Environmental exposure Flashcards
1
Q
Name two disease case studies.
A
Lead poisoning
Mesothelioma
2
Q
What is the cause of lead poisoning
A
build up of Pb particles in body
3
Q
How does Pb accumulation affect health?
A
Pb competes with Ca at Ca-binding sites, ultimately replacing Ca in tissues such as in bones and brain, leading to health complications
4
Q
What are the symptoms of Pb poisoning in newborns?
A
NEWBORNS:
- premature birth
- low birth weight
- stillbirth
5
Q
What are the symptoms/complications of Pb poisoning in children?
A
CHILDREN: lower IQ - irritability - low attentiveness - pica - delayed growth and development
6
Q
What are the health complications of Pb poisoning
A
HEALTH COMPLICATIONS
- difficulty with concentration and memory
- blue lines on gums
- drop wrist and foot
- behavioural changes
- anaemia
- renal impairment
- damaged nervous system
7
Q
How does Pb poisoning affect babies while in the womb? i.e. mechanism
A
Pb is stored in bones of mother. During pregnancy, Pb can travel through the blood to the developing fetus/baby where it has fatal effects.
