An Investigation of the Effects of Smoking and International Public Essay

An Investigation of the Effects of Smoking and International Public Health Campaigns - Essay Example Initial investigations began in the Journal of the American Medical Association, their central website guides the user to salient articles available for purchase or library access. Specifically, this article will seek to answer whether health consequences of smoking over the past five decades is sufficient cause to trigger a public downturn in the prevalence of smoking. To this end, articles will be sought that describe long-term disease trends, as well as sociological shifts pertaining to public health, anti-smoking campaigns. A very recent study by Pierce and associates is highly relevant to this objective. An investigation was performed encompassing 1965 to 2007 to determine the prevalence of heavy, habitual smoking, in the United States, by age and birth cohorts in this instance; with a focus on the State of California. This, and other studies confirm that The intensity of smoking, not only its prevalence, is associated with future health risks. There were 139,176 total respondents within California and 1,662,353 for the remaining United States. Among individuals excluding Californians born between 1920-1929, the prevalence of moderate/high-intensity smoking, more than ten packs per day, was 40.5% in 1965. This high-level of tobacco consumption declined across successive birth cohorts, and it was noted that for the 1970-1979 birth cohort, the highest rate of moderate/high-intensity smoking was 9.7% in California and 18.3% in the remaining United States.... There were 139,176 total respondents within California and 1,662,353 for the remaining United States. Among individuals excluding Californians born between 1920-1929, the prevalence of moderate/high-intensity smoking, more than ten packs per day, was 40.5% in 1965. This high-level of tobacco consumption declined across successive birth cohorts, and it was noted that for the 1970-1979 birth cohort, the highest rate of moderate/high-intensity smoking was 9.7% in California and 18.3% in the remaining United States. There was a statistically relevant decrease in moderate/high-intensity smoking at older ages in all cohorts studied, but the decline was greater in California. According to this study, there has been considerable decrease in the prevalence of high-levels of tobacco consumption. The decrease is explicable both in terms of diminished onset of new smokers, and increase in prior smokers who succeed in breaking the nicotine addiction. Though more investigation is needed to clarify whether it is an awareness of the health-risks alone, either through personal experience or simple word-of-mouth, or whether public health campaigns should take credit for the decline. The British Medical Journal also proved to be a useful source; as a means to evaluate, on an international scale the effects of smoking, and various campaigns intended to lessen its toll on public health. A study was found in the BMJ database that described 50 years worth of smoking habits among male British doctors. The primary goal being a comparison of the hazards of cigarette smoking in British men who formed their habits at different time periods. In addition to determine the extent of any reduction in risks when cigarette smoking ceases at different ages. Essentially, the high

Industrial application of energy audit Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Industrial application of energy audit - Essay Example 1.1 Background Energy conservation is important in all aspects of our lives. When firms produce goods to sell or provide services for customers they want to ensure that their services are competitively priced. In order for this to be possible firms have to ensure that they provide these services or produce these goods at the minimum cost possible. Energy cost is one of the main operating expenses for most firms. It is also the one that is most manageable or easiest to adjust in order to gain operating efficiencies. It is therefore important that firms find ways of minimising their energy costs in order to maximise the profitability of their operations. In order to make this possible they seek the help of energy conservation specialists/consultants who perform energy audits of facilities or equipments being used. 1.2 Types of energy audits There are two types of energy audits. ... mal consumption pattern for the items in use the bills were surveyed to determine if the KWh usage was in keeping with the manufacturer’s benchmark of the maximum energy use. The equipments were then assessed to determine if there were any defects that would result in excess energy usage. The facility was checked in terms of floor area and details were gathered on the hours of use of these equipments. The exterior and interior of the building and equipment were checked to determine what adjustments and repairs need to be done to effect energy conservation. The energy manager (proprietor/manager) was questioned to determine critical areas that require monitoring. Sub-meters were then placed in areas of particular concern and both hourly and or daily consumption data was taken for the day. An analysis was done of the results and sources of potential energy and cost savings were identified throughout the building. Some recommendations were then made for energy conservation and ma intenance measures to be put in place. 2.0 Details of the Audit Process It was determined that the preliminary audit was the most appropriate since there were no complexities in the structure of the building. However, it involved testing of equipments which are not generally done in a preliminary audit. 2.1 Pre-Site Work Obtain facility and contact details inclusive of address and telephone number (Appendix 1) Steps were taken to identify the average energy use in the industry, specifically as it relates to electricity consumption. Failing that the internet was checked to determine the energy use of specific equipment Specific energy systems and energy use were also evaluated Specific equipments used in the industry were researched to determine their annual energy (electricity) consumption