07c: Environmental Pathology Flashcards
Major constituents of smog (with upper safety limits set by EPA):
- Ozone
- CO
- Sulfur and nitrogen dioxide
- Particulates
Ozone is toxic because:
Highly reactive oxidant (ROS generated, lung epithelium damaged)
List examples of indoor air pollutants.
- Radon
- Asbestos fibers
- Formaldehyde (gas)
(X) is radioactive gas derived from uranium. It can be found in (Y) or uranium mines and the toxic effects have been tied to (Z) disease.
X = radon Y = soil (in some basements) Z = lung cancer
(X) pollutant was found in insulation, floor, and ceiling tiles before it was banned in 1970. Its toxic effects have been tied to (Y) diseases.
X = asbestos fibers Y = Mesothelioma, lung fibrosis and lung cancer
(X) pollutant can come from foam insulation, glue, wood products. Its toxic effects have been tied to (Y) diseases.
X = formaldehyde Y = asthma, ENT irritation, dermatitis
(X) heavy metal has toxic hematologic, skeletal, neuro, GI, and renal effects (especially in children). What’s the mechanism of toxicity?
X = lead
Binds sulfhydryl groups in proteins and blocks Ca metabolism
(X) heavy metal has toxic effects on CNS (tremors, confusion, retardation, death). What’s the mechanism of toxicity?
X = mercury
Binds sulfhydryl groups in proteins (esp CNS and kidney)
Ankle X-ray shows radiodense lines in epiphyses from poor remodeling of cartilage/bone trabeculae. You suspect (X) poisoning.
X = lead
(X) heavy metal found in soil, water, herbicides (and used historically as murder weapon). What’s the mechanism of toxicity?
X = arsenic
Replaces ATP phosphates (inhibits mito ox phosphorylation)
Hyperpigmentation and hyperkeratosis are common clinical features of (X) heavy metal poisoning.
X = arsenic
List examples of toxic volatile organic compounds, which mainly enter body via (X) route.
X = lung
- Chloroform, carbon tetrachloride
- Benzene, 1,3-butadiene
List examples of toxic organic compounds in manufactured products, which mainly enter body via (X) routes.
X = skin, Gi, resp tracts
- Organochlorines
- Vinyl chloride monomer (VCM)
- Phthalate esters
Chloracne is acne-like eruption with (X) features. It results from exposure to:
X = cysts, hyperpigmentation and hyperkeratosis
Organochlorines
T/F: Smoking (cigarette, cigar, pipe) causes 1 in 10 deaths per year.
False - 1 in 5
Smoking (cigarette, cigar, pipe) accounts for (X)% of lung cancer. Quitting before age 40 reduces risk of dying from smoking-related disease by (Y)%.
X = Y = 90
Smoking: inflammation and mucus production (bronchitis) increases (X) cells in lung. This (increases/decreases) elastase activity, resulting in:
X = neutrophils
Increases;
Elastin destruction in alveolar walls (emphysema)
EtOH toxicity mechanism: its metabolism causes (increase/decrease) in (X), thus generating toxic (Y).
Decrease;
X = NAD
Y = acetaldehyde (carcinogen)
EtOH toxicity effects (incoordination, memory impairment, sleepiness, nausea, etc.) are effects of (X) compound.
X = acetaldehyde
EtOH toxicity: what causes the fat (breakdown/accumulation)?
Accumulation; Low NAD (required for FA ox)
Tolerance to alcohol is determined genetically based on levels which enzyme(s)? What roles do they play?
- ADH (EtOH to acetaldehyde)
2. ALDH (acetaldehyde to acetic acid)
T/F: Individuals with low alcohol tolerance are protected against alcoholism.
True
Drunk driving in US correlated with (X) concentration of EtOH on breath test.
X = 80 mg/dL blood
Acute alcoholism results in (activation/depression) of neuronal centers and can result in which respiratory changes at high EtOH levels?
Depression;
Resp arrest
(X) injury type is scraping/rubbing and removal of superficial layer.
X = abrasion
(X) injury type is bruise from blunt object; extravasation of blood into tissue.
X = contusion
(X) injury type is tear/disruptive stretch from blunt object. Bridging blood vessels are (severed/intact).
X = laceration
Intact
Incised wound, unlike (X) injury type, has (severed/intact) bridging blood vessels.
X = laceration
Intact
(X) injury type is pierced tissue from penetration of long, narrow, sharp object.
X = puncture wound
Thermal burn: which characteristics of burn are taken into account?
- Depth
- % body surface
- Internal injuries (from inhalation of hot/toxic fumes)
“Superficial” 1st degree burns involve (X) layer(s). They tend to be red, (moist/dry), and painful.
X = epidermis
Dry
“Partial thickness” 2nd degree burns involve (X) layer(s). They tend to be red, (moist/dry), and painful.
X = epidermis and some dermis
Moist (blisters)
“Full thickness” 3rd/4th degree burns involve (X) layer(s).
X = epidermis and full dermis
T/F: Full thickness burns are anesthetic; and layers incapable of regeneration.
True
T/F: 1st degree burns have highest risk of infection.
False - 3rd/4th degree
Heat stroke: prolonged core temp of over (X)oC causes peripheral (vasodilation/vasoconstriction) and thus:
X = 40 (104oF)
Vasodilation
Reduced blood flow to brain/heart (confusion, coma, death)
Local hypothermia (frostbite) involves (increase/decrease) in vessel permeability and crystallization of (intra/extra)-cellular water.
Increase;
Both
Systemic hypothermia involves (hypo/hyper)-ventilation and becomes “severe” at core temp under (X)oC.
Mild (hyperventilation), moderate (hypoventilation
X = 28 (under 82oF)
T/F: Electical injury: Wet skin lowers resistance by 100-fold.
True
Ionizing radiation is damaging to DNA via (direct/indirect) mechanism.
Direct and indirect (via free radicals)
Radiopneumonitis is a severe (X) caused by (Y) exposure.
X = fibrosis of lung Y = ionizing radiation
T/F: Only long-term UV radiation causes depletion of Langerhans cells.
False - short-term also
Leathery, wrinkled skin from prolonged UV radiation is a result of:
Elastin and collagen breakdown
