This book provides geographic perspectives and approaches for use in assessing the distribution of environmental health hazards and disease outcomes among disadvantaged population groups. Estimates suggest that about 40 per cent of the global burden of disease is attributable to exposures to biological and chemical pathogens in the physical environment. And with today's rapid rate of globalization, and these hazardous health effects are likely to increase, with low income and underrepresented communities facing even greater risks. In many places around the world, marginalized communities unwillingly serve as hosts of noxious facilities such as chemical industrial plants, extractive facilities (oil and mining) and other destructive land use activities. Others are being used as illegal dumping grounds for hazardous materials and electronic wastes resulting in air, soil and groundwater contamination. The book informs readers about the geography and emergent health risks that accompany the location of these hazards, with emphasis on vulnerable population groups. The approach is applications-oriented, illustrating the use of health data and geographic approaches to uncover the root causes, contextual factors and processes that produce contaminated environments. Case studies are drawn from the author's research in the United States and Africa, along with a literature review of related studies completed in Europe, Asia and South America. This comparative approach allows readers to better understand the manifestation of environmental hazards and inequities at different spatial scales with localized disparities evident in both developed and developing countries.

Health is an asset and a resource critical to human development that benefits society as a whole. But realizing health for all members of society is a matter of social justice, which depends on reducing social and economic inequality and increasing democracy. Health and Social Justice draws on the growing body of recent literature to offer a comprehensive collection of articles written by a panel of expert contributors who represent a broad range of fields–sociology, epidemiology, public health, ecology, politics, organizing, and advocacy. Each article explores a particular aspect of health inequalities and demonstrates how the sources of health inequalities are rooted in injustices associated with racism, social class, and sex discrimination . This important book examines the political implications of various perspectives used to explain health inequities and explores alternative strategies for eliminating them. Health and Social Justice covers a broad spectrum of topics and Analyzes the politics of health inequities Shows how market values often dominate over collective needs for well-being Examines the politics of methodology and its implications for research and public policy Critiques the ideological implications of contemporary health promotion as a model for public health Reviews approaches that influence the social determinants of health Evaluates strategies drawn from the European experience, and others, aimed at eliminating health inequities Proposes principles for action and research Analyzes the role of the mass media in influencing the conceptualization of public health issues Health and Social Justice is written for students, faculty, and public health professionals as well as social policymakers, sociologists, and others who are concerned with the increasing inequities in health status.

A team of experts offer the core knowledge of the profession in this comprehensive resource and practical guide. This new edition, based on the AAOHN Standards of Professional Occupational Health Nursing Practice, has been updated and revised throughout.It covers the many dimensions of occupational health practice today, regardless of the setting. An easy-to-follow outline format streamlines the review process. Includes new content on environmental health.