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Environmental factors that affect development - Coggle Diagram
Environmental factors that affect development
Exposure to pollution
Environment may contain chemicals from vehicle exhaust systems and industrial emissions
Air and water pollution can influence development
Household pollutants include mould and some cleaning products emit poisonous gases
Contribute to illnesses such as asthma and respiratory problems
Respiratory disorders
Can affect nerves and muscles used for breathing and have an effect on the lining of air passages
Tobacco smoke, combustion products and air pollution
Examples of issues include
Lung cancer
Sore throat
Runny nose
Pneumonia
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Cardiovascular problems
Recent study: environmental pollution is linked to increased illness and death
Risk factors include
Air pollution
Increased risk of thrombosis and raised blood pressure, during pregnancy this may lead to the baby having congenital heart defects and cardiovascular disease in later life
Smoking tobacco
Leads to changes in the lining of the heart and blood vessels – causing clots (thrombosis) which may cause a heart attack
Can also cause allergies
Allergies
Chronic conditions which are a response to the environment
Caused by irritants such as dust or pollen cause the immune system to overreact e.g. fever or asthma
Some are seasonal e.g. hay fever which causes
Flu-like symptoms
Sneezing
Watery eyes
Runny nose
Asthma can be mild or life-threatening, it causes difficulty breathing as the airways (bronchi and bronchioles) become inflamed and constricted (narrowed). Can be relieved by an inhaler which widen the airways
On average 3 people a day die from asthma
Motor vehicles produce a range of pollutants including
Volatile organic compounds
Particulate matter
Nitrogen oxides
Carbon monoxide
Power stations are burning less coal which means they contribute to a fall in sulfur dioxide pollution
Improved vehicle technology e.g. catalytic converters causing a reduction in air pollution
Nitrogen oxide levels fell by 46% between 1990 and 2006
Diesel vehicles emit 4 time the toxic pollution than a bus
Poor housing conditions
Overcrowding could lead to difficulty accessing facilities
2011 survey: 4.5 million household in the UK living in fuel poverty
Associated with poor health and quality of life
Cold damp homes can lead to mould and structural defects
Respiratory disorders
More than a million children live in overcrowding (2012)
Overcrowding, lack of heating and poor ventilation can lead to mould and damp and respiratory problems and risk of getting meningitis
Cardiovascular problems
Overcrowded home for a long period can lead to issues with their growth rate ad increased risk of heart disease when they are older especially more vulnerable people
High blood pressure can cause damage to the artery walls and increase risk of blood clots and strokes as well as lack of exercise and healthy diet
Other factors associated with poor living conditions
Poor diet
Drinking
Smoking
Unhealthy lifestyle
Healthy processed foods and high sugar, salt and saturated fats intake
Lack of green spaces in low income areas – no access to exercise
Anxiety + depression
May disturb sleeping patterns
Many children living in overcrowding experience mental health issues
Poor quality housing can cause stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health issues
Hypothermia
Cold home = homelessness lead to this
In the winter the elderly spend most time at home, without heating they are more at risk to die
A link has been found between loneliness and hypothermia
Low-income families can't afford heating