Environmental Factors Flashcards
What are environmental factors?
Factors that affect human growth and development, such as pollution, housing conditions, and life events.
What is pollution?
Pollution happens when harmful substances contaminate the atmosphere. Pollutants are taken into the body through the nose, mouth, or skin.
What are examples of outdoor pollutants?
• Traffic fumes.
• Domestic fumes.
• Industrial fumes.
• Pesticides.
What are examples of indoor pollutants?
• Cleaning chemicals.
• Aerosols.
• Cigarette smoke.
• Mould/bacteria.
What health conditions can be caused by pollutants?
Respiratory disorders: Bronchitis, asthma, emphysema, lung cancer.
• Cardiovascular problems: Artery blockage, heart attack.
• Allergies: Wheezing, rashes, allergic rhinitis, anaphylactic shock.
Who is most at risk from pollution?
Infants, people with existing respiratory disorders, and the elderly.
How can poor housing conditions affect health?
They can lead to both short-term and long-term health problems.
What are some possible effects of poor housing conditions?
Poor ventilation/damp/mould: Respiratory disorders.
• Poor sanitation/vermin: Risk of infection.
• Overcrowding: Anxiety and depression.
• Inadequate heating: Hypothermia.
• Lack of outdoor space: Cardiovascular problems.
