Chapter 17: Problem 3

What are four categories of human environmental hazards? Give examples of each.

Short Answer

Expert verified

The four categories of human environmental hazards are Chemical hazards (like lead in paint), Physical hazards (like earthquakes), Biological/Infectious hazards (like mosquito-borne diseases), and Cultural/Lifestyle hazards (like risks associated with smoking).

Step by step solution

Identifying the Four Categories

The universally accepted categories of human environmental hazards are Chemical, Physical, Biological/Infectious, and Cultural/Lifestyle.

Providing Examples for Chemical Hazards

Chemical hazards are harmful chemicals in the environment which may cause health risks. Examples include lead in paint or water, carbon monoxide emanating from cars, and pesticides used in farming.

Providing Examples for Physical Hazards

Physical hazards are natural disasters. Examples include earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, tornados, fires, and volcanic eruptions.

Providing Examples for Biological / Infectious Hazards

Biological or infectious hazards are those coming from the ecosystem that can harm human health. Examples include mosquito-borne diseases like malaria, food-borne illnesses like E.coli or salmonella, and airborne diseases like COVID-19.

Providing Examples for Cultural / Lifestyle Hazards

Cultural or lifestyle hazards are linked to social and economical habits which might bring health risks to an individual or to a society. Examples range from risks associated with smoking and alcohol (personal risks), to poverty and lack of access to education (societal risks).

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What are four categories of human environmental hazards? Give examples of each.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Identifying the Four Categories

Providing Examples for Chemical Hazards

Providing Examples for Physical Hazards

Providing Examples for Biological / Infectious Hazards

Providing Examples for Cultural / Lifestyle Hazards

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