Unit II Environmental Factors Affecting Health text 1

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Environmental health

1. Environmental health is the branch of public healththat is concerned with all aspects of thenaturalandbuilt environmentthat may affect humanhealth. Environmental health includes both the direct pathological effects ofchemicals,radiationand somebiologicalagents, and the effects on health andwell beingof the broadphysical,psychological,socialandculturalenvironment, which includes housing,urban development,land useandtransport.Environmental health is equally important for solving public health problems. It is fundamentally important for both environmental health and public health care to substantiate the priority of problems¹ associated with environmental health. Success in the realization of this priority at all stages depends on the activity of civil society.

2. Since ancient times Nature has served Man, as the source of his life. For thousands of years people lived in harmony with environment and it seemed to them that natural riches were unlimited. But with the development of civilization man's interference in nature began to increase. Large cities with thousands of smoky industrial enterprises appear all over the world today. The by-products of their activity pollute the air we breathe, the water we drink, the land we grow grain and vegetables on.

3. Ecological problems have no borders. European states solve these problems together: the necessary measures are taken, congresses and conferences on these questions are organized, and these questions have already the reflection in the legislation of many countries. What can be done to protect nature? The environment disasters can be avoided if people broaden ecological education and every person understands that the beauty of nature is extremely fragile and people must obey the unwritten laws of nature. Governments must be prepared to take action against pollution. Air pollution could be reduced if plants and factories were made to fit effective filters on chimneys and car exhausts. Green zones around big cities must be protected and extended. Natural resources should be used economically because their stocks are not unlimited.

4. The activity of many public organizations is directed to protect environment. One of the most known organizations is “Greenpeace”, whose purpose is prevention of environment degradation. This organization was founded in 1971 by the activists from the USA and Canada and it has representations in 25 countries of the world. “Greenpeace” acts against nuclear tests, radiating threat, pollution of the environment by waste industrial products, to protect the animal world, etc. This organization influences public opinion through mass media, under its aegis of manifestations and protest actions are carried solutions for concrete ecological problems.

5. There are a lot of places on our planet that need immediate help. Our country is not exception. The nuclear accident at Chernobyl, which took place on April 26, 1986, has seriously aggravated the ecological situation in Belarus. That catastrophe can be considered as the largest disaster of the 20th century. Everyone understands that this catastrophe is a threat to health² of our nation, and though years have already passed, the results will be exhibited on the future generations.

6. Environmental protection is of a universal concern. That is why serious measures to create a system of ecological security should be taken.

Пояснения к тексту

1. to substantiate the priority of problems – доказать приоритет проблем

2. threat to health – угроза здоровью

Задание 1. Определите основную идею текста

The main idea of text deals with ….

Варианты ответов:

a) all aspects of the influence of vital nutrients needed for the health;

b) all problems of studying the composition of vital nutrients;

c) the author’s interest in all aspects that may affect human health;

d) the information that is concerned with healthy way of life;

Задание 2. Ответьте на вопросы в соответствии с содержанием текста:

a) What is an environmental health?

b) Why did people live in harmony with the environment for thousands of years?

c) How can the environment disasters be avoided?

d) How does the most known organization protect environment?

e) When and by whom was “Greenpeace” founded?

Задание 3. Переведите 5-ый абзац текста, определяя в каждом предложении подлежащее и сказуемое.

TEXT 2

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