Health Aspects of Pollution and Disease

These flashcards cover key concepts related to health aspects of pollution, toxicology, and infectious diseases, as discussed in the lecture.

What does LD 50 refer to in toxicology?

LD 50 stands for lethal dose 50, which is the dose of a substance that kills 50% of a tested population.

How is the independent variable in toxicity studies typically defined?

The independent variable is the concentration of the chemical being tested.

What does the threshold refer to in toxin exposure studies?

The threshold is the lowest dose at which harmful effects begin to occur.

What is the significance of a dose-response curve?

A dose-response curve illustrates the relationship between the dose of a substance and the response (like mortality) it causes.

What are acute studies in toxicology?

Acute studies are short-term studies examining the effects of a substance over a brief period.

What health issue is commonly linked to air pollution?

Respiratory illnesses such as asthma and COPD are linked to air pollution.

What causes dysentery?

Dysentery is caused by bacterial contamination in food or water.

Why are chronic studies often more costly than acute studies?

Chronic studies are longer-term studies that require more resources and time to gather data.

How do warmer temperatures affect the survival of bacteria and viruses?

Warmer temperatures generally allow bacteria and viruses to survive and proliferate more effectively.

What is mesothelioma, and what causes it?

Mesothelioma is a type of lung cancer caused by inhaling asbestos fibers.

What is the primary vector for malaria?

The primary vector for malaria is the mosquito.

What type of disease is cholera, and how is it typically contracted?

Cholera is an infectious disease contracted through contaminated drinking water.

What are the potential effects of pollution on human health?

Pollution can lead to various health issues, including respiratory problems, cancers, and infectious diseases.

What role do vectors play in the spread of diseases?

Vectors are organisms that transmit pathogens from one host to another, facilitating the spread of diseases.

How does climate change affect the spread of infectious diseases?

Climate change can expand the geographical range of vectors like mosquitoes, leading to the spread of diseases into new areas.

What is synergism in the context of pollutant exposure?

Synergism refers to the combined effect of multiple pollutants that amplify each other's harmful impacts.

Why is testing on humans considered unethical in toxicity studies?

Testing on humans is generally deemed unethical due to the risks and potential harm to individuals.

What is the primary disease associated with tuberculosis (TB)?

Tuberculosis primarily affects the lungs, causing respiratory issues.

What causes the Zika virus, and what is a notable effect it has on fetuses?

The Zika virus is spread by mosquitoes and can cause birth defects, such as abnormally small heads in fetuses.

What is the process of bioaccumulation?

Bioaccumulation refers to the gradual build-up of substances, such as pesticides or heavy metals, in an organism's body over time.

What does biomagnification entail?

Biomagnification is the process where the concentration of toxic substances increases in organisms at each subsequent trophic level of a food chain.

What impact does lead exposure have on health?

Lead exposure can cause neurological impairments, developmental delays in children, and various other health issues.

What is the role of environmental monitoring?

Environmental monitoring involves systematically collecting data on environmental conditions to assess pollution levels and trends.

What is 'greenwashing' in environmental contexts?

Greenwashing is when a company falsely promotes their products or policies as environmentally friendly to mislead consumers.