Transcript Pollution and Human Health Notes

Graphic Organizer
• Pollution causes illness in 2 ways
• Direct (poisoning)
• Indirect (Infectious Disease)
• Example: Cholera and River Blindness
• The study of harmful effects of substances on organisms
• Humans are exposed to small amounts of chemicals DAILY
• Dose: Amount of a harmful chemical to which a person is
exposed
• Response: the damage to a person’s health from the dose
• Represented with Dose Response Curves
• The study of the spread of diseases
• Trace a disease to find its origins (Patient Zero)
• Risk Assessment
• Determine risk posed by pollutants
• May lead to government regulation
Air Flow Model
• Occurs naturally in the environment
• Particulates: solid particles in the air that are small enough to
breathe in
• Dust, soot
• May be trapped in the lungs and cause irritation (Chronic bronchitis and
emphysema)
• Heavy Metals (Arsenic, cadmium, lead, & mercury)
• Occur naturally in rocks and soil
• Large amounts may cause nerve damage
• Only 10% of commercial chemicals are tested for toxicity
• U.S. has regulations to reduce pollutant exposure
• Burning fuels
• Release large amounts of air pollution (Carbon monoxide, particulates)
• Pesticides
• Dangerous in large enough doses
• Pose the greatest risk to children (their organs and tissues are still
developing)
• Industrial chemicals
• Exposed to low levels daily (building materials, carpet, furniture, etc.)
• Waste Disposal
• Waste water, waste incineration, landfills, radioactive wastes