MPH 632 Practice Lab

  1. Title: Risk Management Exercise
  2. Background: A mid-sized Southeastern city has several major chemical industrial facilities within 10 miles of the city center, one of which produces carbamate pesticides from chemicals like the toxic Methyl isocyanate (MIC). This facility generates pollution, endangers public, occupational, and environmental health, and must be addressed. This practice lab provided students the opportunity to take the knowledge and skills acquired in the course and apply them to a practical public health problem similar to what might be found in the real world. The practice lab is a continuing series of problem or scenario-based activities in the MPH program that aim to provide students with applied practice experience.
  3. Key study question(s)
    • A detailed plan on how to manage risks associated with a particular scenario.
    • Prioritize risk management recommendations in a bulleted list.
    • Provide specific details on how to implement each recommendation and justify why each recommendation is necessary.
  4. Method: This practice lab required students apply their knowledge and skills to a practical public health problem. This practice lab focused on a risk management exercise where students were provided a scenario of a mid-size city with chemical production facilities that produce toxic pesticides using intermediates such as Methyl isocyanate (MIC). Students were required to provide a risk management plan for this scenario, listing recommendations in order of priority and providing details on the implementation of each recommendation.
  5. Findings: The facility produces toxic carbamate pesticides using the highly toxic Methyl isocyanate (MIC), which can cause severe health effects if released into the environment. The production process for carbamates is complex and requires careful oversight and monitoring to ensure the safety of workers and the surrounding community.The facility stores large quantities of MIC, which poses a significant risk if released into the environment. The production process involves high temperatures and can produce explosive and flammable gases if not carefully monitored and controlled, putting workers and the surrounding community at risk. The facility produces hazrdeous byproducts that must be discharged and disposed of properly to prevent environmental contamination. Transportation of raw materials and end products via rail car poses a risk to the surrounding community since the rail lines are within five miles of the downtown area and carry passenger and cargo trains throughout the day.
  6. Recommendations: The facility should relocate at least 50 miles from the nearest city to prevent any potential danger to the public from exposure to hazardous chemicals. In addition, it is vital to implement and enforce safety regulations to effectively mitigate potential health risks related to substances such as MIC used in pesticide production. The on-site storage of MIC should be limited to minimize the possibility of complications, such as explosions and fires. Furthermore, hazardous items must be transported separately from the general population to reduce the risk of exposure to these dangerous substances. Pollution control technology can help prevent hazardous chemicals and gases from releasing outside the facility. Lastly, the facility should build a monitoring and detection system to manage and minimize risks associated with hazardous substances within the facility.
  7. Public health significance: The recommendations presented in this practice lab are significant in protecting occupational, environmental and public health associated with chemical production facilities. Proper risk management can prevent potential hazards and reduce the likelihood of adverse outcomes.
  8. Attach full projects reports/research paper:
A9-Risk-Management-Scenarios-Adane-Practice-LabDownload