Environmental influences on Health

Question 1

Define hazard

Answer 1

Something with the potential to cause harm.

Question 2

Define risk

Answer 2

-The likelihood of harm occurring.

Question 3

Define risk factor

Answer 3

-Something that increases the risk of harm

Question 4

Define protective factor

Answer 4

-Something that decreases the risk of harm.

Question 5

Define susceptibility

Answer 5

-Influences the likelihood that something will cause harm.

Question 6

What are the types of hazards? (5)

Answer 6

• Physical
• Chemical
• Mechanical
• Biological
• Psychological

Question 7

What are the routes of exposure? (4)

Answer 7

• Skin
• Blood/sexual
• Inhalation
• Ingestion

Question 8

What are the factors that influence the degree of risk? (3)

Answer 8

• How much exposed
• Method of exposure
• Conditions of exposure

Question 9

What are the principles of risk perception?

Answer 9

1. 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)

Question 10

Give an example of an involuntary feeling in control risk.

Answer 10

-Plane trip

Question 11

Give an example of a voluntary feeling in control risk.

Answer 11

-Car trip

Question 12

What are the variables in risk perception? (7)

Answer 12

• Previous experience
• Attitudes towards risk
• Values
• Beliefs
• Socio economic factors
• Personality
• Demographic factors

Question 13

What direct pathological effects can the environment have?

Answer 13

Physical (radiation, noise/vibration)

• Chemical (pesticides, volatile organic compounds)
• Biological (infectious agents, allergic substances)

Question 14

What indirect pathological effects can the environment have?

Answer 14

• Housing (e.g. Overcrowding)
• Transport (e.g. Walking/car use)
• Town planning (e.g.amenities, social networks)
• Income/welfare/wealth distribution

Question 15

How many occupational fatal injuries were there in 2010/11?

Answer 15

-171

Question 16

How many occupational non fatal injuries were there in 2010/11?

Answer 16

->100,000

Question 17

How many deaths/year are due to past exposures at work?

Answer 17

12,000

Question 18

How many deaths/year are due to occupational cancer?

Answer 18

8,000

Question 19

How many deaths/year are there due to COPD gained from past work exposure?

Answer 19

4000

Question 20

How many cases are there per year due to ill health/work?

Answer 20

1.2

Question 21

Describe the problem with global health and sustainabilty.

Answer 21

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

Question 22

three examples of hazardous exposure

Answer 22

Diet
Inhalation
Dermal