Abstract:
Environmental health, according to the World Health Organization, “addresses all the physical, chemical, and biological factors external to a person and all the related factors impacting behaviors (1).” Because Watsonville is primarily an agricultural town, and since pesticides continue to be one of the chief components of modern agriculture, this community faces special issues as related to environmental health. In a recent study of Pinto Lake in Watsonville, fish were found to have the highest levels of DDT of any lake in California (2). As part of Salud Para La Gente’s (SPLG’s) efforts to increase awareness and advocacy for environmental health issues in the community, students from a local High School (Watsonville High) were involved in the Environmental Health and Advocacy study. In the past three years, different groups of students have participated in water testing, green space initiatives and air pollution data processing. In a final segment on Environmental Health awareness, students at Watsonville High School, with guidance from SPLG staff, participated in a discussion on the general views and concerns they have with regards to the environment. Students expressed interest in the development of an environmental flyer with “catch” phrases that would be disseminated throughout the community.
Methodology:
In the month of August, SPLG Outreach Dept. staff had met with a group of 5 students from 11th and 12th grade in the ‘credit leveling class’ at Watsonville High School (3). Students discussed general views and concerns they have about environmental issues. Students stated that “even tough environmental issues are not the prime topic of conversation among their peers, there is awareness of change in climatic conditions and availability of natural resources.” Furthermore, some of the students expressed concerns their family members have as related to changes in weather patterns in the last 20 years, including a decrease in rainfall, increased droughts, and other seasonal variations relating to climate. These effects are particularly of note to this community as most of their time is spent in the fields due to their work.
Results:
Students reached a consensus that increasing awareness amongst their peers could best be achieved by creating a flyer that could be distributed throughout the school and in certain community events. Students proposed that the flyer consist of short catch phrases and utilize primarily imagery to better grab the attention of their peers and families. The flyer was produced (see attached), and will be made available to the Watsonville High school student body and the community, in the month of September.
Discussion:
Environmental health is a burgeoning issue worldwide. Communities working directly in agriculture are particularly susceptible to the health effects of pesticide use, climate change and other environmental conditions. Watsonville High School students have direct access to peers and their families, and as such were selected to participate in the Environmental Health Advocacy efforts of Salud Para La Gente. Information on recent efforts will be placed on the Salud Para La Gente’s website to increase community awareness and access to this information. Future projects should be considered to further the knowledge stream into this vulnerable community.
References:
- World Health Organization. Environmental Health. http://www.who.int/topics/environmental_health/en/
- Guild, Todd. Register Pajaronian, E-Edition. Pinto Lake Contaminated. Saturday, May 16th, 2009
- A ‘credit leveling class’ is offered to students missing credits in certain areas, in order to aid them to graduate.