Common Core Standard 9.PCH.1.1 Recognize that individuals have some control over risks for communicable and chronic diseases. 9.PCH.1.4 Design strategies for reducing risks for chronic diseases.

Think about it… Could the environment around me contribute to acquiring a chronic disease?

Some Diseases Influenced or Caused by Environment  Asthma  Allergies  Various Cancers  Obesity  Immune Deficiency Diseases  Kidney Disease  Lead Poisoning  Mercury Poisoning

Asthma  Asthma is a disease that makes it difficult to breathe.  Causes episodes of wheezing, tightness in the chest, coughing, etc.  Attacks are triggered by many environmental factors: dust, mold, fumes, etc.

Allergies  Allergies are caused by many of the same things. Dust, pet dander, mold, certain things in foods, etc.  Allergic reactions can range from minor things like nasal congestion to more serious things like anaphylaxis.  Anaphylaxis involves swelling, hives, and closing of airway. Can result in death if medical attention is not given.

Cancer  Smoking or Second Hand Smoke – 40 Chemicals in smoke cause cancer.  Skin Cancer- Skin exposure to ultraviolet radiation in sunlight  Sexually Transmitted Diseases- closely linked to cervical cancer in women.  Diet - especially fatty foods and alcoholic beverages, also are linked to cancer.

Chemicals  Kidney Diseases, Immune Deficiency Diseases, and various cancers can be caused by environmental agents.  If soil, air, or drinking water are contaminated and a person is exposed to them constantly (such as living in an area or working in an area with these contaminants) they can develop a disease like one mentioned above.

Obesity  The area you live in can contribute to obesity.  If a person lives in an area where it is hard to find places to exercise, chances of obesity go up.  One example is lack of sidewalks. If it is dangerous to go for a walk because there is no safe place to do so, a person will likely choose not to go for a walk.

Heavy Metal Poisoning  Lead can be inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through skin. Eating paint chips was a common cause in the past for young children. Now some toys have lead- containing paint.  Lead poisoning can cause anemia, decreased bone and muscle growth, damage to kidneys, mental delays and damage to brain and nervous system.  Mercury is largely put into the air by burning coal, it ends up in water and accumulates in fish and fish eating animals.  Chronic mercury poisoning causes damage to organs and brain. Causes neurological problems and blindness in some cases.

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