Environment & Climate Flashcards
Environmental Health
how humans have collectively interacted with the environment leading to ST & LT consequences
Environment
soil, air, water, minerals, organisms and nutrients covering the planet
Anthropocene
dawn of immense human impact on earth systems since the mid-1950s
Increasing population = limited resources
Fertility Rate
high in least developed countries (lack of planning resources)
Increasing Living Standards = reduced FR & IMR
Brundtland Report (1987)
explains the importance of global environment to human survival
Non-Renewable: Examples
oil, gas, coal, nuclear
How much % is Canada dependent on oil?
41%
Renewable: Examples
solar, wind, water, geothermal, biofuels
How much % is Canada dependent on renewable energy?
17%
Alternate Fuels: Example
ethanol
Greenhouse Effect & Global Warming
warming of earth due to CO2 and other gas build-up, which increases atmospheric temperature
Municipal Solid Waste
Biodegradability
Recycling
E-Waste
Hazardous Waste
nuclear, biological, chemical
Solid Waste Reduction
less packaging, recycled products, bottler-free, avoid plastic & EPS cups, 3 R’s, dispose e-waste properly
Air Pollution
photochemical smog (ozone pollution) + ozone thinning = weakened ozone
increases cancer risk and respiratory illness
Hydrocarbons
NOx + Sunlight = Ozone
Ground-level ozone is an irritant and primary component of smog
Respiratory illness (eg asthma, lung inflammation)
Particulate Matter
ash, smoke, pollen, dust
Respiratory damage (asthma, bronchitis, allergies)
Carbon Monoxide
colourless, odourless, and very poisonous
80 ppm can lead to 15% bodily O2 reduction and in traffic its 400 ppm
Links: headaches, impaired vision and manual dexterity, increased CVD risk, death
Sulfur Oxides (Precursor Ozone)
component of acid rain and produced by engine exhaust
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
fridge & AC coolants, foaming agent in insulation, propellant in aerosol sprays
destroys ozone and banned in Canada
Indoor Air Pollution
smoking, asbestos, lead, mercury, mould, e-waste
Air Quality Health Index (AQHI)
indicates whether air pollution levels pose a health concern
Sources of Water Pollution
water delivery systems
domestic waste
industrial waste
agricultural waste
antibiotic waste
nanoplastics
biological (giardia)
Is most water in Canada purified at water-treatment sites? Where is clean water needed in Canada?
Yes, but most indigenous communities require and in summer there is massive shortages.
How many people globally have no access to safe water?
2.1 billion
How many people globally lack basic sanitation?
4.5 billion
Pesticides
sprayed, dusted, fogged, or dumped in the environment
Links: lung & bladder cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, chronic bronchitis, and CNS problems
Asbestos
Links: asbestosis, mesothelioma lung cancer
Lead
found in plumbing, vehicle emissions, tobacco smoke, lead pathway & crystals
Links: CNS damage, mental damage, reduced O2 transport, digestive problems, coma, death
Mercury
coal-fueled power plants, mining, smelting
Contaminates water systems and organisms
Links: CNS, heart, kidney, digestive tract problems
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
carcinogen linked with birth defects and immune system drug
Trihalomethanes
synthetic chemical gormed when Cl in H2O reacts with natural organics
Links: liver, kidney, CNS, birth defects, and cancer
3 Types of Radiation
Medical Use - x-rays are cumulative (no exposure is safe but generations are reducing emission amount)
Home & Workplace - radon, cellphones, microwaves, monitors, etc
Nuclear Weapons & Energy
Tinnitus
permanent hearing loss from prolonged exposure to sounds greater than 80-85 decibels
Light Pollution
occurs when too much artificial illumination enters night sky and reflects off of airborne water droplets and dust particles
Effects: disrupts sleep and melatonin production
What can you do in response to environmental and health concerns?
Set an example
Educate
Research & Knowledge
Advocate
Build Networks/ Coalitions
