YOUR ASSOCIATION
Open Access
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
A Message of Resiliency for the Holidays and Beyond
CDR Anna Khan, MA, REHS/RS
D ecember is marked with holidays, gatherings with friends and family, and the joy of sharing festive meals that strengthen bonds and memories. Food plays a central role in these connections, bringing people together around the table to enjoy traditional dishes and seasonal treats. It is crucial, however, that this festive food is not only delicious but also safe. By pri- oritizing food safety, we can fully embrace the spirit of togetherness and celebration without worrying about getting ourselves, friends, or family sick. Environmental health has traditionally focused on addressing biological contami- nants in food—such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites—that pose immediate and well- documented risks to human health. There is a growing recognition, however, that protecting people from heavy metals, including arsenic, is equally crucial yet often underemphasized. Heavy metals can accumulate in the envi- ronment and enter the food chain through contaminated soil and water, presenting sig- nificant long-term health risks such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and developmental issues. While e orts to mitigate biological risks have advanced, more comprehensive measures are needed to monitor, regulate, and reduce exposure to heavy metals. Enhanced testing protocols, stricter regulatory standards, and public awareness campaigns are essential to address the persistent and potentially severe impacts of heavy metal contamination, ensur- ing a more holistic approach to safeguarding environmental and public health. Healthy People 2030 includes reducing environmental health risks and improving
tion in both food and water—climate change. There are issues with climate change that impact water: flooding and drought. Increased flooding can cause arsenic that is naturally present in soil to be mobilized and carried into drinking water sources. The changes in water sources can a ect groundwater recharge and surface water availability. In areas where groundwater is a major source of drinking water, reduced recharge or increased evapora- tion can concentrate arsenic levels. We will continue to see changes to our environment due to climate change. As we face extreme heat, drought, and flooding, we need to be prepared for infrastructure changes and their impact on our food and water. Pre- paredness and response capability requires resiliency as a key element in protecting our future and the future of our next generations. As environmental health practitioners, we play a crucial role in safeguarding communities from arsenic contamination through a vari- ety of proactive measures. We need to educate communities about the risks of arsenic expo- sure, including how it can a ect health, how to reduce exposure, and how we can provide information on safe drinking water practices and the importance of testing well water. While we connect and create memories with our loved ones over the holidays, I know in the back of my mind I will be think- ing about what the future holds and what challenges the next generation will face. And at the same time, I will think about the stoic quote from Roman emperor Mar- cus Aurelius, “You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this and you’ll find strength.”
access to safe, clean water and food. While looking over the list of environmental health topics, there was one topic that stood out to me because it is stated as an issue that is “getting worse.” Arsenic contamination poses a signifi- cant challenge to these goals, as it continues to threaten global health, particularly in regions with high natural arsenic levels or inadequate water treatment infrastructure. Despite prog- ress in managing some environmental health risks, arsenic remains a persistent issue due to its widespread presence in groundwa- ter and soil, and its ability to accumulate in food sources such as rice. There continue to be e orts to address arsenic contamination through improved detection methods, stricter regulations, and community education. I realize that Healthy People 2030 is focused on global issues, but it is also impacting us domestically because we import fruits, veg- etables, baby food, and dietary supplements. Additionally, there is another emerging issue that is influencing arsenic contamina- We might not be able to control every aspect of our environment, but we can help our communities live more fully with clean water, food, and air.
6
(96>7/ • !>7,/;
Powered by FlippingBook