Alcohol and other carcinogens Flashcards
What are some effects of alcohol?
It affects the nervous system, making refelexes, thought processes, and many other reactions slower than normal.
What can small doses of alcohol do?
Small amounts of alcohol can make people feel relaxed, cheerful and have reduced inhibitions
What can high doses of alcohol do?
If a dose is too high, it can lead to unconsciousness, a coma, and even death
If you’re addicted, what can you develop? (liver)
liver cirrhosis - disease that destroys liver tissue. Active cells replaced by scar tissue which cannot carry out vital functions. Also liver cancer
What about with the brain?
The brain can become so soft and pulpy that the brain structures are lost and it can no longer function properly, leading to death
Effects of alcohol during pregnancy?
Alcohol can pass across placenta and to developing baby. The mother can have a miscarriage, the baby can have a low birth weight, be born premature, and can be stillborn.
What is fetal alcohol syndrome? (FAS)
The baby can have facial deformities, problems with its teeth, jaw or hearing, kidney, liver, and heart problems as well as learning problems. Plus other developmental problems too.
What can ionising radiation cause?
it’s a carcinogen that is a risk factor for cancer.
What can ionising radiation do?
it penetrates through cells, damages the chromosomes and causes mutations in the DNA. The more you are exposed to it, the more likely mutations will occur and you can develop cancer.
What are UV rays?
light from the sun that increases risks of skin cancers such as melanoma
other examples of ionising radiation?
radioactive materials found in soil, water + air. Medical and dental x-rays. Nuclear power generation accidents such as Chernobyl, which can widespread ionising radiation.
