10 Questions
What are examples of chemical hazards mentioned in the text?
Inhaling dust and pesticides
Which type of hazard is associated with stress, boredom, and lack of recognition for one's work?
Psychological hazards
How are sociological and psychological hazards described in the text?
Interwoven and related
Which hazard is linked to repetitive movement and poorly designed equipment?
Mechanical hazards
What can happen if you inhale dust according to the text?
Chemical hazard
Which category of environmental hazard do bacteria, viruses, and spores/fungi belong to?
Biological
What type of hazard is caused by vibration, radiation, and noise?
Physical
Which of the following is an example of a biological hazard?
Plasmodium, the cause of malaria fever
Which environmental hazard category includes elements like temperature and electricity?
Physical
What makes mosquitoes a biological hazard according to the text?
Plasmodium is a vector carried by mosquitoes.
Study Notes
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.
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