Human Health and Environmental Hazards Overview

What is the Environment?

Everything affecting a living organism's health.

ex. Air, Water, Soil, Biota, Man Made environment

Gene-environment Interaction

Genetic and environmental factors as independent risk factors.

Environmental Health

Health aspects influenced by environmental factors.

Chemical Hazards

Toxins in air, water, soil, and food.

Biological Hazards

Pathogens and allergens affecting human health.

Physical Hazards

Natural disasters impacting health indirectly.

Social Hazards

Lifestyle choices affecting health outcomes.

Genetic Traits

Inherited characteristics influencing health risks.

Core Concerns

Focus on chemical, biological, and physical hazards.

Anthropogenic Hazards

Human-made environmental risks to health.

Public Health Perspective

Population-focused approach to health issues.

Industrialization

Shift from agriculture to manufacturing economy.

Atmospheric Change

30% CO2 increase since Industrial Revolution.

Hydrosphere Pollution

Contamination of water bodies like lakes.

Geosphere Transformation

Human alteration of ⅓ to ½ land surface.

Biosphere

Earth's region where life exists.

Deforestation

Clearing forests impacting biodiversity and climate.

Global Disparities

Unequal development and health across regions.

Sustainable Development

Development meeting needs without compromising future.

Ecosystem Interconnectedness

All materials and byproducts are interlinked.

Modern Western Lifestyle

Lifestyle contributing to environmental and health issues.

Lack of Foresight

Insufficient planning for new technologies' impacts.

Gas Emissions

Release of harmful gases into the atmosphere.

Overpopulation

Excessive population growth impacting resources.

Overconsumption

Using resources faster than they can be replenished.

Health Effects of Pollution

Negative health impacts caused by environmental pollutants.

Environmental Health

Impact of environmental factors on human health.

Preventable Diseases

Diseases that can be avoided through environmental protection.

Diarrhea

Leading cause of disease in developing countries.

Respiratory Infections

Common health issue in developing nations.

Cancer

Leading health issue in developed countries.

Cardiovascular Diseases

Major health concern in affluent societies.

London Smog, 1952

Severe air pollution event caused by coal burning.

Sulfur Dioxide

Toxic gas primarily responsible for London Smog deaths.

Coal Burning

Main heating source contributing to air pollution.

Clean Air Act

Legislation aimed at reducing air pollution.

Indonesian Fires, 1997

Forest fires caused by agricultural land clearing.

Slash-and-Burn Agriculture

Farming method involving burning forests for land.

Monsoon

Seasonal rains affecting fire conditions in Indonesia.

Stagnant Air

Cold air trapped near the ground, worsening pollution.

Toxic Chemicals

Harmful substances affecting wildlife and human health.

UV Increase

Rising ultraviolet radiation impacting environmental health.

Fungi and Bacteria Infections

Pathogens contributing to health decline in organisms.

Environmental Changes

Alterations in the ecosystem affecting pollution dynamics.

Outdoor air pollution

Contaminants in the atmosphere from various sources.

Indoor air pollution

Pollutants found within buildings affecting health.

Human sources - stationary

Pollutants from fixed sources like factories.

Natural sources

Pollutants originating from natural events, e.g., volcanoes.

Human sources - mobile

Pollutants from moving sources like vehicles.

Secondary air pollutants

Pollutants formed by reactions of primary pollutants.

Particulate matter

Airborne particles like dust and smoke.

PM10

Respirable particulate matter with diameter ≤10 micrometers.

PM2.5

Fine particulate matter with diameter ≤2.5 micrometers.

Carbon monoxide (CO)

Odorless gas from incomplete combustion of fuels.

Health effects of outdoor air pollution

Adverse health outcomes dependent on pollutant concentration.

Asthma

Respiratory condition worsened by particulates and SO2.

Chronic bronchitis

Persistent cough due to excess mucus in bronchi.

Pulmonary emphysema

Alveoli damage causing shortness of breath.

Lung cancer

Malignant growth in lung tissue due to pollutants.

Heart disease

Cardiovascular issues exacerbated by air pollution.

Toxic poisoning

Health effects from exposure to harmful substances.

Eye irritation

Discomfort in eyes due to airborne pollutants.

Birth defects

Congenital anomalies linked to environmental pollutants.

Nitrogen oxides (NOx)

Gases from combustion contributing to ozone formation.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Organic chemicals that can vaporize and affect health.

Lead (Pb)

Heavy metal from industrial sources affecting children.

Ground level ozone

Secondary pollutant formed from NOx and VOCs.

Neurotoxicant

Substance causing damage to nervous system.

Lead Exposure

Affects IQ, cognitive function, and health.

Ground Level Ozone

Harmful pollutant formed from VOCs and NOx.

Ozone Formation

Occurs from VOC + NOx + heat + sunlight.

Smog

Air pollution combining smoke and fog.

Sulphurous Smog

Industrial smog, prevalent in London.

Photochemical Smog

Brown air smog, common in Los Angeles.

Indoor Air Pollution

Higher pollutant concentration than outdoor air.

Sick Building Syndrome

Nonspecific symptoms from building occupancy.

Building Related Illness

Diagnosable illness linked to building features.

Common Indoor Pollutants

Includes asbestos, formaldehyde, mold, and smoke.

Asbestos

Fibrous mineral used in construction materials.

Formaldehyde

Common indoor pollutant from building materials.

Mold

Fungi thriving in damp indoor environments.

Secondhand Smoke

Tobacco smoke inhaled by non-smokers.

Radon Gas

Radioactive gas from soil, harmful indoors.

Air Dust

Particles suspended in indoor air.

Inadequate Ventilation

Primary cause of sick building syndrome.

Health Effects of Indoor Pollution

Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, and asthma.

Vulnerable Populations

Children, elderly, and ill are more sensitive.

Pollutant Sources

Includes building materials, cleaning products, and cooking.

Environmental Reaction

Process creating ground-level ozone, affected by climate.

Asbestos

Fibers linked to lung diseases and cancer risk.

Asbestosis

Scar-like lung tissue causing breathing difficulties.

Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma associated with asbestos exposure.

Formaldehyde

Colorless gas causing allergic reactions and cancer.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Organic chemicals that evaporate at room temperature.

Mold

Fungi thriving in moist environments, causing allergies.

Moisture Control

Maintaining humidity between 30-60% to prevent mold.

Secondhand Smoke

Contains 4000 compounds, increasing lung cancer risk.

Radon Gas

Radioactive gas from uranium decay, linked to lung cancer.

Environmental Tobacco Smoke

Secondhand smoke causing health issues in adults and children.

Cancer Carcinogens

Substances that increase cancer risk, found in smoke.