3. Environmental Factors affecting all
Industrial pollution
“Lifestyle choices”
Chemicals and toxins banned in the United States but still used in
developing countries
Hazards resulting from mining, toxic-waste dumps and radioactive
waste sites
4. Limitations on “Lifestyle Choices”
Large corporations and divisions of the government often
address environmental issues by noting the responsibility
of the individual to make the right living choices.
However, frequently these “choices” are not available to us
because of:
Economic status
Family/Work Obligations
Lack of information
Availability of alternative solutions
Negligence by government agencies
Lack of community awareness/support
6. Occupational Health Issues for
Women
Low paying/stressful jobs
No access to worker’s compensation, occupational rehabilitation,
disability compensation
Ill-fitting safety equipment not made for women’s bodies/sizes
Jobs where it is necessary to stand, sit or do monotonous tasks for hours
at a time
Lack of health insurance or time off to seek medical care
7. What’s keeping us from activism?
Responsibilities at home after work hours when activist activities are
planned and executed
Low seniority/feeling like we have to support our bosses
Lack of organization/union membership
Language barriers
Citizenship issues
Dependence on job, especially at lowest paying/less skilled jobs
8. Effects from Environmental and
Occupational conditions
Skin diseases Hearing loss
Respiratory ailments Back pain
Multiple chemical sensitivities Neck, shoulder and hand strain or
(MCS) injuries
Infectious diseases Foot and leg pain
Reproductive health Effects from air quality
hazards/disorders
Stress
Breast milk contamination
Effects from shift work
Endocrine disruption
Harassment and violence
Breast cancer
9. Reduce exposure, feel better!
Read food labels
Wash hands (everyone!) before touching, preparing
or eating food
Install carbon monoxide monitors in your home-
never leave the car running in the garage
Have your home checked for dangerous levels of
lead and radon
Have your drinking water checked and filter tap
water
Use natural cleaning products
If working with chemicals, change into clean
clothes before returning home/picking up children
10. Safe work environments start with you
Find support, organize and mobilize
Promote safer materials
Wear safety equipment
Request furniture to fit your body
Rearrange your desk and office to avoid repetitive movements
GET UP! move around, take breaks, stretch (there are great guided
chair yoga and meditation videos on youtube for free!)
Wear well-fitting ear plugs or headphones in loud environments
Do not tolerate harassment and violence- get help!
(www.womenthrive.org, www.aflcio.org, www.now.org are some sites
for further information and to find help)
11. Quotes:
(Myth or Reality?)
“Women are more biologically vulnerable to environmental toxins
than men.
Reality.”
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens
can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
- Margaret Mead
12. Discussion Question:
What have you personally done or can do to make your
living environment more healthy for you and your
family?
What small changes can you make at work to make a
healthier occupational environment?
