Environmental and occupational causes of lung disease Flashcards
What are the cassations of lung cancer?
Internal - genetics, uterine development
External - smoking, exposure to agents
Social - deprivation, cultural norms
What are the 2 types of occupational lung diseases?
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (EAA) Pneumoconiosis (coal workers, asbestosis etc)
When does mesothelioma occur?
Over 20 years (usually 30-40) after asbestos exposure
What is the synergistic effect?
That In the UK, estimated RR is 30-50 times higher with exposure to both smoking and asbestos
What are some environmental sources of lung disease?
Indoor: - Asbestos - Mould - Cooking smoke - Passive smoking - Nanoparticles? Outdoor: - Air/Traffic pollution
What are the main effects of poor housing?
Respiratory (also mental and accidents)
What is photochemical smog made up of?
Ozone(O3)**
Nitrogen Oxide(NO)
Nitrogen Dioxide(NO2)
Volatile organic compounds(VOCs)
What was ‘london’ smog made up of?
Fly ash
Sulphur dioxide
Sodium chloride Calcium sulphate particles
From high sulphur coal
What are the effects of traffic fumes?
Reduced lung growth in adolescents
Increased rates of asthma and COPD
Increased rates of respiratory symptoms like wheeze,
cough and breathlessness
What are dioxins?
A sub-set of Persistent Organic Compounds
Associated with reproductive and immunological problems
Bioaccumulates – both in people and in animal fat
At least 90% comes from our diet
What are the causes of wanter scarcity?
Global population is expected to reach 8.1 billion by 2030
Growing demand for food
14 percent more freshwater will need to be withdrawn for agricultural purposes in the next 30 years
Increased allocations of water for cities, agriculture and industries
Increased tension, conflict and environmental strain
When should you suspect legionella?
Warm, stagnant water
Cooling towers
Spas
Hospital plumbing
