Environmental Hazards and Population Health

This set of flashcards focuses on environmental health hazards affecting children, women, workers, and the elderly, as well as impacts of noise pollution, population growth, and overconsumption.

What is a key reason children are more vulnerable to environmental hazards than adults?

Children have different exposure patterns and higher metabolic rates, leading to greater exposure to environmental toxins.

Why do children have a higher risk of lead poisoning?

Due to their intensified calcium absorption mechanisms, which allow lead to be absorbed more readily.

What behavior increases children's exposure to environmental toxins?

Mouthing behavior, where children frequently put objects in their mouths.

What percentage of their body weight do children drink more water than adults?

Children drink more water relative to their body weight.

How does children's time spent indoors affect their health?

Children are exposed to dust and indoor pollutants that accumulate closer to the ground.

What impact does a child's short stature have on their exposure to pollutants?

Their breathing zone is lower, putting them closer to ground-level pollutants.

What physiological characteristic makes children's skin more vulnerable to toxins?

Children have a higher skin surface area to body weight ratio and more permeable skin.

How does the gastrointestinal absorption in children differ from adults?

Children have a larger intestinal surface area and prolonged gastric emptying time, allowing greater absorption of substances.

What is the significance of the blood-brain barrier's development in children?

It is less mature in infants, making them more susceptible to toxic substances.

What health outcomes are linked to environmental hazards for older adults?

Chronic diseases and disabilities from exposure to pollutants and environmental stressors.

What role do women play in reproduction that impacts environmental health?

Women bear and nurse children, influencing their health and development.

How does fat accumulation in women relate to environmental toxins?

Higher body fat allows for the bioaccumulation of lipophilic chemicals like persistent organic pollutants.

What are potential environmental influences on breast cancer?

Genetics, hormonal factors, and exposure to synthetic chemicals and radiation.

What demographic trend is currently affecting Canada’s population?

A rapid increase in the aging population, specifically those over 65.

What percentage of full-time workers experience annual noise-induced hearing loss?

15 per 10,000 full-time manufacturing workers.

What is a common threshold for noise exposure?

No more than 85 decibels.

What is tinnitus?

A ringing or buzzing sound in the ears that indicates inner ear damage.

What is a potential consequence of explosive land mines?

They pose dangers to civilians for decades, inhibit movement, and cause injuries.

What major environmental issue is caused by nuclear warfare?

Long-lasting radioactivity contaminating soil, water, and food chains.

What was the effect of chemical warfare, such as Agent Orange, during the Vietnam War?

Mass poisoning and destruction of food and water sources.

What environmental problems arise from overconsumption?

Soil and water contamination, greenhouse gas emissions, and loss of biodiversity.

What are potential methods to reduce environmental impacts of overconsumption?

Generate less waste, recycle properly, and support sustainable products.

What is the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in Europe compared to Africa?

In Europe, TFR is around 1.2, while in Africa, it is typically 5 to 6.

How does urbanization generally affect family size?

It leads to smaller families due to space and cost constraints.

What is the Replacement Level Fertility Rate?

The number of children a couple must have to replace themselves, typically just over 2.

Why is improved sanitation significant for population health?

It reduces disease spread and infection-related deaths.

What factors affect birth and fertility rates?

Economic conditions, education, cultural norms, and access to family planning.

What historical population control policy in China aimed to reduce overpopulation?

The One-Child Policy.

Which environmental conditions can deter settlement or affect reproductive health?

High pollution levels and unsafe living conditions.

What term describes the harmful effects of environmental hazards on children's long-term health?

Biopsychosocial risks associated with chronic disease development.