Exam4

Question 1

Human exposure to environmental hazards

Answer 1

• chemical agents
• electromagnetic radiation
• ionizing radiation
• heavy metals
• air pollution
• temperature increase from global warming

Question 2

Health effects attributed to environmental exposure

Answer 2

• cancer
• infertility
• reproductive impact
• infectious disease such as malaria

Question 3

Difference between ionizing and non ionizing

Answer 3

Non Ionizing: infrared,low frequency, ex.radio,microwave

ionizing: ultraviolet, x-Ray, gamma rays

Question 4

Healthy worker effect

Answer 4

Observation that employed populations tend to have a lower mortality experience than the general population

The healthy worker effect may reduce the measure of effect for an exposure that increases morbidity or mortality

Question 5

Threshold

Answer 5

The lowest dose at which a particular response may occur

Question 6

Latency

Answer 6

The time period between initial exposure and a measurable response

Latency can range from seconds (acute toxic agents) to years (mesothelioma)

The long latency of health events in environmental research makes the detection of hazards difficult

Question 7

Synergism

Answer 7

Refers to a situation in which the combined effect of several exposures is greater than the sum of the individual effects.

Question 8

Types of agents found in the environment

Answer 8

Chemical agents. Metallic compounds. Electric and magnetic fields. Ionizing radiation. Allergens and molds. Dusts. Physical and mechanical energy

Question 9

Chemical agents found in homes

Answer 9

Cleaning agents
Automotive chemicals
Paints
Pesticides 
Asbestos

Question 10

Mercury

Answer 10

Used in treatment of syphilis, as an agricultural fungicide and in dental amalgams

Responsible for Minamata disease, which occurred in the mid-1950’s in Minamata Bay Japan
-a neurological condition linked to the consumption of fish contaminated with mercury

Question 11

Lead

Answer 11

Associated with serious central nervous system effects even at low levels

Has adverse effects on intelligence, behavior, and development

Between 1988/2003 percentage of children with elevated blood levels declined steeply

Question 12

Radon

Answer 12

Primarily due to alpha-particles. The main danger is increased risk of lung cancer

Question 13

Polonium 210

Answer 13

210 PO is a radioactive extremely rare semi-metal. is an alpha emitter that has a half-life of 138.376 days and only dangerous when it gets in the body. 50-90% exits in feces 45% gets ingested into the spleen kidneys and liver while 10%to bone marrow. Looks like end stage of cancer. Once used in textile mills

Question 14

Anaphylaxis

Answer 14

A severe whole body allergic reaction to a chemical that has become an allergen

Question 15

Allergens

Answer 15

Is a substance that can cause an allergic reaction

Question 16

The regulatory agency over industrial chemicals

Answer 16

NIOSH

National institute for occupation safety and health

Question 17

Ozone

Answer 17

At ground level and is earths lower atmosphere. Is formed when pollutants emitted by cars,power plants, industrial boilers, refineries and other sources chemically react in presence of sunlight

Question 18

ETS environmental tobacco smoke

Answer 18

Non smokers who work in a smoking environment have reduced pulmonary function compared to those in smoke free environments

ETS causes 3000 lung cancer deaths annually among non smokers

ETS is associated with children’s bronchitis pneumonia and asthma

Question 19

EPA

Answer 19

Regulates water and particles of concern

Question 20

Social epidemiology

Answer 20

Concerned with the influence of a persons position in the social structure upon the development of disease

The branch of epidemiology that studies the social distribution and social determinants of states of health

Question 21

Behavior epidemiology

Answer 21

Studies the role of behavioral factors in health

Examples would be smoking

Question 22

Psychological epidemiology

Answer 22

Broadly conceptualized term that includes psychological, behavioral and social factors

Relevant to mental health states eg. Grief and depression

Relevant to physical health states eg. Chronic diseases

Question 23

Types of variables

Answer 23

Independent (analogous to an exposure variable) a causal factor in a model

Intervening-intermediate variables in the causal pathway between the independent and outcome variables

Dependent-variable affected by an independent variable (analogous to an outcome variable)

Question 24

Social context of health

Answer 24

The social environment contributes to the regulation of psychosocial influences upon health

Question 25

10 leading life changing events

Answer 25

Death,divorce, marriage separation, jail term, death of close relative, injury/illness, marriage, fired from job, marriage reconciliation, retirement

Question 26

Social support

Answer 26

Refers to perceived emotional support that one receives from social relationships Operates as mediator--buffers against stress May enhance immune system Lack of social support may contribute to onset and severity of psychological stress

Question 27

Social network ties

Answer 27

Quantitative concept that refers to the number of ties that one has with other people and organizations May serve to lessen the adverse psychologic consequences of stress and reduce levels of depression Ex:martial status is related to the types of social network ties maintained. Married older couples have more contact with family members and have more emotional support

Question 28

Healthy people 2020

Answer 28

A comprehensive set of disease prevention and health promotion objectives for the nation Major goals: increase quality of years of healthy life& eliminate health disparities

Question 29

Environmental epidemiology

Answer 29

The study of disease and conditions (occurring in the population) that are linked to environmental factors