Unit 3 Dangers are around us.

adverse health effects

intracellular

exposure

inhalation

sump

plumbing system

несприятливі наслідки для здоров’я

внутрішньоклітинний

незахищеність

вдихання

відстійник

водопровідно-каналізаційна система

Introduction

The environment in which we live can be considered as having three fundamental sets of components:

• Physical [energy of one form or another]

• Chemical [matter i.e. substances whether natural or man-made]

• Biological [living things].

Hazards can present themselves to us in various media e.g. air, water. The influence they can exert on our health is very complex and may be modulated by our genetic makeup, psychological factors and by our perceptions of the risks that they present.

Physical Hazards and their Adverse Health Effects

Important issues concerning physical hazards include those relating to health effects of electromagnetic radiation and ionising radiation. If one excludes the occupational environment, then noise and other physical hazards may present a nuisance to many inhabitants.

Electromagnetic radiation ranges from low frequency, relatively low energy, radiation such as radio and microwaves through to infra red, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays and gamma rays. These last as well as other forms of radioactivity such as high energy subatomic particles (e.g. electrons - Beta rays) can cause intracellular ionisation and are therefore called ionising radiation.

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation carries an increased risk of skin cancer such as melanoma, and of cataracts. Some pollutants such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) used as refrigerants or in aerosol propellants or in the manufacture of certain plastics can damage the "ozone layer" in the higher atmosphere (stratosphere) and thus allow more UV light to reach us, and harm us directly.

Chemical Hazards and their Adverse Health Effects

Chemicals affect our everyday lives. They are used to produce almost everything we use, from paper and plastics to medicines and food to gasoline, steel, and electronic equipment. More than 70,000 chemicals are used regularly around the world. Some occur naturally in the earth or atmosphere, others are synthetic, or human-made.

When we use and dispose of them properly, they may enhance our quality of life. But when we use or dispose of them improperly, they can have harmful effects on humans, plants, and animals. Water can be an important source of chemical hazards.

What is hazardous waste?

Even when used properly, many chemicals can still harm human health and the environment. When these hazardous substances are thrown away, they become hazardous waste. Hazardous waste is most often a by-product of a manufacturing process - material left after products are made.

Some hazardous wastes come from our homes: our garbage can include such hazardous wastes as old batteries, bug spray cans, and paint thinner. Regardless of the source, unless we dispose of hazardous waste properly, it can create health risks for people and damage the environment.