Weeks 10, 12 & 13

Question 1

List some of the outcomes that have been used to quantify brain function in children.

Answer 1

IQ, behaviors and brain imaging

Question 2

List some of the most common “brain-based disorders” among children.

Answer 2

ADHD, anxiety, depression, autism, conduct disorder

Question 3

Please briefly describe the study by Needleman and colleagues - involving the collection of primary teeth from children

Answer 3

In the 1970s, Dr. Needleman and his team recruited over 2,000 children in Massachusetts and obtained their “baby” teeth. The investigators found that as the amount of lead in teeth (dentine lead, a biomarker of lead exposure) increased, behavioural problems also increased.

Question 4

What is the primary source of exposure to mercury for most populations?

Answer 4

Consumption of fish

Question 5

Why is the developing brain so vulnerable to toxins?

Answer 5

-the blood-brain barrier isn’t fully formed in the fetus
-rapidly growing cells are more vulnerable to toxins
-lack enzymes to detoxify contaminants

Question 6

Describe how biomarkers of exposure have improved research on environmental neurotoxicants.

Answer 6

Biomarkers can be used to quantify the internal dose of a contaminant

Question 7

Describe evidence linking toxic chemicals with disease and disability at low levels

Answer 7

Low levels of lead were associated with an increased risk of ADHD, conduct disorder

Question 8

What is the Prevention Paradox?

Answer 8

The majority of diseases or disability occur in those who are at low to moderate risk

Question 9

What are Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)?

Answer 9

PCBs are a class of 209 synthetic organic chemicals that were used commercially between 1930-1979

Question 10

Describe the importance of supralinear exposure-response relationships between neurotoxicants and developmental outcomes in children.

Answer 10

Recall that a supralinear relationship means that at the low end of exposure range has a substantial impact on children (in the case of lead exposure, 3-5ug/dL of lead had a substantial impact on IQ in the lower end compared to the higher end)

Question 11

List the principles of healthy community design

Answer 11

Mixed land use
Transportation alternatives
Density
walking/biking infrastructure
Affordable housing
Community centers
Access to green space and parks

Question 12

Describe some of the negative aspects of automobile-dependent communities

Answer 12

-Traffic-related air pollution (PM2.5, CO)
-Traffic-related noise (irritation, impacts on sleep, stress)
-Effects on road users (accidents, discouragement of physical activities)

Question 13

What adverse health outcomes are associated with traffic-related air pollution?

Answer 13

-circulatory diseases, ischemic heart disease, lung cancer, respiratory infections

Question 14

What are the impacts of traffic-related noise?

Answer 14

-Changes in birth weight per 6dBA increase, hypertension, increase diabetes risk,

Question 15

List some characteristics of “walkable” neighbourhoods

Answer 15

-Compact urban form
-Medium to high residential density
-Diversity and concentration of commercial uses near residences
-Mix of land uses and high degree of street connectivity

Question 16

Summarize some of the epidemiologic evidence linking green space with improved health outcomes

Answer 16

Reduction of exposure to health risks (air pollution, noise)
Promotion of healthy behaviors (exercise, social connections)
Directs psychosocial/psychological benefits

Question 17

What is the Ulrich et al 1984 study?

Answer 17

Pts who underwent surgery were given a view of trees or a brick wall during their hospital stay; Tree-view pts had shorter average hospital stays & fewer doses of pain medication

Question 18

List the major greenhouse pollutants

Answer 18

Carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, CFC-12, HCFC-22, sulfur hexafluoride

Question 19

Distinguish between “global warming” and “climate change”

Answer 19

Global warming - average warming effect across the earth’s surface
Climate change - more than temp; also precipitation, storms, sea levels

Question 20

Describe some of the direct and indirect links between climate change and human health

Answer 20

1.Direct effects - heat waves, extreme weather
2.Indirect effects - increased risk of forest fires > increased air pollution > health effects from air pollution

Question 21

Why do some individuals not “believe” in climate change in spite of scientific evidence that it is happening?

Answer 21

Science of spin - targeted strategies to manufacture doubt of the detrimental effects of enviroment on public health (misrepresenting data, influence government laws, etc.)

Question 22

Define the term endocrine disruptors (EDCs)

Answer 22

Any exogenous substance or material that alters the function(s) of the endocrine system; eg. pesticides, industrial chemicals, natural plant compounds

Question 23

Describe trends in hormonally-mediated diseases and disorders

Answer 23

Diseases like testicular cancer, breast cancer & hypospadias have gone up

Question 24

What is Diethylstilbestrol Exposure (DES)?

Answer 24

a synthetic form of the female hormone estrogen that was prescribed to prevent miscarriage, abortion and premature labour

Question 25

Describe the role of endocrine disruptors in human disease

Answer 25

EDCs interfere with hormone action from hormone receptor binding, production. Transport and metabolism

Question 26

What was the first widely-recognized EDC?

Answer 26

Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) - IARC group 2A - possibly known carcinogen to humans

Question 27

What is an “obesogen”?

Answer 27

Chemical causing obesity, sources can include parabens, pesticides, pharmaceuticals (estrogens), phthalates (vinyl flooring)

Question 28

What does it mean when we say a chemical has “anti-androgenic” properties?

Answer 28

They block the effects of androgens (like testosterone); used to treat prostate cancer in men and acne in women