Study Guide Material Flashcards
(120 cards)
Dx criteria for multiple chemical sensitivity? (6)
- sxs are reproducible w/repeated chemical exposures
- condition has persisted for significant period of time
- low levels of exposure results in manifestations of the syndrome
- sxs improve when the triggering chemicals are removed
- responses often occur to multiple chemically unrelated substances
- sxs involve multiple organ systems
what is sick building syndrome? ssxs? potential contributing factors?
sxs of ill health that seem to be linked to a building but no specific cause is identified
ssxs: fatigue, H/A, nausea, EENT irritation, chest tightness, asthma, poor concetration, memory loss
potential contributing factors: chemicals, mold, recirculation of air, poor ventilation
what is building related illness?
recognized diseases caused by being in a building
what is the main chemical in a Brazilian Blow-out?
formaldehyde
what is the maternal occupation with increased risk of cleft palate in their children?
preschool teacher
what is natural gas formed by? composition of natural gas?
formed when layers of buried plant and animal material is exposed to intense heat and pressure over thousands of years
composition: hydrocarbon gas mixture consisting mostly of methane and to a lesser degree carbon dioxide, nitrogen and hydrogen sulfide
health effects of exposure to hydrogen sulfide component of natural gas?
higher RBCs, Hct, Hgb, platelets, lower WBCs
respiratory sxs in ppl who used gas appliances
what can you potentially be exposed to if a compact fluorescent bulb breaks?
small amounts of mercury
what is the toxic component in teflon cookware?
polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE
what is the proven method to accelerate clearance of PFCs (perfluorinated compounds)?
no proven method!
what are the bioaccumulation concerns of PTFE and PFCs?
reproductive, toxicity, neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity
what is the migration level of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) into food?
low
what are MRLs?
maximum residue limits
EPA sets limits for how much pesticide can remain on food
these limits are known as tolerances (MRLs)
common chemical constituents in fabric softeners?
quaternary ammonium compounds
pthalates
synthetic musks
detrimental respiratory effects of exposure to chemical constituents in fabric softeners?
asthma
sensory irritation
pulmonary irritation
airflow limitation
what are you exposed to with dry cleaned clothes?
elevated levels of tetrachloroethylene (PERC)- a type of VOC
health effects of exposure to tetrachloroethylene (PERC)?
developmental
neurological
respiratory
what is the known additive in vaccines that is a concern?
aluminum (increases shelf life)
what does OSHA stand for?
Occupational Health and Safety
what does MSDS stand for?
Material Safety Data Sheets
what is the Fourth National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals?
CDC report using data from National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey to assess levels of environmental chemicals in a U.S. subsample
utilizes blood and urinary markers
what are the main systems affected by VOCs?
hematological, nervous & immune systems
oncogenic in nature
where do you find benzene? health effects?
find in forest fires, volcanoes, part of crude oil, gasoline, exhaust, cigarette smoke
causes cells not to work effectively, marrow suppression, anemia, leukemia
where do we find toluene? who likes toluene? how much more potent than benzene?
find in smell of pain thinner, added to gasoline to improve octane ratings, used as a solvent
abused as an inhalant: this is what huffers are after (paint and glue)
25x more potent than benzene