3 - Human Systems

Abstract

It is important for an industrial hygiene engineer to have a basic understanding of the structure and functioning of the human system. There are four major classifications of the study related to the human system. The first classification is the study of the anatomy. This study involves the form of living systems. The second major classification related to the study of the human system is physiology. Physiology involves the study of the function of living systems. The study of biochemistry is the third major classification of the study of human systems. Biochemistry is related to the chemistry of living systems. The fourth major category of human system study is biophysics. This discipline is related to the study of physical methods used within human systems. The occupational environment can affect the performance of the human system in a number of ways. Many hazard exposures will result in a change in the physical functioning of body systems for the exposed individuals. Thus, the industrial hygiene engineer is required to communicate with medical personnel concerning the health problems of the workers who may have had occupational exposure. During such communication, it is necessary for the industrial hygienist to be familiar with the terminology related to the human system as well as to have a basic understanding of the functions performed by the various systems within the human body. With this information, the industrial hygiene engineer has a basis for determining the relationship between the conditions exhibited by the worker and the potential exposure to a particular occupational hazard.