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Chemicals and Health

Dr. Megan Weil Latshaw, PhD and Beth A. Resnick, MPH

This course covers chemicals in our environment and in our bodies and how they impact our health. It addresses policies and practices related to chemicals, particularly related to how they get into our bodies (exposures), what they do when they get there (toxicology), how we measure them (biomonitoring) and their impact on our health. Most examples are drawn from the US.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1: Welcome & Introduction
Start off this week with the peer assessment (we know, we know. . .how can we have an assessment before the course even starts, right?). We simply hope to gauge your initial understanding of the topics that we’ll cover (so grade easy). Then we get into a quick overview of the course, a discussion of chemicals & how we are exposed (in three parts) and an introduction to chemical production & regulation. The module ends with a fun homework assignment: watch an eight-minute video and discuss amongst yourselves (and with us too).
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Suitable for non-sciency professionals curious about the health and environmental impact of chemicals
Ideally offered for anyone living in the United States due to the particular focus on US policies and practices
Toxicology and chemical measurements are complex topics, making it unsuitable for learners without a science background

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive introduction to chemicals and health

According to learners, this course provides a comprehensive introduction to the impact of chemicals on health, covering exposure, toxicology, biomonitoring, and policy. Many found the information highly relevant to everyday life and praised the knowledgeable instructors from Johns Hopkins for explaining complex topics clearly. While it offers broad coverage across key areas, some reviewers noted its strong US focus may limit relevance for international students. Reviewers generally feel it provides a solid foundation for understanding this crucial public health topic, though some with prior background found parts introductory.
Covers a wide range of topics but some lack depth.
"I appreciated the breadth, touching on many interconnected aspects of chemicals and health."
"It gives a good overview of all the key areas from exposure to policy."
"For a more in-depth understanding of specific areas, I'd need to take follow-up courses."
"The breadth was great, but it meant some complex toxicological mechanisms weren't fully explored."
Excellent foundation for beginners, introductory for others.
"This course is perfect if you're a beginner like me, giving a solid foundation."
"If you have prior knowledge in public health or chemistry, some parts will be review."
"Found this to be a great starting point, but it wasn't deeply technical or research-focused."
"It's an excellent overview of the field, not intended for advanced practitioners."
Logical weekly flow and manageable assignments.
"The weekly modules flowed logically from exposures to policy, making it easy to follow."
"The quizzes helped reinforce the material covered in the lectures effectively."
"Peer assessment was a novel approach, requiring interaction with others' work."
"Assignments were manageable and helped consolidate learning without being overwhelming."
Material is highly applicable to daily life and health.
"The content helped me understand chemicals I encounter daily and make better choices."
"I learned practical ways to reduce exposure risks in my home and environment."
"Highly relevant topics for anyone concerned about their environment and personal health."
"This course has fundamentally changed how I view my environment and consumption."
Experts explain complex topics clearly and effectively.
"The instructors are fantastic, making difficult concepts easy to grasp and engaging."
"Found the lectures delivered by experts very clear and engaging and passionate about their subject."
"Professor Trush's lectures on toxicology were particularly clear and insightful."
"Appreciated how well the professors simplified the science behind toxicology for non-experts."
Course examples and policies are primarily US-based.
"As a non-US student, the policy section wasn't as relevant to my local context."
"The focus is heavily on US regulations and case studies, which was a disadvantage for me."
"While the core science is universal, the practical applications felt limited to the US."
"I wish they had included some international perspectives or comparative examples."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Chemicals and Health with these activities:
Review basic chemistry concepts relevant to toxicology, such as chemical bonding, molecular structure, and reactivity.
Refreshing basic chemistry concepts will strengthen your understanding of chemical toxicology.
Browse courses on Chemistry
Show steps
  • Review high school chemistry notes, textbooks, or online resources.
  • Focus on topics like chemical bonding, molecular structure, and chemical reactivity.
  • Solve practice problems to test your understanding.
Compile and organize key terms, concepts, and equations related to chemical toxicology.
Compiling and organizing key terms will help you retain information and prepare for assessments.
Browse courses on Toxicology
Show steps
  • Review course materials, textbooks, and lecture notes.
  • Identify and list down essential terms, concepts, and equations.
  • Organize them into logical categories or topics.
Watch video tutorials on the mechanisms of chemical toxicity and their effects on human health.
Watching video tutorials will complement lectures and provide a visual understanding of toxicity mechanisms.
Browse courses on Toxicology
Show steps
  • Search for video tutorials on chemical toxicity mechanisms and health effects on platforms like YouTube or Coursera.
  • Select reputable videos created by experts in the field.
  • Watch the videos and make notes on key concepts.
  • Pause the videos if needed to research unfamiliar terms or concepts.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Survey a vicinity for detectable sources of air pollution
Surveying your surroundings for sources of air pollution will help you contextualize the sources of chemical pollution in your environment.
Browse courses on Air Quality
Show steps
  • Identify possible sources of air pollution in your residential area, such as factories, power plants, or highways.
  • Use an air quality sensor to measure the levels of air pollutants in different locations.
  • Record your findings and compare them to air quality standards.
Complete practice problems involving the calculation of exposure to chemicals through different routes
Completing practice problems will strengthen your understanding of exposure to chemicals through inhalation, ingestion, dermal absorption.
Show steps
  • Review course materials on chemical exposure routes and relevant formulas.
  • Find practice problems or worksheets online or in textbooks.
  • Solve the practice problems and check your answers.
Review a book on the history of chemical regulation and its impact on public health
Reading 'Silent Spring' will provide historical context and insights into the impact of chemical regulation on public health.
View Something About the Sky on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book 'Silent Spring' by Rachel Carson.
  • Read the book and take notes on key points.
  • Reflect on the book's arguments and implications.
Create a visual representation of the chemical structure of a toxic substance and explain its health effects
Creating a visual representation of a toxic substance will enhance your comprehension of its chemical structure and health effects.
Browse courses on Toxicology
Show steps
  • Research a toxic substance and gather information about its chemical structure and health effects.
  • Use a molecular visualization software to create a 3D model of the chemical structure.
  • Annotate the model with labels and explanations of the different atoms, bonds, and functional groups.
  • Create a poster or infographic that presents your findings.
Design and conduct an experiment to measure the concentration of a chemical pollutant in a water sample
Designing and conducting an experiment will provide you with hands-on experience in measuring chemical pollutants in a water sample.
Browse courses on Water Pollution
Show steps
  • Identify a water source that you suspect may be contaminated with a chemical pollutant.
  • Design an experiment to measure the concentration of the pollutant in the water.
  • Collect a water sample and perform the experiment.
  • Analyze the results of your experiment and draw conclusions about the concentration of the pollutant in the water.
  • Write a report summarizing your findings.

Career center

Learners who complete Chemicals and Health will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Chemical Engineer
Chemical Engineers apply the principles of chemistry to solve technical problems. They design and construct plants and equipment to manufacture chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food, and other products. A deep understanding of chemicals such as the one learned in this course is critical to the success of a Chemical Engineer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Chemical Engineer
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientists study the environment and how human activities affect it. They develop and implement solutions to environmental problems, such as pollution and climate change. Since chemicals can have a significant impact on the environment, this course would provide a strong foundation for an Environmental Scientist.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist
Toxicologist
Toxicologists study the effects of chemicals on living organisms. They develop and conduct tests to assess the safety of chemicals and to understand how they can cause harm. This course would provide a strong foundation for a Toxicologist, as it covers the health effects of chemicals and how they are measured.
See salaries and explore the career path for Toxicologist
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists study the patterns and causes of disease in populations. They use this information to develop strategies to prevent and control disease. This course would be helpful for an Epidemiologist, as it covers the health effects of chemicals and how they are measured.
See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist
Public Health Nurse
Public Health Nurses provide care and support to individuals and communities to improve their health. They may work in a variety of settings, such as schools, clinics, or community centers. This course would be helpful for a Public Health Nurse, as it covers the health effects of chemicals and how they are measured.
See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Nurse
Environmental Lawyer
Environmental Lawyers specialize in the legal aspects of environmental protection. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies. This course would be helpful for an Environmental Lawyer, as it covers the policies and regulations related to chemicals.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Lawyer
Science Writer
Science Writers communicate complex scientific information to the public. They may write for newspapers, magazines, websites, or other media outlets. This course would be helpful for a Science Writer, as it provides a strong foundation in the science of chemicals and their health effects.
See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues. They develop and recommend policy solutions to address a variety of problems, such as environmental pollution. This course would be helpful for a Policy Analyst, as it covers the policies and regulations related to chemicals.
See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst
Lobbyist
Lobbyists represent the interests of their clients before government officials. They may work for businesses, non-profit organizations, or other groups. This course would be helpful for a Lobbyist, as it covers the policies and regulations related to chemicals.
See salaries and explore the career path for Lobbyist
Community Organizer
Community Organizers work with communities to identify and address their needs. They may organize campaigns, develop programs, or provide support to local residents. This course would be helpful for a Community Organizer, as it covers the health effects of chemicals and how they impact communities.
See salaries and explore the career path for Community Organizer
Health Educator
Health Educators provide education and support to individuals and communities to help them make healthy choices. They may work in a variety of settings, such as schools, clinics, or community centers. This course would be helpful for a Health Educator, as it covers the health effects of chemicals and how they can be prevented.
See salaries and explore the career path for Health Educator
Risk Assessor
Risk Assessors evaluate the potential risks of chemicals and other hazards to human health and the environment. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organizations. This course would be helpful for a Risk Assessor, as it covers the toxicology of chemicals and how they are measured.
See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Assessor
Chemist
Chemists study the properties and reactions of chemicals. They may work in a variety of settings, such as research laboratories, universities, or manufacturing plants. This course would provide a strong foundation for a Chemist, as it covers the chemistry of chemicals and their health effects.
See salaries and explore the career path for Chemist
Biologist
Biologists study the structure, function, and behavior of living organisms. They may work in a variety of settings, such as research laboratories, universities, or environmental agencies. This course would provide a strong foundation for a Biologist, as it covers the health effects of chemicals and how they are measured.
See salaries and explore the career path for Biologist
Safety Inspector
Safety Inspectors ensure that workplaces and products meet safety regulations. They may work for government agencies, private companies, or insurance companies. This course would be helpful for a Safety Inspector, as it covers the policies and regulations related to chemicals.
See salaries and explore the career path for Safety Inspector

Featured in The Course Notes

This course is mentioned in our blog, The Course Notes. Read one article that features Chemicals and Health:
Fitness, Wellness & Nutrition
19 minute read

Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Chemicals and Health.
Cover image
Casarett & Doull's Essentials of Toxicology, Fourth...
Save
Comprehensive textbook of toxicology, covering the principles of toxicology, the mechanisms of toxic action, and the effects of toxicants on different organ systems. It valuable reference for students and professionals in the field of toxicology.
Casarett & Doull's Essentials of Toxicology, Fourth...
Paperback
$$$
Casarett & Doull's Essentials of Toxicology, Fourth...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Respiratory Health Effects of Airborne Hazards...
Save
This journal publishes original research on the health effects of environmental exposures. It valuable resource for students and professionals in the field of environmental health.
Respiratory Health Effects of Airborne Hazards...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Introduction to Environmental Toxicology
Save
Provides an overview of environmental toxicology, covering the molecular mechanisms of toxicity, the environmental agents that cause toxicity, and the biological consequences of exposure to environmental toxicants. It useful resource for students and professionals in the field of toxicology.
Introduction to Environmental Toxicology
Paperback
$$
Introduction to Environmental Toxicology
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Making Healthy Places, Second Edition
Save
Provides an overview of environmental health, covering the environmental factors that affect human health, the health effects of environmental pollution, and the policies and interventions that can be used to improve environmental health. It useful resource for students and professionals in the field of environmental health.
Making Healthy Places, Second Edition: Designing...
Paperback
$$
Making Healthy Places, Second Edition: Designing...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Diseases and Health Consequences of Air Pollution
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of air pollution and its effects on human health, covering both outdoor and indoor air pollution.
Diseases and Health Consequences of Air Pollution:...
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Lu's Basic Toxicology
Save
This introductory textbook provides students with the foundational principles of toxicology. It covers fundamental concepts, target organs, and risk assessment. Useful as a supplementary textbook.
Lu's Basic Toxicology: Fundamentals, Target Organs,...
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
Coal in the 21st Century
Save
Provides an overview of pollution, covering the causes, effects, and control of air, water, and soil pollution. It useful resource for students and professionals in the field of environmental science.
Coal in the 21st Century: Energy Needs, Chemicals...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Hazardous Chemicals Handbook
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of hazardous chemicals, covering the properties, uses, and health effects of a wide range of hazardous chemicals. It useful reference for students and professionals in the field of hazardous materials management.
Hazardous Chemicals Handbook
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
Chemical Process Safety
Save
Provides an overview of chemical safety, covering the principles of chemical safety, the hazards of chemicals, and the safe handling and storage of chemicals. It useful resource for students and professionals in the field of chemical safety.
Chemical Process Safety: Fundamentals with...
Paperback
$$$$
Chemical Process Safety: Fundamentals With...
Hardcover
$$$$
Chemical Process Safety: Fundamentals with...
Textbook Binding
$$
Chemical Process Safety: Fundamentals with...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Toxicological Profile for Chromium
Save
This toxicological profile provides a summary of information on the health effects of chromium, a metal that is used in a variety of industrial processes.
Toxicological Profile for Chromium
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Toxicological Profile for Lead
Save
This toxicological profile provides a summary of information on the health effects of lead, a metal that is used in a variety of products, including batteries, paint, and gasoline.
Toxicological Profile for Lead
Paperback
Check
Toxicological Profile for Lead
Kindle Edition
Check

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Course image
Effort
6 weeks of study, 3 hours per week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Johns Hopkins University
Instructors
Dr. Megan Weil Latshaw, PhD
Beth A. Resnick, MPH
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова magyar nyelv Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша اُردُو, فارسی বাংলা tiếng Việt پښتو آذربایجان دیلی
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Suitable for non-sciency professionals curious about the health and environmental impact of chemicals
Ideally offered for anyone living in the United States due to the particular focus on US policies and practices
Toxicology and chemical measurements are complex topics, making it unsuitable for learners without a science background
Featured in The Course Notes
Read one article that features this course, Chemicals and Health from our blog, The Course Notes:
Fitness, Wellness & Nutrition
19 minute read
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