Environmental Hazards Overview

What are examples of chemical hazards mentioned in the text?

Which type of hazard is associated with stress, boredom, and lack of recognition for one's work?

How are sociological and psychological hazards described in the text?

Which hazard is linked to repetitive movement and poorly designed equipment?

What can happen if you inhale dust according to the text?

Which category of environmental hazard do bacteria, viruses, and spores/fungi belong to?

What type of hazard is caused by vibration, radiation, and noise?

Which of the following is an example of a biological hazard?

Which environmental hazard category includes elements like temperature and electricity?

What makes mosquitoes a biological hazard according to the text?

Hazards

Hazards are physical, chemical, biological, or psychosocial substances or situations that can cause adverse health effects or discomfort.
Hazards can be natural or human-made (anthropogenic).

Categories of Environmental Hazards

Physical Hazards

Examples: Vibration, Radiation, Noise, Unsatisfactory lighting, Temperature, Electricity, etc.
Noise is a physical hazard that can affect health.
Poor lighting can impair vision.
High temperature can cause health problems.

Biological Hazards

Examples: Some plants, animals (insects, rodents, wild stock, wild animals), microbiological agents (bacteria, viruses, spores/fungi), and allergens.
Malaria fever is a biological hazard caused by Plasmodium, transmitted through mosquitoes (vector).

Chemical Hazards

Examples: Poisons, toxic metals (Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg)), toxins, allergens, irritants (dusts, asbestos, silica), pesticides, etc.

Psychological Hazards

Examples: Stress, boredom, discomfort, lack of recognition for one's work, repetitive tasks, low pay, etc.
Stress affects the brain and overall human well-being, leading to discomfort and depression.

Sociological Hazards

Examples: Overcrowding, poor housing, etc.
Sociological and psychological hazards are interwoven, often referred to as psychosociological hazards.

Mechanical Hazards

Examples: Repetitive movement, poorly designed equipment, heavy (improper) lifting, etc.
Using poorly designed equipment or sitting on a poorly designed chair for long periods can affect health.

Learn about environmental hazards - a group of toxic agents in the environment from human activities or natural processes. Discover their impact on the health of exposed individuals and the difference between natural and human-made hazards.