alcohol and other carcinogens Flashcards
(13 cards)
Define a carcinogen?
-A carcinogen is any substance or agent that can cause cancer.
-It causes damage or mutations in DNA, leading to uncontrolled cell growth.
Name the four different carcinogen?
-tar from cigarette smoke
-sunlight,
-X‑rays,
-alcohol.
Suggest reason for an increase in alcohol-related deaths?
-drinking more socially acceptable and therefore more common,
-cost of alcohol lower/incomes higher,
-younger people drinking,
-people drinking more at a time (binge drinking),
-more people addicted to alcohol.
Explain why you think alcohol remains a legal drug when it causes so many deaths?
- very popular,
- generates revenue for government,
- hard to change legal status after so many years,
- prohibition tried and failed (led to criminal activity).
Alcohol can damage the liver and cause …………..
cirrhosis and liver cancer
What are sources of ionising radiation?
-ultraviolet light from the sun
-radioactive material found in the soil, water and air
-medical and dental x-rays
-accidents in nuclear power generation
why is drinking alcohol dangerous whilst pregnant?
Alcohol passes from the mother’s blood into the baby’s bloodstream.
It can damage the baby’s developing organs and brain.
Increases risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight.
Can cause Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), leading to physical and learning difficulties.
how does alcohol affect behaviour
-Lowers inhibitions, leading to risk-taking and poor decisions.
-Can cause slurred speech, impaired judgment, and loss of self-control.
-Increases the risk of accidents and injuries.
how does alcohol affect the body
-Alcohol is a toxin that can damage the liver (e.g., cirrhosis) and stomach lining.
-It reduces the body’s ability to absorb nutrients.
-Can cause dehydration and affect heart rate and blood pressure.
how does alcohol affect the brain
-Alcohol slows down the central nervous system, affecting coordination and reaction time.
-Impairs memory, decision-making, and concentration.
-Can cause mood changes like depression or aggression.
- long term drinking can cause brian damage
why is ionising radiation dangerous
-Ionising radiation has enough energy to remove electrons from atoms, creating ions.
-This can damage or mutate DNA in cells.
-DNA damage can lead to cancer or cell death.
-It can also harm healthy cells and tissues.
brain damage
-Alcohol slows down the brain’s communication pathways.
-Can cause problems with memory, coordination, and decision-making.
-Long-term heavy drinking may lead to permanent brain damage and mental health issues.
-Can cause shrinkage of brain tissue.
liver damage
-The liver breaks down alcohol, but too much can overwhelm it.
-Causes fatty liver, hepatitis (inflammation), and cirrhosis (scarring).
-Cirrhosis reduces liver function and can be fatal if untreated.
-Liver damage affects the body’s ability to remove toxins and process nutrients.
