5 Environmental Health Free Online FlashCards

What does environmental health examine?

Environmental health examines how conditions where people live, work, learn, and play affect health.

What are the three broad types of environmental hazards?

Environmental hazards may be chemical, physical, or biological. Examples include lead, heat, and disease-causing organisms.

How does a hazard differ from exposure?

A hazard has the potential to cause harm; exposure occurs when a person comes into contact with it.

What are three common routes of environmental exposure?

A person may breathe a contaminant, swallow it in water or food, or absorb it through the skin.

What elements make up an exposure pathway?

Trace the source, environmental movement, point of contact, route into the body, and exposed population.

How might lead paint in a deteriorating home expose a child?

Deteriorating lead paint can create dust that settles on floors; a child may swallow it while playing.

What factors influence the health effects of an exposure?

Effects depend on factors such as toxicity, dose, route, exposure frequency and duration, and individual susceptibility.

What does hazard identification determine?

Hazard identification determines whether an agent can cause adverse health effects.

What does dose–response assessment examine?

Dose–response assessment examines how the likelihood or severity of an effect changes with the amount of exposure.

What does exposure assessment establish?

Exposure assessment identifies who may be exposed, by which routes, and at what levels, frequency, and duration.

What does risk characterization communicate?

Risk characterization combines evidence to describe the nature and magnitude of potential risk, including assumptions and uncertainties.

How does risk management differ from risk assessment?

Risk assessment estimates the likelihood and potential severity of harm; risk management selects actions while considering evidence, feasibility, costs, and community priorities.