human health and environment q&a

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.

Indoor Allergens

Substances causing allergic reactions within homes.

Air Dust

Particles from heating/cooling systems affecting air quality.

Health Canada Estimates

Over 300 nonsmokers die from smoke exposure annually.

EPA Estimates

3000 lung cancer deaths from secondhand smoke yearly.

Natural Water Sources

Groundwater can contain dissolved radon gas.

Waterborne Hazards

Health risks associated with contaminated water sources.

Liquid Natural Capital

Water as a vital resource for life and environment.

Freshwater Availability

Limited quantity of freshwater on Earth.

Humidity Control

Key method to manage indoor mold growth.

Cancer Sensitivity

Some individuals are more sensitive to carcinogens.

Health Effects of Mold

Triggers asthma and produces harmful toxins.

Dust Particles

Composed of pollen, debris, and other contaminants.

Fresh Water

Water with low concentrations of dissolved salts.

Ground Water

Water located beneath the Earth's surface.

Water Stress

Less than 1700 cm/y/p of water availability.

Water Scarcity

Less than 1000 cm/y/p of water availability.

Withdrawal

Total water removed from a source for use.

Reliable Runoff

Water flow that can be consistently used.

Hydrological Poverty

Lack of access to clean water resources.

Drinking Water Quality

Annual reports on local water safety and purity.

Surface Water

Water found in rivers and lakes.

Ground Water Sources

Wells and springs in rural areas.

Water pH

Measure of acidity or alkalinity in water.

Water Hardness

Concentration of calcium and magnesium in water.

Turbidity

Cloudiness or haziness in water due to particles.

Microbial Contaminants

Pathogens present in water affecting health.

E. coli

Bacteria indicating fecal contamination in water.

Salmonella typhi

Causes typhoid fever, transmitted via contaminated water.

Cryptosporidium

Parasite from sewage affecting water quality.

Giardia lamblia

Parasite causing gastrointestinal illness from contaminated water.

Disinfection Byproducts

Chemicals formed during water treatment processes.

Aral Sea Shrinkage

Significant reduction in water level due to irrigation.

Water Use in Canada

64% for power plant cooling, 9% for agriculture.

Water Use in China

87% of water used for agriculture.

Fecal Coliform Test

Test indicating presence of disease-causing bacteria.

E. coli

Bacteria causing gastrointestinal illness, linked to contaminated water.

Walkerton incident

2000 outbreak in Ontario due to water contamination.

Radionuclides

Radioactive particles that can damage DNA.

Alpha emitters

Type of radionuclide emitting alpha particles.

Beta emitters

Type of radionuclide emitting beta particles.

Radon gas

Colorless gas from uranium decay, linked to cancer.

Radium

Radioactive element, found in hot springs.

Arsenic

Toxic element causing skin cancer and circulatory issues.

Arsenic concentration

Levels above 50 μg/l are harmful to health.

Fluoride

Mineral added to water for dental health.

Dental fluorosis

Condition from excessive fluoride exposure, affecting teeth.

Skeletal fluorosis

Bone disease caused by high fluoride levels.

Polonium-218

Radon decay product, emits alpha particles.

Polonium-214

Radon decay product, linked to cancer risk.

Groundwater contamination

Pollution of underground water sources by toxins.

Hyperkeratosis

Skin condition linked to arsenic exposure.

Fluoride sources

Found in minerals like fluorite and micas.

Radon accumulation

Build-up in basements from high soil levels.

Arsenic sources

Occurs in over 200 minerals, often low concentration.

Fluoride concentration limit

Greater than 1.5 mg/l is potentially harmful.

Water well contamination

High arsenic levels found in Bangladesh wells.

Kootenay National Park

Location of radium hot springs in BC.

Granite association

Uranium and radon found in granite-rich soils.

Fluorosis

Health condition caused by excessive fluoride exposure.

East African Rift Valley

Region with high fluoride groundwater concentrations.

Volcanic activity

Natural process contributing to fluoride in water.

Granite areas

Regions with highest rates of fluorosis.

Maria, Quebec

Community affected by elevated fluoride in groundwater.

Glacial sediment wells

Shallow wells previously used for groundwater.

Limestone bedrock aquifer

Source of deeper water with high fluoride levels.

Groundwater contamination

Pollution of water supplies, often with fluoride.

Fluoride

Can cause brown teeth in children.

Lead

Banned in pipes; causes severe health issues.

Anemia

Condition caused by lead exposure.

Methemoglobinemia

Inhibits oxygen transfer in red blood cells.

Nitrates

Can cause oxygen starvation in infants.

Pesticides

Includes chlorinated hydrocarbons like DDT.

Organophosphates

Toxic to mammals; rapid decay.

MBTE

Fuel additive replacing lead for octane.

Household Wells

Vulnerable to contamination from nearby land.

Visible Contaminants

Includes calcium salts and turbid water.

Chemical Taste

Result of industrial chemicals in water.

Hydrogen Sulphide

Causes rotten egg odor in water.

Groundwater

Naturally filtered, often requires no treatment.

Water Treatment Steps

Includes settling, coagulation, filtration, disinfection.

Chlorination

Most common method for disinfecting drinking water.

Disinfection Byproducts

Formed from disinfectants reacting with organic matter.

Trihalomethanes

Linked to liver and kidney problems.

Haloacetic Acid

Increased cancer risk from long-term exposure.

Bottled Water

Regulated as packaged food, not drinking water.

Point-of-Use Systems

Home devices for water treatment at tap.

Chemical Spills

Local industrial sites can contaminate water.

Salty Taste

Indicates high sodium content in water.

Turbid Water

Cloudy water from dirt or clay.

Fluorosis

Dental condition caused by excessive fluoride exposure.

Maria, Quebec

Farming community affected by fluoride in groundwater.

Groundwater

Water stored underground in aquifers.

Limestone bedrock

Geological formation contributing to fluoride levels.

Methemoglobinemia

Condition inhibiting oxygen transfer in blood.

Pesticides

Chemicals used to kill pests, can contaminate water.

Herbicides

Chemicals used to kill unwanted plants.

Chlorinated hydrocarbons

Persistent pollutants like DDT and Chlordane.

Organophosphates

Pesticides that are toxic to mammals.

MBTE

Fuel additive replacing lead in gasoline.

Household wells

Private water sources vulnerable to contamination.

Chemical spills

Accidental release of hazardous substances.

Disinfection

Process to kill pathogens in drinking water.

Chlorination

Common method for disinfecting drinking water.

Trihalomethanes

Byproducts from disinfectants linked to health risks.

Haloacetic Acid

Disinfection byproduct associated with cancer risk.

Bottled water

Packaged water, often from groundwater sources.

Point-of-use systems

Home devices for treating drinking water.

Turbid water

Cloudy water caused by suspended particles.

Salty taste

Indicator of high sodium content in water.

Rotten eggs odour

Smell from hydrogen sulfide in contaminated water.

Residual disinfection

Ongoing pathogen control in water distribution systems.

Endocrine Disruptors

Substances that mimic or block hormones.

Toxicology Data

Mostly derived from animal studies, not humans.

Direct Effects

Immediate impacts on hormone receptor binding.

Indirect Effects

Alterations in hormone production and metabolism.

Fetal Sensitivity

Fetuses are more sensitive to disruptors than adults.

DES (Diethylstilbestrol)

Synthetic estrogen used to prevent miscarriages.

DES Administration

Given until 35 weeks of pregnancy.

DES Impact on Daughters

Increased reproductive organ dysfunction and fertility issues.

Feminization of Males

Changes in sexual behavior and birth defects.

Altered Puberty Timing

Endocrine disruptors can delay puberty onset.

Cancer Risks

Associated with mammary glands and testes.

PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls)

Linked to impaired learning and distractibility.

Organophosphates

Chemicals affecting brain development.

Pesticide Exposure Study

Research on IQ and motor skills in children.

Chemical Body Burdens

Accumulation of chemicals in the body.

Biomonitoring

Detection of chemicals via blood and fat analysis.

Chemical Accumulation Factors

Depends on exposure, diet, and elimination rates.

Dioxins

Formed during industrial processes, no commercial use.

Body Burden Reduction

Strategies to lower chemical accumulation.

Organochlorine Substances

Includes dioxins, DDT, and phthalates.

Neurobehavioral Implications

Effects on behavior from prenatal exposures.

Thyroid Dysfunction

Hormonal imbalance linked to endocrine disruptors.

Dioxins

Chemical compounds with similar structures, toxic effects.

TCDD

Most studied dioxin, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin.

Bioaccumulation

Accumulation of substances in living organisms over time.

Biomagnification

Increasing concentration of pollutants in higher trophic levels.

POP

Persistent organic pollutants, long-lasting in the environment.

Constant exposure effects

Unknown effects from low-level persistent exposure.

High-level exposure effects

Very toxic, causes cancer and reproductive issues.

Teratogenicity

Ability to cause birth defects in developing organisms.

DDT

Dichloro-diphenyl-trichloro-ethane, an agricultural pesticide.

Global distillation

Process where pollutants travel long distances in the atmosphere.

Grasshopper effect

Pollutants moving from warmer to cooler areas.

DDT persistence

Very persistent in the environment, bioaccumulates in tissues.

DDT in breast milk

Indicates bioaccumulation in human fatty tissues.

Carcinogen

Substance linked to cancer development.

Endocrine disruptor

Mimics hormones, affecting reproductive health.

DDT restrictions

Banned in the US in 1972, with exceptions.

Reproductive system damage

Reduced reproductive success due to DDT exposure.

Liver damage

Harmful effects on liver function from DDT.

Chronic exposure effects

Long-term exposure affects nervous system function.

DDT usage timeline

Limited use until 1980, with bans in various countries.

DDT levels in humans

Decreased over 30 years, but low exposure persists.

DDT

Pesticide approved by WHO for malaria control.

Phthalate

Chemicals used to enhance plastic flexibility.

Bisphenol A (BPA)

Chemical used in plastic production.

Endocrine disruptors

Substances that interfere with hormonal systems.

Anogenital distance

Measurement indicating male developmental health.

Obesity link

Emerging evidence connecting chemicals to obesity.

Heavy Metals

Toxic metallic elements with high specific gravity.

Class A Metals

Essential macronutrients with low toxicity.

Class B Metals

Nonessential, highly toxic metallic elements.

Borderline Metals

Micronutrients with variable toxicity levels.

Resistance

Mechanism preventing metal uptake by species.

Tolerance

Ability to withstand high metal levels.

Bioavailability of Metals

Degree metals are available for biological uptake.

Routes of Exposure

Ways humans contact heavy metals.

Mercury (Hg)

Toxic metal found in various industrial products.

Bioaccumulation

Accumulation of substances in living organisms.

Mad Hatter's Syndrome

Mercury poisoning in historical hat-makers.

Minamata Disease

Mercury poisoning from industrial wastewater exposure.

Symptoms of Mercury Poisoning

Include ataxia, muscle weakness, and vision loss.

Methylmercury

Highly toxic form of mercury in fish.

Environmental dispersion

Spread of substances throughout the environment.

Internal detoxification

Biological processes to neutralize toxins.

Neurological symptoms

Cognitive and motor function impairments from toxins.

Wood preservatives

Chemicals protecting wood from decay and insects.

CCA-C

Chromated-Copper-Arsenate, a wood preservative.

CrO3

47.5% component in CCA-C formulation.

CuO

18.5% component in CCA-C formulation.

As2O5

34% component in CCA-C formulation.

Water borne preservative

Preservative that uses water as a carrier.

Vacuum-Pressure Impregnation

Method for treating wood with preservatives.

Retort

Device used for wood treatment process.

Fixation process

Chemical reaction of salts with wood components.

Residential lumber

100% treated with CCA before phase-out.

Wood products

70% treated with CCA before phase-out.

CCA phase-out

Phased out in North America in 2003.

Efficacy of CCA

Lasts over 50 years in ground contact.

Environmental concerns

Issues arising from CCA wood preservation.

Leaching

Release of chemicals into soil and water.

Toxicity of CCA components

Health risks from CCA chemical exposure.

Speciation of elements

Different forms of elements affecting toxicity.

Cr (VI)

More toxic and mobile than Cr (III).

As (III)

More toxic and mobile than As (V).

Soil characteristics

Factors like pH and organic matter affecting toxicity.

Toxicity to humans

Health risks from arsenic, chromium, and copper.

As health effects

Linked to various cancers and immunosuppression.

Cr health effects

Carcinogenic, linked to lung cancer and asthma.

Cu health effects

Causes gastrointestinal issues, not cancer.

Background radiation

Natural radioactivity from Earth and cosmic rays.

Manmade radiation

Radiation from electronic products like X-rays.

Ionized radiation

Radiation that removes electrons from atoms.

Non-ionized radiation

Radiation that does not remove electrons.

Stochastic health effects

Chronic effects from long-term low exposure.

Non-stochastic health effects

Acute effects from short-term high exposure.

Radiation sickness

Symptoms include nausea, weakness, and hair loss.

Carcinogenesis

Process leading to uncontrolled cell growth.

Mutation

Change in DNA that can lead to cancer.

Carcinogen

Agent that increases cancer risk at any stage.

Initiation

First mutation in a cell during carcinogenesis.

Promotion

Stimulated division of initiated cells into benign tumors.

Progression

Development of malignant tumors through further mutations.

Teratogenic effects

Birth defects caused by radiation exposure during pregnancy.

Genetic effects

Mutations passed from parent to child.

Alpha particles

Heavy, positively charged particles from radioactive decay.

Beta particles

Light, negatively charged particles from radioactive decay.

Gamma rays

High-energy electromagnetic radiation from radioactive decay.

X-rays

High-energy radiation used in medical imaging.

Three Mile Island

1979 nuclear accident in Pennsylvania.

Chernobyl disaster

1986 nuclear accident with high radiation exposure.

Fukushima disaster

2011 nuclear meltdown caused by tsunami and earthquake.

Skin cancer

Observed in 1910 due to radiation exposure.

Uranium miners

Exposed to high radiation levels, increasing cancer risk.

Atomic bomb survivors

Japanese survivors showed increased cancer rates.

Children's sensitivity

Growing children are more sensitive to radiation.

Non-ionizing radiation

Low energy radiation, does not damage DNA.

Microwave radiation

Used in cooking and communication technologies.

Microwave oven

Cooks food by vibrating water molecules.

Microwave safety standards

Leakage must not exceed 5 milliwatts/cm².

Smoke detectors

Use ionization chambers with radioactive material.

Television radiation

Older TVs emitted x-rays, but low risk observed.

Cellphone radiation

Emits radiofrequency energy, absorbed by nearby tissues.

2G to 5G frequencies

Cellphones operate between 0.7-80 GHz.

IARC classification

Cellphones are classified as possibly carcinogenic.

Radiofrequency energy

Form of non-ionizing radiation from cellphones.

Microwave cooking efficiency

Cooks faster, retains more nutrients than conventional methods.

Microwave oven materials

Glass and plastic can heat from food, not radiation.

Metal safety in microwaves

Metal reflects microwaves, causing safety hazards.

Animal research

Microwave exposure linked to genetic changes.

Cataracts

Intense microwave exposure can damage the eye lens.

Temporary sterility

Microwaves can alter or kill sperm cells.

Distance effect

Radiation levels decrease with distance from source.

TV set standards

Regulated to limit radiation emissions.

Epidemiological Studies

Research analyzing health outcomes in populations.

Case-Control Studies

Compare cell phone use in tumor patients vs. controls.

Cohort Studies

Follow large groups over time for health outcomes.

Interphone Study

International case-control study on cell phone use.

Danish Study

Cohort study analyzing cell phone effects in Denmark.

Million Women Study

UK cohort study on women's health and cell phones.

Cell Phone Use and Cancer

No consistent link found in major studies.

Long Term Exposure

Current studies do not address prolonged cell phone use.

Health Opinions

Scientists divided on cell phone health effects.

Marketing Restrictions

France prohibits marketing cell phones to children under 14.

Child Cell Phone Use

Countries advise limiting children's cellphone usage.

Safe Cell Phone Use

Health Canada recommends limiting call lengths.

Text Messaging

Encouraged as an alternative to voice calls.

Hands-Free Devices

Recommended to reduce direct exposure during calls.

Electric Power Lines

Surrounding electromagnetic fields from electrical devices.

Very Low Frequency

Electromagnetic fields from power generation are low frequency.

Earth's Magnetic Field

Planet Earth generates its own magnetic field.

EM Fields Health Risk

Weak health risks associated with electromagnetic fields.

Laboratory Studies

No consistent biological effects from EM fields observed.

Epidemiological Studies on Leukemia

Small risk for leukemia linked to magnetic fields.

Workplace Exposure

Electric utility workers show increased cancer risk.

Clinical Studies

Human studies show inconsistent effects on health.

Sleep Patterns

Poor and disruptive sleep linked to EM exposure.

Hormonal Effects

Inconsistent hormonal changes observed in clinical studies.

Immune System Effects

No consistent impact on immune system from EM fields.

Blood Chemistry Effects

Inconsistent results regarding blood chemistry changes.