A Study on Environment Hygiene in Tuticorin Town, Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Environmental health is that aspect of public health that is concerned with those forms of life substances; forces and conditions in the surroundings of man that may exert an influence on man’s health and well-being. It includes other people as part of man’s surroundings that contribute to the status of environmental health. Where not only do man and his environment interact, but man is shown to be a vital factor of his own environment. In recent years, environmental engineering is a term that has come into wide use. While the meaning of this terminology is somewhat controversial is some circles, it generally, refers to the study of man-environment inter-relationships and the modification of the environment for man’s benefit. To the extent that there is concern for man’s environment as it relates from illness, health maintenance, human efficiency, comfort and the enjoyment of life, use of property, and management of resources. At times, it becomes impossible and useless, because of direct and indirect interrelationships, to make any distinction between those activities concerned with man’s health and other aspects of environmental engineering and science, as in air and water pollution. Both natural and social sciences have application in the development of a suitable environment for man. The quality of life is directly related to the quality of the environment. Concepts of “pure” water, “pure” food, “clean” air, “clear” neighbourhood reflect the newer concepts of health as meaning more than the absence of disease; the environment must satisfy not only man’s physiological needs but also his psychological and sociological needs. The quality of the environment through history has been a measure of the character of a civilization - “a way of life”.