human health and environment q&a

What is the environment in relation to living organisms?

Everything affecting a living organism's health, including air, water, soil, and biota.

What does gene-environment interaction refer to?

Genetic and environmental factors as independent risk factors.

What is Environmental Health?

Health aspects influenced by environmental factors.

Define chemical hazards.

Toxins found in air, water, soil, and food.

What are biological hazards?

Pathogens and allergens that affect human health.

What constitutes physical hazards?

Natural disasters that impact health indirectly.

What are social hazards?

Lifestyle choices that affect health outcomes.

What are genetic traits?

Inherited characteristics that influence health risks.

What are core concerns in environmental health?

Focus on chemical, biological, and physical hazards.

What are anthropogenic hazards?

Human-made environmental risks to health.

What is the public health perspective?

A population-focused approach to health issues.

What is industrialization?

Shift from an agricultural economy to a manufacturing economy.

How much has CO2 increased since the Industrial Revolution?

30% increase.

What is hydrosphere pollution?

Contamination of water bodies like lakes.

What is geosphere transformation?

Human alteration of ⅓ to ½ of the land surface.

What does the biosphere refer to?

Earth's region where life exists.

How does deforestation impact the environment?

Clearing forests affects biodiversity and climate.

What are global disparities in environmental health?

Unequal development and health across different regions.

What is sustainable development?

Development that meets current needs without compromising future generations.

Define ecosystem interconnectedness.

All materials and byproducts in an ecosystem are interlinked.

What is the modern Western lifestyle?

A lifestyle that contributes to environmental and health issues.

What is meant by lack of foresight in environmental contexts?

Insufficient planning for the impacts of new technologies.

What do gas emissions refer to?

Release of harmful gases into the atmosphere.

What is overpopulation?

Excessive population growth that impacts resources.

What does overconsumption mean?

Using resources faster than they can be replenished.

What are health effects of pollution?

Negative health impacts caused by environmental pollutants.

What are preventable diseases?

Diseases that can be avoided through environmental protection.

What is the leading cause of disease in developing countries?

Diarrhea.

What common health issue is found in developing nations?

Respiratory infections.

What is the leading health issue in developed countries?

Cancer.

What major health concern arises in affluent societies?

Cardiovascular diseases.

What was the London Smog event of 1952?

A severe air pollution event caused primarily by coal burning.

What toxic gas was primarily responsible for deaths during the London Smog?

Sulfur dioxide.

What heating source significantly contributed to air pollution?

Coal burning.

What is the purpose of the Clean Air Act?

Legislation aimed at reducing air pollution.

What caused the Indonesian fires in 1997?

Forest fires due to agricultural land clearing.

What is slash-and-burn agriculture?

A farming method involving burning forests to create agricultural land.

How do monsoon seasons affect fire conditions in Indonesia?

Seasonal rains can exacerbate fire conditions.

What is stagnant air?

Cold air trapped near the ground, worsening pollution.

What are toxic chemicals?

Harmful substances that affect wildlife and human health.

How does UV increase impact environmental health?

Rising ultraviolet radiation negatively affects environmental health.

What infections contribute to health decline in organisms?

Fungi and bacteria infections.

What are the effects of environmental changes on pollution dynamics?

Alterations in the ecosystem that affect how pollution behaves.

What is outdoor air pollution?

Contaminants in the atmosphere from various sources.

What is indoor air pollution?

Pollutants found within buildings that can affect health.

What are human stationary sources of pollution?

Pollutants from fixed sources like factories.

What are natural sources of pollutants?

Pollutants originating from natural events, such as volcanoes.

What are human mobile sources of pollution?

Pollutants from moving sources like vehicles.

What are secondary air pollutants?

Pollutants formed by reactions between primary pollutants.

What is particulate matter?

Airborne particles such as dust and smoke.