Environmental Health and Toxicology

A group of manufactured chemicals used in non-stick coatings, stain-resistant fabrics, and other products known for their slipperiness and durability.

One of the most widely used PFAS, often found in non-stick cookware.

Another popular member of the PFAS family, known for its use in stain-resistant fabrics and furniture.

The ability of a chemical to cause harm to living organisms.

The study of the adverse effects of chemical, physical, and biological agents on living organisms and the ecosystems.

A process involving assessing the potential risks associated with exposure to a chemical substance, considering its toxicity and the likelihood of exposure.

The process of developing policies and regulations to protect public health from environmental hazards, including chemicals.

The amount of a substance present in a given volume or weight. Often expressed as parts per billion (ppb).

The process of proving that a chemical is harmful to human health or the environment.

A law that gives the EPA authority to regulate chemicals that pose a risk to human health or the environment.

The exposure of a living organism to a substance over a long period of time.

A range of interconnected issues related to human health and the environment.

Finding new ways to create a product or process that has lower toxicity or environmental impact.

The potential for a substance to persist in the environment for long periods.

A worldwide outbreak of a disease, often caused by a virus or bacteria. Pandemics can spread quickly and have devastating consequences for human populations.

Disease-causing organisms, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. These pathogens can infect humans and spread through various means, causing illness.

A specific type of pathogen that only affects one person and doesn't spread to others. It's an individual infection and doesn't cause an epidemic.

Communicable diseases are illnesses that can be spread from person to person or through contact with contaminated objects or environments.

This refers to diseases that tend to exist in a particular region or population more commonly than others, often due to environmental factors or lack of healthcare access.

A measure of the burden of disease, combining years of life lost due to premature death and years lived with disability.

The relative ranking of diseases based on their impact on populations, measured by DALYs.

A shift in the main causes of disease in a population, where formerly prevalent diseases like infectious illnesses decrease, while chronic health issues become more common.

Illnesses that develop over a long period and are often associated with aging and lifestyle factors.

A significant change in lifestyle choices, often influenced by Western culture, leading to the adoption of habits and diets from wealthier regions.

A decline in mortality rates due to advances in healthcare, sanitation, and living conditions.

The conditions leading to an increase in chronic disorders, including aging, unhealthy diets, and sedentary lifestyles.

A significant change in the disease burden ranking where chronic disorders associated with aging and lifestyle choices become more prominent.

The adoption of lifestyle choices common in wealthier nations, leading to changes in health outcomes in lower-income regions.

The shift in global disease burden from primarily infectious diseases to chronic conditions, like cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes.

Conditions that persist for a long duration and often require ongoing management, such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis.

A measure of the impact of a disease or health condition on a population, taking into account both mortality and disability.

The state of lacking sufficient nutrients for optimal health, impacting growth, development, and overall well-being.

The process of reducing the prevalence and impact of infectious diseases through various interventions like vaccinations, sanitation, and treatments.

Disruptions in the normal functioning of the body's immune system, making a person more susceptible to infections.

A type of chronic respiratory disease characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to shortness of breath and wheezing.

Infections caused by microorganisms that are easily spread from person to person, often due to inadequate hygiene, sanitation, or access to clean water.

Conditions related to the heart and blood vessels, comprising cardiovascular disease, stroke, and other circulatory issues.

A chronic condition affecting the kidneys' ability to filter waste products from the blood, leading to fluid buildup and complications.