SC 276 - Human Health and the Environment

(3.00 cr.)

Prerequisite: BL 111 or BL 201 or CH 114 ; and SC106 (may be taken concurrently); or written permission of the environmental and sustainability studies minor director. What does Lyme disease have to do with climate change? Why did children lose millions of IQ points to leaded gasoline and paint? Why do so many children in Baltimore have asthma? Answers may be found in this exploration of the bidirectional relationship between our health and the health of our homes, communities, food, air, waterways and climate. Study of toxicology, risk assessment, prevention, environmental justice, history, and policy provide framework for understanding effects of environmental exposures. Examples of how major exposures such as air toxins are managed in Baltimore and Maryland lend context and relevance to class discussions. Finally, examples of environmental impacts on children, the most vulnerable population group emphasize a major course theme: a multidisciplinary approach is necessary to guarantee the health of future generations and the planet. Same course as BL 276 . IES