Air And Water Quality And Health Flashcards
How does air quality affect health
It affects people in both developing and developed countries
Air pollution is now the world’s largest single environmental health threat.
Air pollutants include fine particulate matter which has the greatest effect on human health. The smaller particles have a greater probability of being inhaled in large quantities, they are able to penetrate into the lungs causing infections, which can ultimately be fatal
Air pollution causes a multitude of diseases from asthma to cancer, pulmonary illnesses and heart disease
Worldwide Air pollution is estimated to cause about 16% of lung cancer deaths and 26% of lower respiratory infection deaths
Who is disproportionately affected by poor Air quality?
People living in low- and middle income countries.
Globally air pollution contributed to 9% of deaths 2017
2% in HICs to 20% in LICs (India, Bangladesh, Nepal, China were the worst affected)
Who is disproportionately affected by poor Air quality?
People living in low- and middle income countries.
Globally air pollution contributed to 9% of deaths 2017
2% in HICs to 20% in LICs (India, Bangladesh, Nepal, China were the worst affected)
Why is poor air quality difficult to handle?
Most sources of outdoor air pollution are well beyond the control of individuals and demand action from authorities and policymakers (from city to international level) policies and investments which support cleaner transport, power generation and industry, energy-efficient housing and better municipal waste management would reduce key sources of urban outdoor air pollution
What individuals are most at risk?
Women and children because they spend more time in fuelwood - burning environments.
Water related diseases and morbidity?
Diarrhoea diseases such as cholera are caused by bacteria and chemicals in water that people drink. Diarrhea is a leading cause of malnutrition and the second leading causes of malnutrition and the second leading cause of death in children under 5 years old
Diseases like malaria have water related vectors
Cancer and tooth damage: millions are exposed to unsafe levels of naturally - occurring arsenic and fluoride
Methods of improving water quality
Better tools and procedures to improve and protect drinking water quality at the community and urban level for example through water safety plans (including better education and awareness to reduce faecal contamination and disinfecting supplies with chlorine)
Availability of simple and inexpensive approaches to titrate and safely store water at the household -level
(For example, boiling and covered storage)
