environmental health Flashcards
hazard
something that can potentially harm you
( ex: shark in ocean)
relatively no harm unless exposed
risk
= hazard+ exposure
(swimmer swimming with sharks)
health risks
common human health risks from environmental hazards include
respiratory system/lung toxicity
neurotoxicity
hematotoxicity
skin, eye, and mucous membrane toxicity
reproductive system toxicity
other major organ and system toxicity
carcinogenic effects
broad areas of environmental health
built environment
home environment (lead, radon, CO)
work environment
environment and water quality
environment and air quality
environment and food safety
environment and waste management
built environment
buildings and community spaces created by humans that influence health behaviors and health outcomes
street conditions, sidewalk conditions, street lighting, home construction and maintenance, parks, playgrounds, transportation
exposures in buildings/spaces
secondhand smoke, radon, noise levels, overcrowding, hazardous waste
land use in built environment
pollution, destruction, and misuse or maintenance of land (waste management)
health effects/risk in built environment
neighborhoods that are more walkable are associated with increased physical activity, increased social capital, lower BMI, lower reports of depression, less reported alcohol abuse
land use: urban growth has resulted in deforestation, results in poorer air quality and increases greenhouse effect. living near hazardous facilities increases adverse health risks depending on type (waste incinerators, sewage plants, landfills, refineries, social correctional facilities
discriminatory land use ensures that many impoverished and marginalized groups, people of color, live in close proximity to industrial contamination in urban areas, termed environmental racism
sick built syndrome
built or home environment
public structures and homes cause a variety of symptoms, such as headache, fatigue, and exacerbation of allergies
typically results from poor ventilation and building operations, hazardous building materials, furniture and carpeting substances, and cleaning agents
home environemnt
refers to availability, safety, structural strength, cleanliness, location, and indoor air quality of shelter.
more residential built, but can be both
major concerns: radon, lead, carbon monoxide, molds and dust, secondhand smoke, cooking vapors, rodents and roaches, volatile organic compounds
radon
odorless, colorless, tasteless gas
forms naturally when radioactive metals break down in rocks, soil and ground water
exposed primarily from breathing radon in air that comes through cracks and gaps in buildings and homes
people are always exposed to it
breathing it can lead to radioactive particles becoming trapped in lungs
increase lung cancer
latent development can develop years after exposure
2nd leading cause of cancer death in the US
how to prevent radon exposure
test homes, reduce radon levels to less than 4 picocuries per liter of air
seal cracks and gaps
smoking cessation/exposure
Lead: Metal, Pb
found in lead base paint and dust in homes built before 1978, soil water coming into homes from old water pipes, stained glass, cosmetics and imported toys, released in air metal processing
pathway= ingestion or inhalation, even small amounts can cause damage, exposure can be chronic and cumulative
diagnosed via testing of venous samples
carbon monoxide
colorless and odorless toxic gas
increased risk of home exposure anything flammable
air pollution: CO emitted in exhaust of motors, combustion of fossil fuels, and industrial process
high concentrations can be found in confined spaces
health effects of carbon monoxide
reduces the ability of the blood to deliver oxygen to tissues, primarily effects cardiovascular and nervous system
exposure over time linked to increase in heart disease
breathing in high concentrations can cause dizziness, headaches, vomiting, fatigue, can lead one to be unconcious
