kyoto Agreement, as well as, the pros and cons of the United States' refusal to sign and participate in the agreement.  I had the opportunity to look into how a contaminated food supply can affect not just a family but a community as a whole.
     While I gained knowledge about a many subjects pertaining to Environmental health, I did focus my chosen topics on Cholera and the effects of Cholera around the world.  I was already aware of how Cholera was spread, but was unaware of other specifics.  I had no clue prior to research that many countries do use an approved Cholera vaccine, the United States recommends the vaccine for some people traveling abroad, but the vaccine is not even available here in the US.  According to statistics, the only known cases of Cholera in the US are imported cases. 

Cholera 101

Below, you will find a link to a Cholera fact sheet I have created.  The fact sheet will give you very basic information about the topic.
www.mercer.edu/enp/mph720/Fact_Sheet_Jennifer_Jones.pdf

Below, you will find a link to a Cholera tri-fold brochure I have created.  The brochure will give you very basic information about the topic.
www.mercer.edu/enp/mph720/Brochure_Jennifer_Jones.pdf

Rachel Carson- Silent Spring

     Rachel Carson played a massive role in the field of environmental health.  With Carson’s book, Silent Spring, she exposed the government’s spray practices concerning DDT and other pesticides.  She faced extreme opposition from the government and chemical companies, but ultimately ignited the reversal in national pesticide policies.  Her research exposed the possible environmental effects and human health effects (cancer) associated with the use of synthetic pesticides.  She claimed the chemical industry was knowingly spreading false information regarding pesticides, and government officials were accepting their claims without question.  Upon completion of her research, the government officials eventually ban the use of DDT and other pesticides nationwide.  Her work also inspired the establishment of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.