Environmental influences on Health Flashcards
Define hazard
Something with the potential to cause harm.
Define risk
-The likelihood of harm occurring.
Define risk factor
-Something that increases the risk of harm
Define protective factor
-Something that decreases the risk of harm.
Define susceptibility
-Influences the likelihood that something will cause harm.
What are the types of hazards? (5)
- Physical
- Chemical
- Mechanical
- Biological
- Psychological
What are the routes of exposure? (4)
- Skin
- Blood/sexual
- Inhalation
- Ingestion
What are the factors that influence the degree of risk? (3)
- How much exposed
- Method of exposure
- Conditions of exposure
What are the principles of risk perception?
- Feeling in control (in/voluntary - voluntary = less risk)
- 2. The Size of the possible harm (greater possible harm (even if less likely) = greater risk)
- 3. Familiarity with the risk (less familiar = greater risk)
Give an example of an involuntary feeling in control risk.
-Plane trip
Give an example of a voluntary feeling in control risk.
-Car trip
What are the variables in risk perception? (7)
- Previous experience
- Attitudes towards risk
- Values
- Beliefs
- Socio economic factors
- Personality
- Demographic factors
What direct pathological effects can the environment have?
Physical (radiation, noise/vibration)
- Chemical (pesticides, volatile organic compounds)
- Biological (infectious agents, allergic substances)
What indirect pathological effects can the environment have?
- Housing (e.g. Overcrowding)
- Transport (e.g. Walking/car use)
- Town planning (e.g.amenities, social networks)
- Income/welfare/wealth distribution
How many occupational fatal injuries were there in 2010/11?
-171
How many occupational non fatal injuries were there in 2010/11?
->100,000
How many deaths/year are due to past exposures at work?
12,000
How many deaths/year are due to occupational cancer?
8,000
How many deaths/year are there due to COPD gained from past work exposure?
4000
How many cases are there per year due to ill health/work?
1.2
Describe the problem with global health and sustainabilty.
Inequalities in health within and between countries Local problems may be generated or have consequences globally Effective use of limited resources Technology Managing expectations and facilitating behavioural change Politics/human rights/gender issues
three examples of hazardous exposure
Diet
Inhalation
Dermal
