preventative measures for environmental risks

Question 1

define what an environmental risk is

Answer 1

all the physical, chemical and biological factors external to a person and all related behaviours but excluding those natural environments that cannot be modified

Question 2

give five examples of environmental risks

Answer 2

pollution 
uv and ionising radiation 
occupational risks
climate change 
built environment 
noise 
sanitation

Question 3

environmental risks predominantly affect…

Answer 3

low income countries

Question 4

why is smoking not an environmental risk but second-hand smoking is

Answer 4

smoking is not an environmental risk because it is not outside of ones control whereas second hand smoke is

Question 5

what health problems does second hand smoking increase

Answer 5

increased risk of still birth and low brith rate

lung cancer

Question 6

what are interventions put in place to reduce the risk of second-hand smoke. What is a significant problem when implementing these interventions?

Answer 6

• indoor smoke-free legislation
• no smoking in vehicles

problem: most of second hand smoke occurs in the hones which is difficult to regulate

Question 7

What health problems does air pollution increase, what interventions are in place to reduce this.

Answer 7

• increased risk of preterm birth, low birth weight and infant mortality
• lung cancer and ischaemic heart disease

interventions

• speed limit changes
• low emission zones
• promote electric car use
• compulsory vehicle standards
• fuel taxation
• industry regulation

Question 8

What health problems does household air pollution increase, what interventions are in place to reduce this.

Answer 8

• a risk factor for stillbirth and low birth weight
• increased risk of lung cancer

interventions:

• improved cookstoves which use biomass instead of coal or wood
• improving kitchen ventilation
• promote use of ‘clean’ fuels
• ban on wood or coal burning in the home
• education: moving cooking outside or not cooking around vulnerable people

Question 9

What is radon exposure? What health problems does radon exposure increase, what interventions are in place to reduce this.

Answer 9

radon is a colourless, odourless radioactive NATURAL gas.

increases risk of lung cancer

interventions:
1. under food ventilation which can be natural or active.

• natural: space left under room
• active: fan to blow air away

2. radon sump: a void under a building which collects ground gas

Question 10

when is ionising radiation used? What health problems does ionising radiation increase, what interventions are in place to reduce this.

Answer 10

it is used during medical imaging (CT, X-rays) multiple scans can increase risk of breast/brain cancer and leukaemia

interventions:

• the rationalised use of medical imaging
• use minimum dose
• use non-radiation imaging (MRI, ultrasound)
• PPE for the workers
• workers wear a dosimeter to monitor radiation exposure over time

Question 11

What health problems does UV exposure increase, what interventions are in place to reduce this.

Answer 11

melanoma and basal and squamous cell carcinoma

interventions

• education of risk of sun exposure, using sunscreen, wear protective clothing
• reduce indoor tanning (age limits, taxation, advertising bans)

Question 12

What health problems does chemical exposure increase (specifically asbestos), what interventions are in place to reduce this.

Answer 12

generally, chemical exposure can increase liver bladder cancer and lymphoma and leukaemia.

asbestos: mesothelioma and lung cancer

interventions:

• PPE
• legislation. REACH controls production, import and use of industrial chemicals in the EU
• substitution of carcinogenic substances with less dangerous ones

Question 13

Why does occupational stress occur? What health problems does occupational stress increase, what interventions are in place to reduce this.

Answer 13

occurs when high demand and low control in the work place, is exacerbated by poor social networks, job insecurity, poor work/life balance

can cause: depression, anxiety, PTSD (firemen, policemen, pramedics)

intervention:

• mindfulmmess
• stress reduction
• flexible working
• paid sick/annual leave

Question 14

What health problems does noise exposure increase, what interventions are in place to reduce this.

Answer 14

hearing loss

interventions

• engineering sound proof barriers
• administration: limiting time spent in the noisy environment
• PPE
• noise monitoring and awareness training
• audiometric testing

Question 15

other interventions to protect the living environment

Answer 15

• pedestrianised areas
• increased green space
• encouraging walking and cycling
• traffic calming measures