Ch 5: Environmental Health Flashcards
Low income can lead to poor nutrition; what nutritional deficiencies enhance the uptake of lead?
iron or calcium deficiency
define TOXICANT
environmental hazards from chemical pollutants
define TOXIN
environmental hazards from biologic sources
Why are children more prone to absorbing more toxins than adults?
because the ratio of surface area to body mass is so much larger
Why do children have higher rates of respiration?
higher metabolic rate increases oxygen consumption and therefore carbon dioxide production, resulting in higher minute ventilation
What effect does a higher respiratory rate have on children with regard to toxins?
more exposure to particulate matter in the air
Name some negative side effects of adolescent nicotine exposure
cognitive maturation occurs through adolescence –> lasting cognitive impairments, disrupted memory, selective attention, reduced executive function & activity of prefrontal cortex
At what ages does a provider usually screen a child for lead poisoning?
1 year and 2 years
What group of people is particularly at risk for lead poisoning, and at higher ages than typical in children, and why?
immigrants and refugees
**these children are at risk for iron deficiency anemia which increases intestinal absorption of lead, putting them at risk
Name the 2 years important in lead screening
1950
1978
Name some important multiethnic considerations associated with lead exposure risk
some cultures around the world use substances in food, containers, or remedies that are associated with higher lead levels
signs of lead toxicity
no unique physical features
fatigue, malaise, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, constipation, irritability, headache, weakness, clumsiness, pallor, anemia, learning problems, hearing deficits, growth delay
signs of developmental delay
Name some symptoms in children that should trigger an in-depth environmental health history to explore toxin and hazard exposures
signs of developmental delay neurobehavioral disorders persistent hand-to-mouth like pica unexplained seizures anemia chronic abdominal pain learning difficulties ADHD
What is an endocrine-disrupting chemical?
substances that alter the hormonal system resulting in adverse effects
Name 3 high-volume chemicals in the environment known to be endocrine disruptors
phthalates bisphenol A (BPA) polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
