Environmental factors

• What are environmental factors?

  • Exposure to pollution
  • Poor housing conditions
  • Access to health and social care services that affect development.
• What are the types of pollution?


  Air, water, light pollution can affect development and cause ill health.

  Environment may cause chemicals from vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions.

  Household pollutants include mould and some cleaning products emit poisonous gases.

  People who live near busy roads are more likely to be exposed to pollution.
• What health problems do pollutants cause?


  Respiratory disorders - runny nose, sore throat, asthma attacks, bacterial pneumonia, COPD and lung cancer as the toxins affect the nerves and muscles used to breathing.

  Cardiovascular problems - tobacco smoke and exposure to other chemicals that cause air pollution are linked to changes in the lining of the heart and blood vessels causing clots + high blood pressure with may lead to a heart attack.

  Allergies - caused by irritants such as dust or pollen causing immune system to overreact.
• How do homes/living conditions affect development?


  Living in poor households with poor heating, lack of ventilation causes damp + mould which increases the risk of respiratory + cardiovascular disease, as well as anxiety + depression. Can cause stress.

  Home with structural defects has risks of accidents + illness.

  More likely to be overcrowded so increases the risk of illness being spread easily. As well as thing limit access to washing, cooking and cleaning facilities. Indoor air pollution, drying clothes indoors + bad ventilation can be associated with respiratory disorders.
• How do living conditions affect development?


  Living in poor households with poor heating, lack of ventilation causes damp + mould - respiratory, cardiovascular disease, anxiety + depression.

  Structural defects - risks of accidents + illness.

  Lack of green spaces - not able to take part in physical activity. Unhealthy lifestyles - smoking, drinking + poor diet.

  Ready made meals - high in sugar, salt + saturated fats = lager calorie intake.
• How does overcrowded houses affect development?

  Overcrowded houses cause risk of illnesses being spread, harder to wash, cook and clean.

  Indoor air pollution, drying clothes indoors, bad ventilation - respiratory disorders.
• What is hypothermia and who is at risk of it?


  Families and individuals on low income, elderly - many people over the age of 65 spend more time at home + poor heating + lack of insulation have been linked to a rise in winter deaths.

  Warning signs: confusion, shivering, difficulty speaking, sleepiness, stiff muscles.
• Access to health care services that affect development 


  Local authorities need to improve services for people who do not usually use health and social care services.

  Barriers include: transport, opening times, cultural barriers, language barriers and homeless/travelling families.