ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH Flashcards
what are the main air pollutants?
carbon monoxide (CO), ammonia (NH3), nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), particulate matter (PM), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and volatile organic compounds (VOC)
what are some examples of lung diseases that are affected by the environment?
asthma COPD pneumoconiosis toxic pneumonitis etc
what is occupational asthma?
a type of asthma caused by exposure to inhaled irritants in the workplace e.g. acrylates in glue, wood dust in saw mills, metal salts etc
whats an examples of work exacerbated asthma?
a vet who is allergic to dogs
what is pneumoconiosis
a lung disease that results from inhalation of dust e.g. asbestosis, silicosis and coal workers pneumoconiosis
what is silicosis?
an occupational lung diseases caused by the inhalation of silica dust.
what does silicosis predispose us to?
TB and lung cancer
what is asbestos?
hydrated silicate fibres that were used a lot in 1950s and 1960s as building material
why was asbestos stopped in the use of building?
as in the 1960s it was found to cause malignant mesothelioma
why are cases of asbestosis still in the rise now if asbestos is no longer used?
as there is a very long latency period between exposure and disease
what is asbestosis?
a serious lung condition caused by long-term exposure to asbestos
what cancer is linked to asbestos exposure?
mesothelioma
what is mesothelioma?
a type of cancer that develops in the mesothelium that covers the outer surface of some of the body’s organs - (covers lungs, abdomen, heart and testes)
what is the life expectancy of mesothelioma?
18-31 months after diagnosis
what are some causes of occupational lung cancer?
arsenic chromium coal gas coke production cadmium silic radon soot
