2.3 GEL Flashcards
what are hazards?
refer to process, phenomenon, or human activity that may cause loss of life, other health impacts, property damage, as well as social and economic consequences. They can be natural or man-made.
what are fire hazards?
These can ignite nearby flammable materials, resulting in fire
impacts after a fire (health)
- during a fire, people may suffer from burn injuries if they are unable to evacuate in time.
- severe burn injuries may lead to disabilities or deaths
high levels of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide are -released during a fire, causing carbon monoxide poisoning, resulting in headaches, dizziness, weakness and confusion, even loss of consciousness and death, making it more difficult for people to escape a fire
-acid gases can permanently damage a person’s respiratory system
-smoke inhalation can cause breathing difficulties and suffocation, which may lead to death
impacts after fire (property damage)
fires can destroy commercial or residential properties which leads to economic losses as goods, furniture, and imported documents may be destroyed
further cost may also be incurred after the fire is over as money is needed to repair and rebuild the properties that were damaged in fire.
what is air pollution?
occurs due to presence of contaminant or pollutant substance in the air that do not disperse properly and hence, interfere with human health, welfare or produce other harmful environmental effects.
what are the common causes of air pollution?
burning vegetation which leads to carbon dioxide and other pollutants are released into the atmosphere when vegetation burns, causing air pollution
example: first half of 2019, there were 555 vegetation fires, 56% increase from 2018
impacts of air pollution (health)
-respiratory infections, heart diseases and lung cancer
-pollutants in air may lead to poor health. high levels of exposure to nitrogen dioxide may lead to higher risks of asthma in children. may cause lung function decline in older adults as PM2.5 can enter bloodstream and lodge deep in human lungs.
what are traffic hazards?
accidents caused by irresponsible motorists who put other road users and themselves at risk
what are common causes of traffic hazards?
speeding, red-light running, drink-driving
what are the common causes of fire hazards?
common causes: unattended cooking, faulty electrical appliances and wiring.
example: in 2021, there were 358 cases of fire due to unattended cooking in SG.
increase in PMD fire cases in residential units
what are the impacts of traffic hazards? (health)
people may suffer injuries who involved in traffic accident, which may lead to disabilities or loss of life.
example: in 2021, there were 100 traffic accidents in SG that resulted in fatalities, 8 were caused by drink-driving.
