Quality of-life

Improving the quality of life and the management of living resources ... 

We have expanded some subject areas, which previously were of concern to only a few scientists, but which have been popularized by the media to the point where they are common discussion subjects. These include "Global Warming," "The Ozone Hole," "Energy Conservation," "Renewable Resources," and "Quality of Life."... 

As already mentioned, much of the use for plastics just after World War II was as a cheap substitute for traditional materials, and in other cases the material was used for its novelty value. In many instances the result was detrimental to the industry and it required several years of painstaking work by the technical service departments of the major plastics materials manufacturers before confidence was regained in the use of plastics. Even today the public image of plastics is not entirely positive and the significant contribution of plastics to raising the standard of living and quality of life is not fully recognised. 

Chemicals are ubiquitous as air, carbohydrates, enzymes, lipids, minerals, proteins, vitamins, water, and wood. Naturally occurring chemicals are supplemented by man-made substances. There are about 70000 chemicals in use with another 500-1000 added each year. Their properties have been harnessed to enhance the quality of life, e.g. cosmetics, detergents, energy fuels, explosives, fertilizers, foods and drinks, glass, metals, paints, paper, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, plastics, rubber, solvents, textiles thus chemicals are found in virtually all workplaces. Besides the benefits, chemicals also pose dangers to man and the environment. For example ... 

Its mission is to monitor the quality of the environment, protect nature, prevent, reduce or totally eliminate pollution and other nuisances, and enhance the quality of life. 

ASTDR s mission is to prevent exposure and adverse human health effects and diminished quality of life associated with exposure to hazardous substances from waste sites, unplanned releases, and other sources of pollution present in the environment. 

Informally review and consider major initiatives or campaigns (for example, facility safety, employee wellness, community service, etc.) that have succeeded in your company —along with those that have failed. What made them work Incentives to participation Relevance to job or quality of life Other And what about the Mures Lack of followthrough Weak endorsement Bad idea in the first place ... 

Smil, V. (1992). Elusive Links Energy, Value, Economic Growth and Quality of life. OPEC Review Spring 1992 1-21. 

Wear of medical devices and biomaterials can affect quality of life. Wear of tooth fillings, artificial joints and heart valves can be inconvenient, costly (more frequent replacement) or even life-threateiiiiig (premature breakdowns). Wear of components can also cause accidents. Worn brakes and tires can cause automobile accidents, worn electrical cords can result in electrocution and fires and worn out seals can lead to radiation leaks at nuclear power plants. 

Preamble. Engineering is an important and learned profession. The members of the profession recognize that their work has a direct and vital impact on the quality of life for all people. Accordingly, the services provided by engineers require honesty, safety and welfare. In the practice of their profession, engineers must perform under a standard of professional behavior which requires adherence to the highest principles of ethical conduct on behalf of the public, clients, employers and the profession. 

The versatility of the plastic materials permits them to be varied to perform special functions. By applying ingenuity to these amazingly adaptable materials, we can produce products that add to the worldwide survival capability of life under severe environments and improve the quality of life under normal environments. The designer s role in fitting the possibilities to the needs is one that is increasingly important. 

According to the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA, http //www.ginasthma.org), asthma affects about 300 million people worldwide. Men of all ages are affected by this chronic airway disorder that, without appropriate treatment, limits quality of life and is sometimes fatal. 

Research on air pollution is complex. Forests and prairies cover vast areas, and the interplay of regional air pollutants is so subtle that it may take years to sort out all the environmental stresses. However, controls being put in place are already beginning to reduce the acidity of rain in North America and F.urope. Such controls will help us maintain our quality of life without losing our precious heritage of native plants. We can also help by using automobiles less and bicycles more or by taking public transportation when we can. 

The latter part of the 20th century has seen remarkable advances in science and technology. Accomplishments in biochemistry and medicine, computer technology, and telecommunications have benefited nearly everyone on Earth to one degree or another. Along with these advances that have improved our quality of life, scientific research into the study of the Earth has revealed a planetary system that is more complex and dynamic than anyone would have imagined even 50 years ago. The Earth and the environment have become one of society s greatest concerns, perhaps as the result of these discoveries combined with the quick dissemination of information that is now possible with modem telecommunications. 

This chapter looks at the particular question of polymers and the environment. A book on the science of polymers ought to give some consideration to this issue because of the growing concern about the effect of discarded plastic on the quality of life on Earth. If we are to produce and use polymers in ways that are more environmentally responsible (and society will increasingly demand that we do) then there will be new technical challenges to face. One purpose of this chapter is to indicate what some of these challenges might be. 

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