HSA 551 Strayer University Living with Environmental Risks from Nature Paper

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Introduction:
The natural environmental risks in our surroundings can be a threat to public health. Therefore, it is crucial to analyze such risks and develop strategies for their mitigation. In this paper, we will discuss the significance of a naturally occurring risk, the stakeholders involved, and the scientific, technological, and societal issues related to the risk. Additionally, we will recommend a specific mitigation strategy based on researched programs, policies, or strategies.

Answer:
Analyzing environmental health risks is important as they can have significant negative impacts on public health. For instance, my research on the risk of wildfires has revealed that natural environmental risks can cause hazardous air pollution and negatively affect both physical and mental health. Studies indicate that increased exposure to airborne particulate matter caused by wildfires has been linked to respiratory and cardiovascular disease, cancer, and long-term impacts on cognitive function (Johnston et al., 2012; Reid et al., 2016). Thus, this risk is important enough to research in terms of advocating for effective mitigation strategies.

Regarding scientific issues related to wildfires, determining the cause of the wildfires is one of the most critical subjects to address. Understanding the origin of the fire leads to insight into how we can effectively control and prevent future outbreaks. Secondly, technological issues must also be taken into account when considering wildfires. By leveraging technologies such as remote sensing, early detection, and aerial firefighting tactics, the mitigation of wildfires’ effects can be managed better. Lastly, societal issues also come into play when considering the effects of wildfires. Factors such as geographic location and susceptibility, socioeconomic status, race, and ethnicity, and demographic disparities all play a part in who is most affected by wildfires (Hadden et al., 2019).

After researching various mitigation programs and policies, I recommend prioritizing the expansion of prescribed burns as a part of an effective mitigation strategy for wildfires. A study from the University of Idaho found that prescribed burns decreased the probability of severe wildfires by 70 percent (Hanson et al., 2019). Prescribed burning can effectively reduce the wildfire risk by lowering the fire’s intensity and mitigating its effects on air quality and public health. Additionally, prescribed burning is a more cost-effective and less labor-intensive mitigation strategy than solely relying on aerial firefighting and contains other long-term environmental benefits—such as improving rangeland health and reducing invasive species populations.

References:
Hadden, L., Hoogesteijn, A. L., Hess, J. J., Gonzales, M., Jackson, L. L., & Nguyen, T. (2019). Addressing health inequities: The role of environmental health in mitigating disparities and promoting resilience. GeoHealth, 3(2), 29-43.

Hanson, C. J., Abatzoglou, J. T., & Naficy, C. (2019). Prescribed fire reduces probability of high-severity wildfire occurrence in the western United States. Ecosphere, 10(9), e02836.

Johnston, F. H., Henderson, S. B., Chen, Y., Randerson, J. T., Marlier, M., Defries, R. S., … & Brauer, M. (2012). Estimated global mortality attributable to smoke from landscape fires. Environmental health perspectives, 120(5), 695-701.

Reid, C. E., Brauer, M., Johnston, F. H., Jerrett, M., Balmes, J. R., & Elliott, C. T. (2016). Critical Review of Health Impacts of Wildfire Smoke Exposure. Environmental health perspectives, 124(9), 1334-1343.