Epidemiologic studies can provide important insights into not just the acute or immediate health effects of environmental exposures, but also the chronic, long-term effects. These studies might generate data that are used to inform national policy decisions on healthcare.

In these videos, you’ll learn about the conditions that led to the creation of two epidemiologic studies that focus on environmental factors and their possible impact on public health. One investigates heart disease, a so-called “hidden epidemic;" the other looks at the health effects stemming from environmental pollution, such as the health effects that occurred as a result of the 2010 BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. As you watch, consider the environmental factors that may have led to these health problems. Click on the left to watch the two videos.

After watching the videos, describe how you think the researchers in the two studies might have established the connection between the environmental factors and the health problems.

You must be signed in to save work in this lesson. Log in