Environmental Hazards & Human Health Vocabulary Flashcards

Study key terms and definitions related to environmental hazards and human health.

Biological Hazards

Hazards that involve pathogens (bacteria, viruses, parasites) causing infectious diseases.

Pathogen

An organism that causes disease, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

Germ Theory

The theory that microorganisms can invade living hosts and cause disease.

Carcinogen

A substance that causes cancer.

Group 1 Carcinogens

Carcinogens classified by the IARC as sufficient evidence for human cancer risk, e.g., HPV, EBV, Hepatitis B or C.

Transmissible Disease

A disease that can be spread from one person to another.

Epidemic

An outbreak of an infectious disease that spreads rapidly.

Pandemic

A global outbreak of an infectious disease.

Nontransmissible Disease

A disease that cannot be spread between individuals, e.g., diabetes and most cancers.

Tuberculosis (TB)

A bacterial infection that is treatable but deadly worldwide.

Antibiotic Resistance

The ability of bacteria to withstand antibiotics, making infections harder to treat.

HIV/AIDS

A viral infection that weakens the immune system, leading to severe health issues.

Malaria

A disease caused by a parasite transmitted by certain mosquito species.

Ecological Medicine

The study of the interactions between animal and human health.

Endocrine Disruptors

Chemicals that interfere with hormone systems, affecting development and health.

Neurological Toxins

Substances that impair the nervous system, e.g., lead and certain pesticides.

Mutagen

A substance that causes changes in the DNA of organisms.

Teratogen

A substance that causes developmental harm to a fetus.

Immunotoxic

A substance that impairs the immune system.

Vaccination

The administration of a vaccine to help prevent infectious diseases.

Drugs for Malaria

Medications used to kill malaria parasites in the bloodstream.

Chemical Hazards

Substances in the environment that pose risks to human health.

Atrazine

An herbicide that disrupts endocrine functions and is linked to health issues.

Antiretroviral Treatment

Medication used to manage HIV by reducing viral load.

Dose-Response Relationship

The relationship between the amount of exposure to a substance and the effect on an organism.

LD50

Lethal Dose 50; the amount of a substance that kills 50% of a population.

Public Health Institutions

Organizations like CDC and WHO focused on health monitoring and disease prevention.

Immunization

The process of making a person immune to infection through vaccination.