Environmental Determinants of Disease

Question 1

describe the impact of PM_2.5 (particulate matter) on health

Answer 1

• a complex mixture of solid and liquid particles of organic and inorganic substances emitted, formed (principally transport and industry) and suspended in the air
  
  • PM10 are small enough to penetrate the nasopharyngeal region
  • PM2.5 are small enough to penetrate the tracheobronchial and alveolar regions

Question 2

summarize the impact of PM_2.5 on health

Answer 2

Question 3

describe the impact of ground-level ozone on health

Answer 3

• respiratory disease
• lung damage
• increased susceptibility to respiratory infections
• increased fatigue

Question 4

describe who is more vulnerable to pollutants

Answer 4

• inherently more sensitive: genetic predisposition, pregnant persons, unborn or young children
• increased sensitivity: old age, immunocompromised, previous respiratory disease
• exposed to unusually large amounts of air pollutants: workers in certain industries, children, inhabitants of polluted areas

Question 5

describe the air quality index (AQI)

Answer 5

Question 6

describe respiratory diseases caused by CC

Answer 6

• due to exposure to:
  
  • pollen (due to altered growing seasons)
  • molds (from extreme or more frequent precipitation)
  • air pollutants and aerosolized marine toxins (due to increased temperature, coastal runoff and humidity)
  • dust (from droughts)

Question 7

describe cancer caused by CC

Answer 7

• due to:
  
  • increased duration and intensity of UV radiation
  • changes in exposure pathways for chemicals and toxins

Question 8

describe effects of CC on vector borne and zoonotic diseases

Answer 8

• due to
  
  • expansions in vector ranges
  • shortening of pathogen incubation periods
  • increased feeding rates
  • disruption and relocation of large human population