An introduction to the geography of health：对健康的地理介绍.pptx

Photo by Heike Alberts (2006) Non-living Agents of Disease Geogens are non-living agents of disease. People are exposed to geogens through the air they breathe, the food and water they ingest, and other substances e into contact with. 2 Anthamatten and Hazen Chapter 4 What naturally-occurring substances can you think of that might harm human health? Although many people think of synthetic (human-made) compounds as most dangerous to health, naturally-occurring substances can also cause health problems. Photo by Helen Hazen Naturally-occurring Geogens 3 Anthamatten and Hazen Chapter 4 Naturally-occurring geogens include: ? Lead ? Radon ? Smoke from wood fires ? Volcanic gases ? Heavy metals in water Photo by Helen Hazen 4 Anthamatten and Hazen Chapter 4 Naturally-occurring arsenic in groundwater in Bangladesh has caused what is sometimes referred to as the “ greatest episode of mass poisoning in history. ” As many as 80 million people are at risk from poisoning (WHO 2001). Arsenic in Bangladesh Women gathering water from munal well in southern Bangladesh. Image Source: CDC / Michael Schwarz, 1975 5 Anthamatten and Hazen Chapter 4 What are some of the challenges in determining the impacts of pollutants on human health? Pollution A pollutant is a substance that contaminates water, air, or soil because it is found at higher concentrations than would be expected to occur naturally. Determining the health impacts of pollutants is difficult, but it is clear that pollution contributes significantly to the global health burden. 6 Anthamatten and Hazen Chapter 4 Data Source: ESA 2002 Describe the patterns you see on this map. What factors appear to be associated with high levels of air pollution? This map shows air pollution as measured by satellites in 2002. Darker shades of red represent higher levels of pollution. Air Pollution 7 Anthamatten and Hazen Chapter 4 Pollutant Human Health Impacts Ozone airway irritation, coughing, aggravated