Human HealthRisk Factors

3 Categories of Human Health Risks

1. Physical 2. Biological 3. Chemical

Leading Causes of Death in the World

Leading Causes of Death in the World

1. Infectious Diseases 2. 1. 3. 2; 4. 3. 5. 4. 6. 5. 7. 6.

7.

Biological Risks

Infectious diseases- those caused by infectious agents, known as pathogens.

Examples:

4 Types of Pathogens

Viral Bacterial Fungal Parasites (protists)

Biological Risks

Chronic Disease- slowly impairs the functioning of the person’s body

Acute Disease-rapidly impairs the functioning of the person’s body

Leading World Health Risks for Chronic diseases:Comparison of Low-income countries to high-income countries

Low-income High-income

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Changes in Risks over Time

Describe the changes in Risks over time.

Historical Disease:

Common diseases that have been around a long time

Examples: MalariaTuberculosisPlague

Emergent Diseases

Relatively new infectious diseases Examples

AID/HIVEbola Hemorrhagic FeverMad Cow diseaseBird FluWest Nile Virus

Locations of Emergent Diseases

Ebola hemorrhagic fever-highly lethal; no known treatment.

Pathways of Transmitting Pathogens

Pathways of Transmitting Pathogens

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Infectious Diseases have Killed large numbers of people Epidemic: When a pathogen causes a

rapid increase in disease Pandemic: When an epidemic occurs

over a large geographic area.

The Future of Human Health

To combat diseases in Low-income countries Improve nutritionWider availability of clean waterBetter sanitationMore access to vaccinations

The Future of Human Health

In high-income countries health efforts should focus on

Healthier lifestyle choicesMore physical activityBalanced diet-eat less-more fruits and vegetables

Decrease tobacco use

Types of Harmful Chemicals

Neurtotoxins Carcinogens Teratogens Allergens Endocrine Disruptors

Neurotoxins

Chemicals that disrupt the nervous system

Examples: insecticides, lead, mercury

In 1970’s government started requiring reductions of lead in gasoline and paint.

Decline of lead in children over time.

Describe the changes in lead levels in children since 1976.

Carcinogens

Chemicals that cause cancer They cause cell damage and lead to

uncontrolled cell growth. Can cause mutations in DNA of genes that

regulate cell growth. These types are called mutatgens

Common Carcinogens

Asbestos Radon Formaldehyde Chemicals in tobacco

Teratogens

Interfere with normal development of embryos or fetuses. Most famous one was thalidomide

Allergens

Chemicals that cause allergic reactions

Stimulate an immune responseCan cause breathing difficulties and death

Examples: peanuts, chemicals in milk, drugs like penicillin and codeine.

Endocrine disruptors

Chemicals that interfere with the normal functioning of hormones.

Can enter wastewater from farm animals, Can enter wastewater from birth control

pills in residential sewage, and can be pesticides that mimic animal

hormones.

List 4 chemicals of major concern. List one from each type Tell what type it is and what its effect is.

Physical Risk Factors Natural disasters that cause injury and death Excessive exposure to UV radiation from the sun, or

exposure to radioactive substances like radon or spills from Nuclear power plants.

Natural disasters and exposures can be linked. Example Japan earthquake in 2011 and the Fukushima Nuclear Power plant leakage of radioactive coolantBoth UV and radioactivity can cause cancer.

Classification of causes of Diseases Infectious- caused by a biological agent. Congenital- a condition existing at or before birth or

develops within the first month Inherited- caused by a defective gene that is inherited. Trauma-physical injury or deeply distressing or

disturbing incident. Acquired, but not infectious-disease originating after

birth but not infectious

What are the 10 major categories of diseases? 1. Heart lung and other organ diseases. 2. Blood and immune system diseases 3. Cancer 4. Injury 5. Brain and Nervous System

10 major diseases continued 6. Endocrine System Diseases 7. Infectious and parasitic diseases 8. Pregnancy and Childbirth related 9. Inherited diseases 10. Environmentally-acquired diseases