Topic B: Environmental factors that affect development Flashcards
What does exposure to pollution cause?
Respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems and allergies
What is taken into account when accessing health and social services?
Transport, opening hours and the needs of particular services
What can poor housing conditions cause?
Respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems, hyperthermia and anxiety and despression
What can air and water pollution cause?
Asthma and COPD
What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?
group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties
What are examples of a) environment pollutants and b) household pollutants and c) what do they cause
a) chemicals from exhaust systems and industrial emissions
b) mould and poisonous gases from cleaning products
c) they are carcinogens and can cause cancer
What can cause respiratory disorders?
Tobacco smoke, combustion products and air pollution
What are the symptoms of respiratory disorders?
Runny nose or sore throat to lung cancer, COPD and bacterial pneumonia
What are the risks of cardiovascular problems and why?
smoking tobacco and air pollution as they change linings in the heart, causing blood clots (thrombosis)
What causes allergies ?
irritants such as dust or pollen causing the immune system to overreact
What is hay fever?
reaction to pollen which causes a runny nose, watery eyes and sneezing
What is asthma?
difficulty breathing causing the airways to narrow and become inflamed
What are examples of motor pollutants?
Carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds
Who is more at risk of pollutants and what does it cause?
Those who live on busy roads and in highly polluted cities leading to danger for children going out, reduction in ability to exercise, insomnia due to light and sound pollution
How many people died prematurely in London each year due to long term exposure to air pollution?
9,500
What poor housing conditions can cause respiratory conditions and why?
- overcrowded housing, lack of heating and poor ventilation such as damp and mould
- asthma and allergic responses, meningitis and higher risk of infection
What poor housing conditions can cause cardiovascular problems and why?
- overcrowded housing, lack of exercise, lack of access to balanced foods
- stress, processed foods more affordable leading to high blood pressure, high blood pressure and damage to artery walls
Why can poor housing conditions lead to hypothermia?
Cold homes due to poverty and low incomes
Who is more likely to get hypothermia?
Older people who can’t afford to heat their homes
Why can poor housing conditions cause anxiety and depression?
Rising fuel bills, lack of income, poor sleep
What can not having availability for transport to health services be an issue?
Cancellation, stressful journeys and missed appointments leading to negative impact on heath of individuals, expensive parking and financial impact on health services
Why can opening hours of a service be an issue?
Recruitment of GP’s and nurses are difficult in deprived areas, inconvenient times due to work, school, busy lifestyles
What do health and social services aim to do in the needs and requirements of individuals?
- improve health of young children
- tackle disadvantage low income families have
- reduce poverty to prevent long-term health problems
Who may not have access to health and social services?
Homeless people, immigrants and those who speak other languages.
Why are people reluctant to register with a GP?
- unable to attend
- long working hours
- transport difficulties
- caring commitments
Why is it important for those who don’t have access to health and social services to receive regular checks?
- Ensure they are fully immunised against childhood infections such as meningitis C, measles and preventing development in health issues
