Environmental Factors that affect development Flashcards
How will Pollution affect development?
Air and water pollution can influence development and be a major source of ill health.
Indoor and outdoor air quality is becoming a concern as it contributes to respiratory illness such as asthma. Environment may contain chemicals from vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions. Household pollutants include mould and some cleaning products which emit poisonous gases.
How can respiratory disorders affect development?
Tobacco smoke, combustion products and air pollution associated with various toxins and pollutants are the major sources which harm the respiratory system. These substances affect nerves and muscles used for breathing and can affect lining of air passages. Respiratory disorders range from mild (runny nose, sore throat) to more severe conditions such as bacterial pneumonia , COPD, lung cancer.
How can cardiovascular disorders affect development?
Risk factors include smoking tobacco and air pollution, as well as environmental pollution which may cause increased illness and death. Tobacco smoke is linked to changing in heart and blood vessels causing clots which may lead to heart attack. Exposure to other chemicals that cause air pollution may increase clots and blood pressure. Exposure to pollution during pregnancy may be linked to the baby having congenital heart defects and cardiovascular disease in later life.
What are the causes of allergies?
Caused by irritants such as dust or pollen which cause immune system to overact.
What are some examples of allergies?
Hay fever (seasonal reaction to certain types of pollen) and asthma are examples of respiratory system allergic reactions. They’re chronic as they are response to environment. Hay fever can cause sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, lethargy, and flu-like symptoms. Asthma can range from mild, to life-threatening reaction as it causes breathing difficulties as the airways become inflamed and narrow. Asthma can be relieved using an inhaler
How may environment affect allergies?
Vehicles produce a range of pollutants like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter. People who live near busy roads may be exposed to this pollution.
Power stations are burning less coal which reduces sulphur dioxide pollution.
Improved vehicle technology has contributed to reduction in air pollution.
How may poor housing affect development?
Living in poor housing may cause cardiovascular/ respiratory disease, as well as anxiety and depression. A cold, damp home with mould and structural defects presents many health risks such as accident or illness.
How may overcrowded housing affect development?
Overcrowded housing may limit access to washing, cooking, cleaning facilities. Indoor air pollution, drying clothes indoors and inadequate ventilation all contributes to respiratory disorders. Overcrowded housing allows for easier spread of infection.
There may be reduced outdoor physical activity due to lack of green spaces and access to outdoor exercise.
How may respiratory disorders affect development?
Overcrowded housing can lead to lack of heating and ventilation caused by damp, mouldy conditions, leading to respiratory disorders such as asthma and other allergic responses. Babies and children are vulnerable.
How may poor/overcrowded housing affect cardiovascular health?
Children living in overcrowded housing tend to have problems with growth rate and increased risk of heart disease in later life. Poor quality housing, especially for vulnerable adults and older people can lead to stress which affects blood pressure. High blood pressure can lead to artery wall damage and increased risk of blood clots and strokes. Lack of exercise and poor diet can lead to cardiovascular problems.
What are other factors associated with poor living conditions?
Other factors associated with poor living conditions are unhealthy lifestyles (Smoking, drinking, poor diet). Ready-made meals and heavily processed convenience food are often high in sugar, salt, saturated fats resulting in larger calorie intake and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Issues with lack of green spaces in low-income areas, preventing outdoor physical activity.
How may hypothermia affect development?
Cold homes and homelessness may result in hypothermia. Families living in fuel poverty are rising as low-income families can’t afford home heating.
Many people over age 65 spend more time at home where poor heating and insulation may result in winter deaths.
