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Home Praxis Lab Environmental Health and the Community
Energy & Environment, Health & Society, Policy & Social Justice 2011-2012

Environmental Health and the Community

Over the last decade, medical science has uncovered the far-reaching effects of pollution and environmental contamination on human health. This Praxis Lab explored how modern industrial life exposes individuals to toxic compounds from inception, with repercussions across all organ systems, including chromosomes, the very building blocks of life. The health consequences are so profound that they can even be passed down through generations.

Students examined the influence of governmental policies on these health risks, as well as the steps citizens and communities can take to protect themselves. A critical inquiry was made into whether economic growth can coexist with a healthy environment. In collaboration with leaders from Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment (UPHE) and university faculty in Economics and Environmental Studies, students engaged creatively with this pressing community issue.

Instructors:

Dr. Hans Ehrbar

Dr. Brian Moench

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