Final Flashcards
Mildew:
Decomposes paper, fabric, wood, paint, glue, leather, and anything coated with organic matter
Dark green or black
Persistent in warm, humid climates
Many people are allergic to mildew
Desiccants can be used to control moisture
Dust mites:
Many individuals are allergic to dust mites
feed upon skin cells, carpeting, draperies, bedding, and upholstery
Plastic mattress and pillow covers
Vacuuming helps
clean air ducts
Pollen:
Sources: weeds, trees, and flowers
Broadleaf tree pollen blows easily in wind
Pine pollen less of a problem
Pampas grass, goldenrod, and marigolds produce large amounts of pollen
Windows should be closed for those with pollen allergies
Pet dander:
Pets can bring pollen indoors
Many people are allergic to pet dander
pets can bring fleas and ticks into home
Pathogens can be found in pet saliva, urine, and feces.
Should be groomed and bathed regularly
Molds:
Fungi grow everywhere. Wet dry wall encourages growth. They have a characteristic odor. They are often referred to as microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs). Mold spores can get into the respiratory tract and cause infection to an allergic response.
Mycotoxins: These toxins are found in the most dangerous molds.
They trigger inflammation and an immune response; including:
Fluid accumulation
hyperactive immune responses
tissue scarring, allergic responses
asthmatic attacks and bronchoconstriction.
Types of mold include:
Cladosporium, which is found in plants wood textiles food
Toxic molds:
Aspergillus fumigatus, which is found in decaying vegetation Stachybotrys chartarum: found in gypsum board paper canvas jute. (It has a greenish, black color.)
Allergens:
immune system tolerance varies in individuals
Exposure to some substances create allergic sensitivities and an impaired immune system
Histamine production is an inflammatory response
Asthma is an allergic response with bronchial constriction
Permitted levels of food defects:
- FDA sets Food Defect Action Levels
- FDA approves food additives, sets limits and labeling requirements (since 1958)
FDA sets Food Defect Action Levels
Maximum acceptable level of specific food defects (insect parts, rodent hairs, etc.)
FDA approves food additives, sets limits and labeling requirements (since 1958)
Exempt from approval: substances already considered safe in 1958; substances on GRAS (generally regarded as safe) list
No additive can be approved if shown to cause cancer (Delaney Clause)
The Delaney Clause is a part of the 1958 Food Additives Amendment
(section 409) to the 1954 Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). This clause governs regulation of pesticide residues in processed foods.
Carcinogens VOCs:
-These are chemical pollutants in the form of gasses from solids or liquids at room temperature.
-Volatile organic compounds(VOC)
are used in solvents, disinfectants, pesticides, paint, adhesives, spray cans, room deodorizers, copy machines toners, markers, pens, correction fluid.
-These can remain indoors for as long as 6 months, and cause symptoms such as; headaches, nausea, irritation, damage to liver, kidneys and CNS.
Common VOCs include
Formaldehyde and acetone, benzene:
Acetone:
Used to make plastic, fibers, drugs, and other chemicals. Also used as a solvent for fingernail polish remover and duplicating fluid
Benzene:
A known human carcinogen. ETS, stored fuels, paint, auto emissions. Reduce by not smoking in home and maximum ventilation.
Formaldehyde:
One of the most hazardous compounds to human health plastics, resins, paint, glue, rubber, textiles, explosives, insulation, and building materials. Also in adhesives and photographic chemicals occupational exposure for those working with wood products, solvents, copy machines, and correction fluids.
Nitrogen dioxide:
Released during burning, fermentation, welding, electroplating, and engraving.
Parachlorobenzene:
Used to control moths, molds, mildew, and deodorize restrooms and waste containers. It has a strong odor. It is a known carcinogen. Exposure causes dizziness, headaches, and liver problems
Parachloroethylene:
Used in dry-cleaning fluids and solvents. Causes cancer in animals. Dry cleaning should be aired out before hanging in the closet.
Toluene:
a solvent in paints, fingernail polish, lacquers, adhesives, rubber. Used in some printing and leather tanning processes
Trichloroethylene:
Nonflammable, colorless liquid with a sweet odor a solvent to remove grease from metal. It is an ingredient in adhesives, paint removers, typewriter correction fluids, and spot removers for dry cleaning.
Vinyl Chloride
A mild, sweet odor. Used to make PVC pipe, coating for wire and cables, and packaging materials
Bovine somatotropin:
Bovine somatotropin or bovine somatotropin (abbreviated bST and BST), or bovine growth hormone (BGH), is a peptide hormone produced by cows’ pituitary gland. Like other hormones, it is produced in small quantities and is used in regulating metabolic processes. It promotes milk production.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Office of Emergency and Remedial Response (OERR)
recently entered into an interagency agreement to participate jointly in activities that will ensure vigorous occupational safety and health oversight of Superfund Thermal Destruction Facilities (TDFs).
Portable water:
Drinking water, also known as potable water or improved drinking water, is water that is safe to drink or to use for food preparation, without risk of health problems. Globally, in 2012, 89% of people had access to water suitable for drinking
GMOs
Rationale: increase global food supply
Crops that resist disease, repel pests, ripen faster
Isolate gene for desired characteristic
Using a loop of bacterial DNA, transfer this gene into DNA of another species
