Transcript geog309_human health_ye - Cal State LA

Other Aspects of Impact on
Human Health
City as a Dangerous Place
Radiation
Radioactive fallout from global weapons
testing
the United States and other countries conducted
more than 500 nuclear weapons tests in
the atmosphere before 1963 (Nevada).
Radioactive particles and gases were
spread in the atmosphere, some of these
particles and gases traveled great distances
before falling to earth (called fallout)
where people could be exposed to the
radiation.
(1) Iodine-131: increased risk of cancer
especially thyroid cancer (absorbed
through contaminated food).
(2). Struntium-90 (SR-90)
It mostly from the biggest thermonuclar
explosion US and Soviet). Dusts shot up
into stratosphere and slowly go down to
troposphere and rained on the earth,
absorbed by vegetations (chemically
similar to calcium). Human get it through
produce and animal products that feed on
vegetations. It collects in bones and has
half life time of 28 years. (large amount of
it is still in the stratosphere and soil from
previous nuclear test)
Affect a person’s bone marrow and increased
risk for leukemia.
Air quality related illness
Asthma: is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized
by episodic and reversible airflow obstruction and airway hyperresponsiveness. Clinical manifestations include wheezing, coughing,
and shortness of breath.
Has increased in prevalence during 1980-1996 in the United States.
During 2001--2003, current asthma prevalence was higher
in children (8.5%) compared with adults (6.7%), females
(8.1%) compared with males (6.2%), blacks (9.2%)
compared with whites (6.9%), those of Puerto Rican
descent (14.5%) compared with those of Mexican descent
(3.9%), those below the federal poverty level (10.3%)
compared with those at or above the federal poverty
level (6.4% to 7.9%), and those residing in the
Northeast (8.1%) compared with those residing in other
regions (6.7% to 7.5%).
Triggers for asthma:
Tobacco smoke (secondhand smoke); Dust mites; outdoor air pollution;
cockroach allergen (droppings); pets (furry pets); mold; air pollutions
Other Triggers
Strenuous physical exercise; some medicines; bad weather such as
thunderstorms, high humidity, or freezing temperatures; and some
foods and food additives can trigger an asthma attack.
Strong emotional states can also lead to hyperventilation and an asthma
attack.
Smoke from wildfires is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning
trees and other plant materials. Smoke can hurt your eyes, irritate your
respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases.
Sulfur Dioxide
Most sulfur dioxide in the air comes from the burning of coal and oil at
electric power plants. Other sources of sulfur dioxide in the air are
industrial facilities that use coal or oil, petroleum refineries, cement
manufacturing, metal processing, paper pulp manufacturing, and
copper smelting
Sulfur dioxide is used as a food preservative for some fruits and
vegetables; as a disinfectant; for bleaching flour, fruit, grain,
wood pulp, wool, textile fibers, wicker, gelatin, and glue; and for
making other chemicals. It is also used in metal mining and
refining, water treatment, and food processing.
Impact
Short-term exposure to high levels can be life-threatening by causing
breathing difficulties and obstructing airways, especially for people with
lung disease.
Long-term exposure to persistent levels of sulfur dioxide can cause chronic
bronchitis, emphysema, and respiratory illness. It can also aggravate existing
heart disease.
When sulfur dioxide reacts with other chemicals in the air to form tiny
sulfate particles, these particles can gather in the lungs and cause increased
respiratory problems and difficulty breathing. Long-term exposure to sulfate
particles can cause respiratory disease and even premature death.
Prolonged industrial exposure to sulfur dioxide may decrease fertility in men
and women.
Breathing sulfur dioxide can irritate the nose, throat, and lungs, and cause
coughing and shortness of breath. Short-term exposure to sulfur dioxide can
cause stomach pain, menstrual disorders, watery eyes, inhibition of thyroid
function, loss of smell, headache, nausea, vomiting, fever, convulsions, and
dizziness.
Direct contact with sulfur dioxide as a gas can irritate and burn the skin and
eyes, with possible eye damage. Direct contact with sulfur dioxide as a
liquid can cause frostbite.
Aflatoxin
• is a fungal toxin that commonly contaminates maize and other types of
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crops during production, harvest, storage or processing. Exposure to
aflatoxin is known to cause both chronic and acute hepatocellular
injury. In Kenya, acute aflatoxin poisoning results in liver failure and
death in up to 40% of cases.
an estimated 4.5 billion people living in developing countries may be
chronically exposed to aflatoxin through their diet.
In May, 2006, an outbreak of acute aflatoxicosis was reported in a
region of Kenya where aflatoxin contamination of homegrown maize
has been a recurrent problem.
Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB):
occur when certain types of microscopic algae grow
quickly in water, forming visible patches that may
harm the health of the environment, plants, or
animals.
can deplete the oxygen and block the sunlight that other
organisms need to live,
some HAB-causing algae release toxins that are
dangerous to animals and humans.
can occur in marine, estuarine, and fresh waters.
appear to be increasing along the coastlines and in the
surface waters of the United States
Three types:
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blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria): Humans who drink or swim in water
that contains high concentrations of this toxins may experience
gastroenteritis, skin irritation, allergic responses, or liver damage.
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Harmful marine algae, such as those associated with red tides, occur
in the ocean and can produce toxins that may harm or kill fish and
marine animals. Humans who eat shellfish containing toxins produced
by these algae may experience neurologic symptoms (such as tingling
fingers or toes) and gastrointestinal symptoms. Breathing air that
contains toxins from algae associated with red tide may cause
susceptible individuals to have asthma attacks.
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Pfiesteria piscicida, a single-celled organism that lives in estuaries,
has been found near large quantities of dead fish. Scientists do not yet
know whether P. piscicida affects human health. However, reports
about symptoms such as headache, confusion, skin rash, and eye
irritation in humans exposed to water containing high concentrations.
cancer cluster :
defined as a greater-than-expected number of cancer cases that occurs
within a group of people in a geographic area over a period of time.
Cancer in general is common. In the U.S., 1 in 3 people will develop
cancer in his or her lifetime.
is caused by both external factors (e.g., tobacco, chemicals, radiation, and
infectious organisms) and internal factors (e.g., inherited mutations,
hormones, immune conditions). Nutrition, physical inactivity, obesity,
and other lifestyle factors also play a role in cancer risk and outcomes.
These factors may act together or in sequence to initiate or promote
cancer. Ten or more years often pass between exposures or mutations
and detectable cancer.
A confirmed cancer cluster could be the result of any of the following:
(1) chance; (2) miscalculation of the expected number of cancer cases
(e.g., not considering a risk factor within the population at risk);(3)
differences in the case definition between observed cases and
expected cases; (4) known causes of cancer (e.g., smoking); (5)
unknown cause(s) of cancer.
Indoor air quality and health
Sick Building Syndrome
• Causes:
1. inadequate ventilation: in early and mid 1900s, building ventilation
standards called fro approximately 15 cubic feet per minute (cfm) of
outside air fro each building occupant, primarily to dilute and remove
body odors. As a result of 1973 oil emargo, national energy
conservation called for 5 cfm per occupant.
• The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning
Engineers (ASHRAE) recently revised its ventilation standard to
provide a minimum of 15 cfm of outdoor air per person (20 cfm/person
in office spaces). Up to 60 cfm/person may be required in some spaces
(such as smoking lounges) depending on the activities that normally
occur in that space
2. Chemical contaminants from indoor sources:
Most indoor air pollution comes from sources inside the building. For
example, adhesives, carpeting, upholstery, manufactured wood products,
copy machines, pesticides, and cleaning agents may emit volatile organic
compounds (VOCs), including formaldehyde.
Environmental tobacco smoke contributes high levels of VOCs, other toxic
compounds, and respirable particulate matter.
Some VOCs can cause chronic and acute health effects at high
concentrations, and some are known carcinogens. Low to moderate levels of
multiple VOCs may also produce acute reactions.
Combustion products such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, as well as
respirable particles, can come from unvented kerosene and gas space
heaters, woodstoves, fireplaces and gas stoves. (Carbon Monoxide;
Formaldehyde; Nitrogen Dioxide; Respirable Particles).
3. Chemical contaminants from outdoor sources:
The outdoor air that enters a building can be a source of indoor
air pollution. For example, pollutants from motor vehicle
exhausts; plumbing vents, and building exhausts (e.g.,
bathrooms and kitchens) can enter the building through poorly
located air intake vents, windows, and other openings. In
addition, combustion products can enter a building from a
nearby garage.
4. Biological contaminants: Bacteria, molds, pollen, and viruses
are types of biological contaminants.
These contaminants may breed in stagnant water that has
accumulated in ducts, humidifiers and drain pans, or where
water has collected on ceiling tiles, carpeting, or insulation.
Sometimes insects or bird droppings can be a source of
biological contaminants.
Physical symptoms related to biological contamination include
cough, chest tightness, fever, chills, muscle aches, and allergic
responses such as mucous membrane irritation and upper
respiratory congestion.
These elements may act in combination, and may supplement
other complaints such as inadequate temperature, humidity,
or lighting. Even after a building investigation, however, the
specific causes of the complaints may remain unknown.
Synergism: when 2 or more factors or
processes combine to have a greater
effect than the sum of their separate
effects.
Molds: are simple, microscopic organisms, present virtually everywhere,
indoors and outdoors. (Molds, along with mushrooms and yeasts, are
fungi and are needed to break down dead material and recycle
nutrients in the environment.)
Impact: through inflammation, allergy, or infection. Allergic reactions (often
referred to as hay fever) are most common following mold exposure.
Typical symptoms include:
(1) Respiratory problems, such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, and
shortness of breath
(2) Nasal and sinus congestion
(3) Eye irritation (burning, watery, or reddened eyes)
(4) Dry, hacking cough
(5) Nose or throat irritation
(6) Skin rashes or irritation
(7) Headaches, memory problems, mood swings, nosebleeds, body aches
and pains, and fevers are occasionally reported in mold cases, but their
cause is not understood.
Asbestos (carcinogen)
is the common name for a group of naturally occurring fibrous silicate
minerals that can separate into thin but strong and durable fibers. They
tend to have a thin, needle-like appearance.
When asbestos fibers become airborne, they can be inhaled deep into the
lung. Many fibers deposited in the lung are retained there for long
periods of time, others may be translocated to other parts of the body
(e.g., the lining of the lung and abdomen), and others are completely
cleared, albeit slowly.
The fibers can cause chronic local inflammation and disrupt orderly cell
division, both of which can facilitate the development of asbestosis and
cancer. Thus, inhalation of asbestos fibers can initiate a chain of events
resulting in cancer or other asbestos-related illness, which may not
become apparent for years, even long after the exposure has ended.
Radon
• Radon-222 is a radioactive gas released during the
natural decay of thorium and uranium, which are
common, naturally occurring elements found in
varying amounts in rock and soil.
• Odorless, invisible, and without taste, radon cannot
be detected with the human senses.
• Impact: Lung cancer
Indoor ozone
Ozone-generating devices are being marketed to the public as a
solution to indoor quality problems.
Ozone generators are available in three forms: in-duct units for
central air systems, portable indoor units, and personal units that
are worn on the body.
Independent studies have shown that ozone generators do not
effectively destroy microbes, remove odor sources, or reduce
indoor pollutants enough to provide any health benefits. More
alarming, these devices can generate excessive levels of ozone and
may contribute to eye and nose irritation or other respiratory health
problems for users.
Impact: Moderate levels can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and
lungs.
Organic Gases (Volatile Organic Compounds - VOCs):
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from
certain solids or liquids. Concentrations of many VOCs are
consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors.
VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products numbering in the
thousands. Examples include: paints and lacquers, paint strippers,
cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials and furnishings,
office equipment such as copiers and printers, correction fluids and
carbonless copy paper, graphics and craft materials including glues
and adhesives, permanent markers, and photographic solutions.
Household products including: paints, paint strippers, and other
solvents; wood preservatives; aerosol sprays; cleansers and
disinfectants; moth repellents and air fresheners; stored fuels and
automotive products; hobby supplies; dry-cleaned clothing.
Health Effects
Eye, nose, and throat irritation;
Allergic skin reaction
headaches, fatigue, drizziness, loss of coordination, nausea;
damage to liver, kidney, and central nervous system;
Some organics can cause cancer in animals; some are suspected
or known to cause cancer in humans.
Benzene:(Benziol), is an organic chemical compound and a known
carcinogen with the molecular formula C6H6. It is sometimes
abbreviated Ph–H. Benzene is a colorless and highly flammable liquid
with a sweet smell and a relatively high melting point.
The main indoor sources of this chemical are environmental
tobacco smoke, stored fuels and paint supplies, and automobile
emissions in attached garages.
Actions that will reduce benzene exposure include eliminating
smoking within the home, providing for maximum ventilation
during painting, and discarding paint supplies and special fuels
that will not be used immediately
Formaldehyde (H2CO)
is released into the air by burning wood, kerosene, or natural gas;
automobiles; cigarettes and other tobacco products. It is found in the air
at home, at work, and outdoors, especially in smog. It is also found in
some foods.
is used as a tissue preservative in medical laboratories, and as an
embalming fluid in mortuaries. It is also used as a preservative in some
foods, and as an antibacterial ingredient in cosmetics, household
antiseptics, medicines, dishwashing liquids, fabric softeners, carpet
cleaners, lacquers, and wood products. It is used as a preservative in
some paints, paper coatings, and cosmetics; in the permanent press
coating on fabrics; in carpets; and in some foam insulation materials.
Exposure:
by breathing or absorbing it through your skin; by breathing indoor
or outdoor air that contains it, especially smog; by smoking
cigarettes or other tobacco products; breathing cigarette and
other tobacco smoke; or breathing smoke from gas cookers and
open fireplaces.
You can be exposed to formaldehyde at home if you use unvented
gas or kerosene heaters indoors. You can be exposed by using
household products such as construction materials, latex paints,
fingernail polish, cosmetics, disinfectants, glues, lacquers,
manufactured pressed wood products, fiberglass, new carpets,
permanent press fabrics, paper products, and some cleaners.
Impacts
Is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogenic.
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Exposure to high levels of formaldehyde can cause a build-up of fluid in the
lungs, severe shortness of breath, bronchitis, and rapid heart rate. Continued
exposure can also cause severe allergic reactions of the skin and eyes, skin
allergies and rashes, and asthma-like allergies with coughing, wheezing, chest
tightness, and a drop in body temperature.
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Exposure to low levels of formaldehyde can irritate and burn the eyes, nose,
throat, and skin. In women, exposure can cause menstrual disorders. People
with asthma may be more sensitive to exposure to formaldehyde.
Drinking large amounts of formaldehyde can cause coma and death due to
respiratory failure. Drinking formaldehyde can also cause convulsions, intense
pain in the mouth and stomach, nausea, vomiting, signs of shock, vertigo,
stupor, and diarrhea. Direct contact of the eyes with formaldehyde can cause
permanent eye damage or loss of vision.
Noise pollution
Urban noise: any unwanted, disturbing, or
harmful sound that impair or interferes with
hearing, causes stress, hampers
concentration and work efficiency, or cause
accident.
America’s urban environment may be hearing
far less than they realize, many may develop
hearing loss.
Sources: aircrafts, railroads, motor vehicles, etc.
Decibels (dB): a logarithmic scale of the
pressure exercised by sound waves.
A sound pf 60dB is considered as the beginning
of intrusive noise level. An ear-piercing
motorcycle noise is 90dB.
Distinct diurnal and weekly variations: midnight
to 4am weekdays have lowest noise;
increase to rush-hour level by 9am and stay
constant into the evening hours
Traffic noise decreases rapidly with elevation
above ground.
Shopping center has higher noise levels than
woodland (20dB higher).
Sound pressure units associated with different human
activities
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Normal breathing: 10 dbA
Whisper: 20 dbA
Quiet rural area: 30 dbA
Quit room: 40 dbA
Rainfall: 50 dbA
Normal coversation: 60dbA
Vacuum cleaner: 70dbA
Average factory: 80dbA
Lawn mower: 90dbA
Chain saw: 100dbA
Rock music: 110dbA
Thunderclap (near by) 120dbA
Earphones at loud level: 130dbA
Air raid siren: 140dbA
Boom cars: 140dbA
Military rifle: 150dbA
3 Major Sets of Sources for Indoor Sources
and 5 for Outdoor Sources
Indoor: apartments & houses
office & factory
disco(?), entertainment
Outdoor: transportation
construction, industrial operations
humans-shouting, boombox
miscellaneous (pets, air
conditioners, sirens, garbage can
lids, lawn mowers,
AUDIBLE RANGE
The ear can hear sounds ranging from 20Hz to
20kHz. It is most sensitive to frequencies between
500Hz and 4000Hz, which corresponds almost
exactly to the speech band. Note that this threshold
increases significantly with lower frequencies
Noise not only affects hearing.
It affects other parts of the body and body systems. It is
now known that noise:
Increases blood pressure
Has negative cardiovascular effects such as changing
the way the heart beats
Increases breathing rate
Disturbs digestion
Can cause an upset stomach or ulcer
Can negatively impact a developing fetus, perhaps
contributing to premature birth
Makes it difficult to sleep, even after the noise stops
Intensifies the effects of factors like drugs, alcohol,
aging and carbon monoxide
Noise controls, hearing protection
Changes in machinery, equipment;
Enclosures of sources;
Damping with absorption;
soundproofing
Sound insulation, separation,
barriers
• Protection from noise
• A distance of at least 25 meter from the
center of a roadway to residence;
• One or two rows of dense evergreen
trees should be planted as close to the
road curb as possible
• Then a solid barrier and then further
trees or shrubbery.
Artificial light created by city
• Hinders astronomers from conducting
research and for casual observers to
enjoy the night sky
• Affect some species, endangered sea
turtle (depends on the dark to lay eggs
on beach), migrating birds are lured off
course by the lights of high-rise building
and fatally collide with them.
Electromagnetic fields
• Produced by: electric motors, electric transmission lines
for utilities, and electrical appliances (toasters, electric
blankets, and computers).
• The electriomagnetic fields drops off quickly with distance
from the source, and strength is relatively week (about 1%
of the earth’s magnetic field).
• Impact: controversial and difficult to quantify. It was
believed that increased risk for leukemia, lymphomas, and
nervous-system cancers (children is 1.5 to 3 times more
likely to develop cancer when exposed to them).