BCIT Environmental Public Health Journal最新文献

{"title":"Evaluating the impacts of COVID-19 on the perceptions of hygiene and sanitation in personal service establishments in British Columbia","authors":"Kimberly Liu, H. Heacock, Bcit School of Health Sciences Environmental Health","doi":"10.47339/ephj.2021.190","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47339/ephj.2021.190","url":null,"abstract":"COVID-19 has raised concerns over safety in the personal care service industry in regards to disease transmission and infection control. The industry has suffered under new orders and directives issued by public health officials. Personal service establishments (PSEs) rely on clients going to establishments to receive services that often involve close proximity between the client and service provider, something that is recommended against to prevent COVID-19 transmission. PSEs have since adjusted their operations to accommodate for the pandemic, however its impacts on the perceptions of hygiene and sanitation in these establishments remained to be assessed.","PeriodicalId":433101,"journal":{"name":"BCIT Environmental Public Health Journal","volume":"12 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"127681809","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessing knowledge and preventive behavior of BC hikers towards Lyme disease","authors":"Goodraz Nategh, Dale Chen, Bcit School of Health Sciences, Environmental Health Health","doi":"10.47339/ephj.2021.201","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47339/ephj.2021.201","url":null,"abstract":"BackgroundIn Canada, recent data shows that Lyme diseases (LD) have increased in many different regions of the country. British Columbia (BC), with its natural beauty and suitable terrain for outdoor activities, has drawn thousands of hikers to the established hiking trails, as well as off–trail wilderness. Consequently, more people are expected to be exposed to Lyme disease every year. For better understanding of the risk, study of their knowledge and awareness, and also their preventative behavior against Lyme disease is necessary. The purpose of our study is to evaluate hiker awareness about LD and assess type and frequency of preventive measures they take against the disease.MethodsA self-administered electronic survey was created and disseminated online among hikers in British Columbia, Canada. The online survey distributed via the social platform, Reddit, and took approximately five minutes to complete. The results were collected and organized in Microsoft Excel and analyzed with NCSS statistical software (NCSS, 2021).ResultsThe results of this study indicated that general awareness of LD among hikers in British Columbia is high. Ninety-eight percent of participants in the study have heard about the LD before the study was conducted. Hikers are generally aware of the prevalence of the disease (83%) in BC and know that ticks are problematic for them (74%). Majority of hikers (92%) have taken at least one measure to protect themselves against the disease. Avoiding tall grasses and bushwalking while hiking was the most popular method as 46% of the hikers frequently (more than half the time) took this measure. In contrast, wearing protective cloths or tucking pants into socks were the least frequent methods taken by them. Also, 68% of the hikers never used chemical insect repellent to deter ticks. This result suggests that avoiding ticks and tick bites by avoiding grassy areas, where ticks might be present, is the preferred method over the usage of chemical insect repellants, or physical barriers against tick bites such as wearing protective cloths or tucking pants into the socks; however, further data is needed to precisely conclude this result.Our study found that there are no significant statistical associations between hiker's knowledge and their level of education (P= 0.77), hiker's education level and preventive method taken (P=0.91), level of hiking experience and preventive method taken (P=0.86) or gender of the hikers and preventive methods taken (P=0.068) against the Lyme disease.ConclusionsAs Lyme disease has been recognized as a potentially increasing infectious disease in British Columbia, assessment of hiker's knowledge and preventive behavior towards LD through an online survey concluded that BC hikers have high level of awareness about the disease, and they protect themselves against the tick bites. \u0000As predictive models show that climate change and warmer weather cause an expansion in tick habitat in North America, probability ","PeriodicalId":433101,"journal":{"name":"BCIT Environmental Public Health Journal","volume":"7 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"122929852","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessing public awareness on the potential health risks of phthalate exposure in plastic consumer products","authors":"Andy Hu, Dale Chen, BCIT School of Health Sciences, Environmental Heal","doi":"10.47339/ephj.2021.184","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47339/ephj.2021.184","url":null,"abstract":"Phthalates are chemical agents used to improve the plasticity of plastic products. Their ubiquitous use in various commercial products results in extensive exposure to humans. Toxicological studies have linked phthalate exposure to developmental and reproductive toxicity, presenting potential health risks. This study investigated the general population on their knowledge and hazard perception of phthalate exposure. The assessment determined if changes in policies or guidelines are needed to minimize potential health impacts from improper plastics handling.","PeriodicalId":433101,"journal":{"name":"BCIT Environmental Public Health Journal","volume":"15 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133985664","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Face mask reuse behaviours in Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic","authors":"John Zhang, H. Heacock, British Columbia Institute of Technology School of","doi":"10.47339/ephj.2021.198","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47339/ephj.2021.198","url":null,"abstract":"Mask-wearing in public spaces has become ubiquitous for most people in developed countries due to the ongoing pandemic. One key aspect of the protectiveness of masks is how many times it is used before disposing of (in the case of surgical or disposable masks) or washed (a cloth or reusable mask). Assessing mask reuse levels in key demographics can help us identifywhich groups are reusing masks more, and targeted educational campaigns can be accomplished which would hopefully lead to reduced mask reuse.","PeriodicalId":433101,"journal":{"name":"BCIT Environmental Public Health Journal","volume":"1 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133120551","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An analysis of the relationship between WHMIS certification and holder's knowledge after being certified","authors":"Min-Chi Liao, BCIT School of Health Sciences, Environmental Heal, Heacock Helen","doi":"10.47339/ephj.2021.181","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47339/ephj.2021.181","url":null,"abstract":"Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) is the Canadian standard for hazard communication. This system consists of hazard classification, cautionary labelling of containers, safety data sheets, as well as worker education and training programs. In British Columbia, WorkSafeBC is the legal authority for occupational health and safety. Employers must provide worker education and training while workers must participate in these learning opportunities as required. Despite these requirements, there is currently no legislation that mandates WHMIS certificate holders to recertify after a period of time. Holders may work decades for the same organization and receive their one and only training session in their careers when they started working. There is a likelihood that information vital to occupational health and safety is gradually forgotten. This research study examined WHMIS knowledge retention of holders upon being certified.","PeriodicalId":433101,"journal":{"name":"BCIT Environmental Public Health Journal","volume":"172 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"125791338","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Investigating Handwashing Frequency in Canadians as a Result of the COVID-19 Pandemic","authors":"S. Chen, H. Heacock, BCIT School of Health Sciences, Environmental Heal","doi":"10.47339/ephj.2021.176","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47339/ephj.2021.176","url":null,"abstract":"The COVID-19 pandemic was an unprecedented event that has generated many changes in public behaviour. The purpose of this study was to examine if Canadians are increasing their handwashing compliance due to the pandemic as well as to assess if different demographic variables are associated with handwashing knowledge or behaviour.","PeriodicalId":433101,"journal":{"name":"BCIT Environmental Public Health Journal","volume":"35 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"129302111","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Accuracy of a commercial lead test kit","authors":"Nick Park, BCIT School of Health Sciences, Environmental Heal, Chen Dale, Maria Tirado, Hsin Kuo","doi":"10.47339/ephj.2021.170","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47339/ephj.2021.170","url":null,"abstract":"  \u0000Up until 1960s, lead was widely used for constructing plumbing systems, and a residual amount of lead is still detected within water systems today. Due to the wide availability, low-cost, and ability to produce an instant result, commercial lead test kits have been known for their convenience. However, considering that small lead exposures can pose serious health concerns to those who are vulnerable, inaccurate results may cause a potential health hazard. This study investigated the accuracy of a commercial lead test kit called “10-in-1 Drinking Water Test Kit” by Baldwin Meadows and compare its findings to instrumental analysis. \u0000 ","PeriodicalId":433101,"journal":{"name":"BCIT Environmental Public Health Journal","volume":"107 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"116365542","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparison of sodium and saturated fat content between domestic pasta sauce and imported pasta sauce in Canada","authors":"T. Chan, Dale Chen, Bcit School of Health Sciences, Environmental Health Health","doi":"10.47339/ephj.2021.186","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47339/ephj.2021.186","url":null,"abstract":"Recently, a study by Dunford et al. (2019) found out that Canadian processed foods have the highest sodium content than other countries. Out of the twelve countries tested in the survey, Canada was ranked the highest. This survey sparked the interest in comparing the healthiness of domestically processed foods and imported foods available in Canada. Pasta sauce was particularly chosen for this research project. By comparing the sodium and saturated fat content between domestic pasta sauce and imported pasta sauce, the study aimed to determine whether imported pasta sauce is a healthier choice.","PeriodicalId":433101,"journal":{"name":"BCIT Environmental Public Health Journal","volume":"28 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"125643530","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cleaning power comparison between citric acid and sodium hypochlorite","authors":"Yemima C. Winarto, BCIT School of Health Sciences, Environmental Heal, Dale Chen","doi":"10.47339/ephj.2021.185","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47339/ephj.2021.185","url":null,"abstract":"The purpose of this research was to compare the effectiveness of sodium hypochlorite and citric acid at cleaning surfaces.","PeriodicalId":433101,"journal":{"name":"BCIT Environmental Public Health Journal","volume":"1 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"130730973","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Is Metro Vancouver ready to reduce their waste?","authors":"S. Davis, H. Heacock, BCIT School of Health Sciences, Environmental Heal","doi":"10.47339/ephj.2021.179","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47339/ephj.2021.179","url":null,"abstract":"As the interest in delivery and take-out meals increases, so too does the amount of food packaging that ends up in the landfill. Programs and incentives are already in place and continue to be adjusted to encourage the reduced reliance on these materials. This study focuses on returnable and recyclable container programs (RRCP) and British Columbian’s interest in these programs for Metro Vancouver.","PeriodicalId":433101,"journal":{"name":"BCIT Environmental Public Health Journal","volume":"66 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133224323","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}