Factors Affecting Health & Well-Being

Environmental Factors

Environmental Factors Impact of Geographical Location

Services are not distributed evenly throughout the country, and this is particularly true and children services. Although most areas have the same provision, the number of GP's for example varies enormously across regions This is called postcode lottery Private organisations are free to choose where they practice and are therefore under no obligation to provide a particular type of service where there is a need.

People living in rural areas often have difficulty accessing services because of the Geographical location; this is particularly the case, where they rely on public transport. Public transport tends to be more easily available, with more frequent services in areas with high density populations. Hospital and out patient appointments can be difficult to reach if the patient lives in a rural area.

Physical Implications of Living in a Geographical Location

Pollution Physical assault (high crime areas) Respiratory illnesses May not get treatment (in result of illnesses deteriorating) Some clients won't seek help (condition may be left untreated) Lack of sleep (caused by noise pollution) Tired/exhausted (due to travelling)

Psychological Implications of Living In a Geographical Location

Feel isolated, frustrated (not being able to get access, attend appointments) Self-esteem (problems not being resolved) Feel angry (can't access particular services you need, leading to stress) Fear (needing urgent help/advice such as heart problems)

Social Implications of Living In a Geographical Location

Less money to go out (because they have spent it all on transport) Less quality time with family/friends (may not be able to afford the journey/journey may be tiring) Might lose/make friends (as a result of lack of contact/may be others around them in the same condition) May withdraw themselves from society because of e.g. long distance Social stigma (because of their location) Rural areas more opportunity for leisure activities.

Pollution

Pollution can be said to have occurred when the environment is negatively affected in some way. It arises in many ways, from air pollution to land, water and aesthetic (visual) pollution. Many of these forms of pollution have the potential to effect long term damage on both the environment and human health and well-being on a global and national scale. It is argued that pollution should be monitored and measured to allow action to be taken to reduce the amount of all kinds of pollution.

Types of Pollution

Noise Air Land Water Aesthetic (visual)

Water Pollution

Water pollution can occur by * Sewage * Fertilisers on agricultural land * Pesticides on agricultural land and forests run into the rivers etc. when it rains)

(which

Nitrates from fertilisers (farming) convert into nitrates IN the body there is a link between nitrates and cancer. Dangerous to everyone but mainly children, bottle fed babies & pregnant women. Pesticides (farming) may be contribution to breast cancer. There is also a link with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.

Chemical (various) Chemical discharges can be carcinogenic (build up of toxins in the body) can increase the risk of cancers. Bacteria such as camphylo bacteria can cause gastroenteritis and diarrhoea.

Air Pollution

Air pollution is what we say to describe ALL bad gases in the air that we breathe and that are dangerous for us. A lot of the things that make our lives more comfortable such as cars, electricity and heating create bad gases which make the air dirty. The problem of air pollution started with the burning of coal in homes in factories. Dirty air is also called polluted air. Air in the city tends to smell different from the air in the country this is because the exhausts from vehicles give off fumes or gases (which can poison you).

The car exhausts eject a lot of bad gases, which create air pollution. These gases can be very dangerous for children. Although the fuels are becoming cleaner it will not be making that much difference because there are more and more cars. There is less air pollution from coal, but today's modern world still creates air pollution. Today air pollution has not really fallen because new bad gases are released in the air and there are lots of them. A lot of air pollution is the main cause of ACID RAIN.

Bad Gases - Carbon monoxide

Gases from vehicles Carbon monoxide is a gas that pollutes the air, and is mainly released by cars and other vehicles. It has no colour or smell. Health impacts * Can cause drowsiness by reducing oxygen carrying capacity of blood. * Worsen angina * Possibly causes cancers * Impairs thinking

Bad Gases Nitrogen Oxide

Nitrogen oxides are emitted from vehicles like cars and trucks During rush hour periods a lot more is released in the air Nitrogen oxide's are also emitted from power stations these gases also make acid rain. Health Impacts * Aggravate asthma symptoms * Increase the bodies susceptibility and viral infection * Reduction lung function can cause eye and throat infection.

Bad Gases - Hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons are produced when petrol is not fully burnt. They are the cause of modern-day smog. Health Impacts Similar to nitrogen oxide.

Bad Gases - Particulates

Particulates are very small particles, like soot, dust and fumes that are released in the air They are caused by vehicles, factories and smoke from homes burning coal for heating. Health Impacts * Ears, eyes, throat infections * Respiratory problems e.g. Asthma

Bad Gases Sulphur Dioxide

Sulphur dioxide has no colour. Most of it is released by power stations It causes acid rain when mixing with water in the air Health Impacts * Irritate ears, nose and throat * Can cause respiratory problem e.g. bronchitis

Bad Gases Home Environment

Indoor pollution is an issue that must be considered. We spend a lot of time at home and it often doesn't cross our mind that the air we are breathing may be polluted. Pollution inside our homes is called 'Indoor Air Pollution' Indoor pollution is usually very low, but a lot of things can increase it. Fresh paint is a cause of indoor air pollution and so is the burning of fuels such as coal & gas in heaters, stoves and ovens.

Bad Gases Home Environment

Indoor pollution is an issue that must be considered. We spend a lot of time at home and it often doesn't cross our mind that the air we are breathing may be polluted. Pollution inside our homes is called 'Indoor Air Pollution' Indoor pollution is usually very low, but a lot of things can increase it. Fresh paint is a cause of indoor air pollution and so is the burning of fuels such as coal & gas in heaters, stoves and ovens.

One of the main causes of indoor air pollution is SMOKING. The poison in the cigarettes and tobacco can be very dangerous for health. It can cause heart problems, lung cancer & other lung cancers Breathing in air which contains other people's smoke can cause you the same health problems for example lung cancer To reduce indoor air pollution make sure the room is well ventilated while painting/smoking.

Bad Gases Noise & Aesthetic (Visual) Pollution

Noise pollution, from air traffic can disturb sleep This can often impact on a person's health Visual Pollution, rubbish untidy houses are classed as visual pollution All of these things can affect how a person feels.