B3: Environmental factors that affect development Flashcards
What do household pollutants include?
Includes Mould and some cleaning products emit poisonous gases
What is a pollutant?
A substance that contaminates something such as air or water and may make it unsafe
What are examples of substances harmful to the respiratory system?
- Tobacco smoke
- Combustion products
- Air pollution
How do pollutants affect the respiratory system?
- Affects the nerves and muscles used for breathing
- Can have a bad effect on the lining of the air passages
What are examples of severe respiratory disorders?
- Bacterial pneumonia
- Lung cancer
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
What are examples of mild respiratory disorders?
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
What are the the risk factors associated with cardiovascular problems?
- Smoking tobacco
- Air pollution
What is tobacco smoke linked too?
To changes in the lining of the heart and blood vessels causing thrombosis (clots) which may lead to a heart attack
What cardiovascular issues has air pollution chemicals been linked too?
- Increased risk of thrombosis (clots)
- Raised blood pressure
What may exposure to pollution during pregnancy cause?
- The baby having congenital heart defects
- Linked to cardiovascular disease in later life
What are allergies caused by?
By irritants such as dust or pollen causing the immune system to overeact
What are examples of respiratory system allergic reactions?
- Hay fever
- Asthma
What is hay fever?
A seasonal reaction to certain types of pollen
What are the symptoms of hayfever?
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Runny nose
How can an asthma attack be relieved?
By using an inhaler to widen the airways
What pollutants do motor vehicles cause?
- Carbon monoxide
- Nitrogen oxides
- Volatile organise compounds
What is poor quality housing associated with?
Poor health and poor quality of life
What can an overcrowded/poor quality house cause?
- Anxiety and depression
- Respiratory disorders such as asthma and allergies
- Cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure
What are major causes of hospital admission to treat hypothermia?
- Cold homes
- Homelessness
What is hypothermia?
Excessively low body temperate, below 35 degrees
What may living in a remote area mean?
- Little or no access to public transport
What can issues with public transport cause?
- Missed or cancelled hospital appointments
- May negatively affect health
What people may have problems accessing services?
- Homeless people
- Vulnerable immigrants
- Travelling families