Environmental Health Issues Associated with Mass Gathering during EKKA Event - Case Study Example

Student's Name: Course Name and Number: Instructor's Name: Date Submitted: (Word count: 2,300 words) Executive summary Mass gatherings across the world have posed various environmental, health and security concerns. Some of the major environmental health concerns posed by these meetings include environmental degradation, waste management and disposal as well as pollution of water and surface. In addition, mass gatherings expose the participants and organizers to the risk of preplanned attacks such as grenade attacks and bombing, which results in high injuries and casualties. The environmental health professional plays a vital role during the mass gatherings, through coordination of evacuations and administering of first aids in case of emergency. To shed more light on the relevance of mass gathering in environmental health, this essay seeks to study EKKA, the Queensland largest annual event that attracts over half a million participants. The essay will also explore environmental health issues associated with mass gathering during EKKA event. Further, it will explore the relevant legal frameworks such as the licensing and legislative requirements of the government during the event. Finally, it will investigate different roles played by environmental health professional (EHPs) during the event. Table of contents (Word count: 2,300 words) 1 Executive summary 2 Table of contents 3 List of figures 4 Introduction 5 Environmental health issues in previous mass gatherings 6 Fig 1: Some mass gathering events that raised environmental health concerns 7 Fig 2: Model for mass-gathering and its impacts 8 Background of EKKA 8 Environmental health concerns during the EKKA festivals 9 Fig 3: Potential public health risks in a mass gathering 11 Roles of environmental health professions 12 Conclusion 14 References 15 List of figures (Word count: 2,300 words) 1 Executive summary 2 Table of contents 3 List of figures 4 Introduction 5 Environmental health issues in previous mass gatherings 7 Fig 1: Some mass gathering events that raised environmental health concerns 8 Fig 2: Model for mass-gathering and its impacts 9 Background of EKKA 9 Environmental health concerns during the EKKA festivals 10 Fig 3: Potential public health risks in a mass gathering 11 Roles of environmental health professions 13 Conclusion 14 References 16 Introduction A mass gathering is said to have occurred whenever over 1,000 people congregate at a given location with a specified agenda at a given time. Most of the public gatherings are conducted for religious, sporting, political or recreational events (Wisner & Adams, 2002). Owing to their high numbers of participants, mass gatherings posses various security, environmental and public health problems to the participants. As such, the organizers of such meetings should put various disaster preparedness measures, mitigation strategies as well as surveillance techniques in place to enhance safety of the attendees. On the other hand, environmental health issues in mass gatherings refers to the activities and condition which may pose physical injury, deaths, diseases, property loss or environmental pollution (Wisner & Adams, 2002). In the recent past, guns, explosives, biological and chemical agents as well as radio-nuclear weapons are largely used in creating havoc in mass gatherings across the world. The immediate consequences of these assails include loss of lives, property destruction and environmental pollution in the air, water or surface. However, some of the attacks have yielded major public health concerns to the victims and their subsequent generations. As such, environmental health concerns are major concerns in any mass gathering. Different players contribute differently in enhancing environmental health safety during mass gatherings. In their article, the role of environmental health in disaster management, Eldridge & Tenkate (2006) establishes that for mass gathering to be successful, the local administration, security agents, environmental health professional, medical personnel among other profession must actively participate and play their role. The security agents and personnel conduct a thorough investigation to the attendees and their luggage before the event kicks off. In addition, the local and national administration is charged with the responsibility of issuing licensing and regulations for any gathering after verifying that the organizers have meet the required terms and conditions. Further, the local and national regional public and environmental health authorities must ensure security and emergency details are put in place before, during and after the gathering. The environmental health professionals are also charged with the responsibilities of minimizing risks, injuries and casualties in case of fracas during the gathering. Other responsibilities of environmental health personnel include maximizing health and safety of attendees, planners and surrounding communities, surveillance and control of communicable diseases, ensuring safety and health of the food consumed during the event as well as addressing environmental concerns such as carrying capacity and pollution during the event (Eldridge & Tenkate, 2006). Environmental health issues in previous mass gatherings Previous studies have revealed a close tie between mass gatherings and environmental health. Various mass gatherings have posed diversified environmental health concerns that differed with weather conditions, type and duration of the event, density of the attendance, age factor of the attendee, as well as drug and alcohol use during the event (Dannenberg et al., 2008). One of the most studied events is the summer Olympics in Atlanta. The event attracted a huge crowd that supported its state or region, as well as different sports. Nonetheless, environmental health considerations such as congestion, sufficient lighting and air conditioning were not amply considered. As a result, many participants developed heat-related illnesses as well as communicable diseases such as TB and influenza. Other mass gatherings held at different times and venues have also yielded a significant number of environmental health concerns, deaths and injuries (Wisner & Adams, 2002; Dannenberg et al., 2008). Figure 1 summarizes some of these events and the numbers of victims. Fig 1: Some mass gathering events that raised environmental health concerns Source: Dannenberg et al., (2008) The impacts of mass gatherings can be broadly dividend into three thematic areas or domains (Dannenberg et al., 2008). These are the psychosocial domain that revolves around individual and group behavior, social-cultural dynamics as well as influence of external factors such as drugs and alcohol. The second domain is biomedical domain that involves the health status, age, education level and social-cultural factors. The last category is the environmental factors such as weather conditions, the nature of the event and the target population for the event. Figure 2 portrays a model of impacts of mass gathering in different domains. Fig 2: Model for mass-gathering and its impacts Source: Dannenberg et al., (2008) Background of EKKA The history of EKKA dates back to the mid 1870’s. During the time, some colonialists formed the National Agricultural and Industry Association (NAIA), which sought to promote agricultural and industrial development across the Queensland. NAIA also aimed at bringing together the residents to celebrate their heritage. The association held its first exhibition between 22 and 26 August of 1876 attracting over 15,000 participants. Consequently, this event was declared a public holiday (EKKA Media Centre, 2012). The name EKKA originated from the Queensland vernacular and it refers to the exhibits that are showcased during the event. The contemporary EKKA events are a major mass gathering events in Queensland. According to the EKKA Media Centre (2012), the event is held for 10 consecutive days during the month of august and it attracts about half a million participants. Further, the event runs for 12 hours between 0900Hrs and 2100Hrs. The events are characterized by massive entertainments, agricultural and industrial exhibitions, shopping and marketing as well as public education on the Queensland cultural and industrial heritage (EKKA Media Centre, 2012). The population that firms the mass is made up of families, professional groups, organizers and services providers such as security personnel, caterers, health personnel and area administrators. The popular means of transport around the show grounds is the train. The participants are at liberty of eating at the cafeterias and food shops located at various parts of the show ground, or may choose to use their packed foods. The grounds offer ideal sites for consuming food as one enjoys different picnic sites and other features. Environmental health concerns during the EKKA festivals Mass gatherings that participate in the EKKA festivals attract numerous environmental health concerns to the participants of these festivals. One of the major concerns is the climatic variables in the grounds. Notably, the EKKA is held during the summer festivals, and this may pose health concerns to the participants (EKKA Media Centre, 2012). These include dehydration, fainting and cases of headaches as a result of excessive heat. In addition, the festivals involve a lot of shopping and sampling of different commodities on sale. This poses a great challenge in terms of waste management and disposal during the festive. Poor disposal of waste papers and plastic bags not only affects the serenity of the environment but also creates ideal breeding grounds for parasites such as mosquitoes, and can pose a major health concern. The high numbers of turn over also creates health concerns in terms of food and water. Instances of food-borne diseases contracted from consumption of poised food are a common phenomenon during and after the festivals. According to Chapman & Davey (1995), over 1,000 cases of food poisoning are reported annually in different locations. This goes hand in hand with water poisoning that result in water-borne diseases. A research by Dannenberg et al. (2008) revealed that an estimated 5,000 cases of water-poisoning and water-borne diseases have been reported, with trends indicating an upward trend. This is a major concern environmental health concern. Solid waste management is also a major environmental concern during these events. With an annual turn over of about half a million participants, providing sufficient sanitation services is a major challenge (Bagley et al., 2007). This waste finds its way into surface or water leading to contamination. Mass gathering during the EKKA can also attracts various forms of attacks such as grenade, fire or terrorism attacks. In case of such an eventuality, the environment health professional may be overwhelmed by the large numbers of victims and casualties. Communicable diseases such as TB and flu are also common due to this mass gathering. Infections are largely transmitted through the droplets in the air. The large numbers may lead to easy and fast spread of communicable diseases across the participants and results into a major environmental health concern (Baum, 2002). Figure 3 represents a list of potential communicable diseases that may result in EKKA exhibits and their risk levels. Fig 3: Potential public health risks in a mass gathering Source: Roof & Oleru (2008). Relevant legal frameworks including the licensing and legislative requirements of the Local Government area Various legal and legislative frameworks guide the activities of EKKA. According to Bagley et al., (2007), the local and national authorities are involved in the licensing and authorization process during the event. The federal government of Australia is charged with the responsibility of documenting and observing the EKKA days and declaring them as a public holiday. In addition, the South Australian public health legislation (2011) sets new laws, standards and procedures that regulate and promote public health (Bidmeade & Reynolds, 1997). The law sets standards in the quality of services provided during the event; thus, enhancing safety of the participants during the event. The fast and flexible provisions of the act play a fundamental role in promoting health and safety. Further, the public and environment health act (1987) regulates the social and environmental conditions during the event (Baum, 2002). The government, public sector, private sector and all interested parties must work hand in hand to ensure that the provisions of the acts are adhered to the letter. The chief public health officer is the point person in the implementation of this act. The Building and Other Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2010 also play a fundamental role in regulation of the structures put up in the event. The structures and buildings used during EKKA event may pose great environment and health dangers if they fail to comply and conform to the standards (State of Queensland. 2010). The Building and Other Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2010 highlights the structural and technical requirements of the structures based on their usage and carrying capacity. Other relevant legislation that plays a role during the event includes the water act (act number 137 of 2007) that regulates the quality and standards of water consumed during the event. The RNA Act (1971) that imposes statutory protection of lands owned by Royal national agricultural and industrial association of Queensland (Government of Victoria, 1988). The Sustainable planning act (2009) and information privacy act (2009) enable preservation and conservation of the environment and communication of the preserved areas (State of Queensland. 2010). Roles of environmental health professions Environmental health professionals (EHPs) play a crucial role in protecting the public health matters, prevention of diseases outbreak during the events, responding to emergencies, enforcing public health standards (Eldridge & Tenkate, 2006). EHP also plays a significant role in disaster management, from planning to implementation stage. Most of the disasters range from accidents, explosions, fire outbreaks and collapse of structures. The EHP work in tandem with other agencies in fore planning and anticipation of any disaster and put the necessary measures to curb occurrence of these disasters. To illustrate, the EHP works together with the fire brigades to supply necessary fire fighting equipment incase of a fire outbreak. In addition, EHP works with the local authorities in enhancing environmental management and sustainability through waste management, provision of clean and safe water as well as ensuring clean and quality food is served during the event (Wisner & Adams, 2002). The environmental health personnel also plays an instrumental role in maximizing health and safety of attendees, planners and surrounding communities, surveillance and control of communicable diseases, ensuring safety and health of the food consumed and addresses carrying capacity and pollution during the event. Further, EHPs are instrumental in administration of first aids wherever disasters occur. EHP’s works in conjunction with the building and planners in ensuring that standard structures are constructed during the event. They also ensure that sufficient ambulances and medical personnel are available to handle any case demanding medical attention (Eldridge & Tenkate, (2006). That notwithstanding, the Australian EHPs face various professional challenges. Notably, the profession is faced with ambiguity in their functioning. Their roles are overshadowed by other professions, and they largely play a coordination role in the whole process. As an example, the medical professionals are the ones directly involved with effecting first aid and any medical emergency. The EHPs only plays a coordination role in medical administration. Further, the fire fighters are the ones involved in putting the fires off incase of an outbreak, whereas the EHPs plays the coordinating role. This renders their functioning ambiguous. According to Wisner & Adams, 2002) the Australian environmental health professionals need to overcome their career- ambiguity barriers to enhance efficiency in their profession. Conclusion Mass gatherings are a common phenomenon across the world. These gatherings are largely based on religion, sporting, leisure or political activities. The events pose great environmental health hazards such as injuries, deaths and property loss to the participants. Different players have a role to play during the mass gatherings. EKKA is one of the major annual mass gatherings in Australia. The event attracts over half a million participants who joins hand in celebrating cultural heritage of Australia. This event exposes great environment health concerns to the participants, including climatic changes that may affect the participant’s health, water and food pollution and contamination, solid waste management and transfer of communicable diseases. The event is regulated by various legal frameworks such as licensing and legislative requirements of the Local Government area. Some of the guiding policies during the event includes the Australian public health legislation (2011) The public and environment health act (1987), The Building and Other Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2010 as well as The Building and Other Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2010 highlights the structural and technical requirements of the structures based on their usage and carrying capacity. Lastly, the environmental health professions have different roles to play during the event. They include protection of public health matters, prevention of diseases outbreak, responding to emergencies, enforcing public health standards and coordination of different personnel in their operations during the event. References Bagley et al. (2007). In what ways does the mandatory nature of Victoria’s municipal public health planning framework impact on the planning process and outcomes? Australia and New Zealand Health Policy, Vol. 4 (4). Baum, F. (2002). The New Public Health. 2nd Ed. Melbourne: Oxford University Press. Bidmeade, I. and Reynolds, C. (1997). Public Health Law in Australia: It’s Current State and Future Directions, National Public Health Partnership. Chapman, P. and Davey, P. (1995). Municipal Public Health Planning Resource Guide: Part A. Brisbane: Queensland Health. Dannenberg, A. et al. (2008). Use of health impact assessment in the United States: 27 Case studies, 1999–2007. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 34(3), 241–256. EKKA Media Centre, (2012). Ekka attracts 400,000 for the third year. Retrieved 17 Sept 2012 from http://ekka.com.au/media/534380/18%208%2012%20-%20media%20release%20-%20ekka%20wrap%20up.pdf Eldridge, D. and Tenkate, T. (2006). The role of environmental health in disaster management: an overview and review of barriers and facilitators for action. Reviews on Environmental Health. Vol. 21(4). Government of Victoria, (1988) Health (General Amendment) Act 1988. Roof, K., and Oleru, N. (2008). Public Health: Seattle and King County’s push for the built environment. Journal of Environmental Health. Vol. 71(1). State of Queensland, (2010). Building and Other Legislation. Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2010. Wisner, B. and Adams, J. (2002). Environmental health in emergencies and disasters: a Practical guide. World Health Organization, June 2002. Read More