b3 - environmental factors that affect development

Question 1

exposure to pollution - respiratory disorders

Answer 1

• tobacco smoke, combustion products and air pollution are harmful to the respiratory system
• these substances can affect the nerves and muscles used for breathing and can also affect the lining on the air passages
• respiratory disorders range from being mild, for example a cough or runny nose, to more severe conditions such as bacterial pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder or lung cancer

Question 2

exposure to pollution - cardiovascular problems

Answer 2

• caused by factors such as air pollution or smoking tobacco
• studies show that environmental pollution is linked to increased illness and death
• tobacco smoke linked to changes in lining of heart and blood vessels causing clots, which may lead to a heart attack
• exposure to other air pollution chemicals also increases risk of these clots (thrombosis) and high blood pressure
• exposure to pollution during pregnancy may lead to baby congenital heart defects and cardiovascular problems later on in life

Question 3

exposure to pollution - allergies

Answer 3

• caused by irritants such as dust or pollen causing immune system to overreact
• hay fever and asthma are examples of respiratory system allergic reactions, usually chronic as they are a reaction to the environment that the individual lives in
• hay fever is seasonal reaction to types of pollen and causes mild flu-like symptoms
• asthma ranges from being mild to being life-threatening
• asthma attacks are when the airways become inflamed and constricted, usually temporary and can be helped using an inhaler
• on average, 3 people a day die from asthma

Question 4

poor housing conditions in general

Answer 4

• increases risk of respiratory and cardiovascular disease, as well as anxiety and depression
• a home with mould and structural defects presents many risks to health and wellbeing, including accidents and illness
• overcrowded housing may limit access to washing, cooking and cleaning facilities, and infection can be more easily spread
• indoor air pollution and inadequate ventilation can be associated with respiratory disorders
• there may also be a lack of access to outside and green spaces which reduces opportunities for physical activities

Question 5

poor housing conditions - respiratory disorders

Answer 5

• overcrowded housing, lack of heating and poor ventilation in homes can lead to respiratory problems, especially asthma and other allergic reactions
• young children and old people are particularly vulnerable
• more than a million children in england live in overcrowded households and are more at risk of getting meningitis and other respiratory problems

Question 6

poor housing conditions - cardiovascular problems

Answer 6

• children living for extended periods in overcrowded housing have an increased risk of heart disease in later life
• ## poor quality housing can lead to high amounts of stress which can affect an individual’s blood pressure, which can result in blood clots and a risk of stroke