Environmental factors that affect development

?

Exposure to pollution

This can be a major source if I'll health. The environment may contain many chemicals from vehicle exhaust systems and industrial emissions

Respiratory disease:

Tobacco smoke, combustion products and air pollution produce various toxins and pollutants that are harmful to the respiratory system. They affect the nerves and muscles used for breathing and can also have a bad effect on the cilia

Cardiovascular disease:

This is linked by smoking tobacco as it affects the heart and and blood vessels causing clots which can lead to heart attack. Air pollution can also contribute to this because increases the risk of raised blood pressure. Exposure to pollution during pregnancy can possibly cause the baby to suffer from congenital heart defects and cardiovascular disease later in life

Allergies:

These are caused by irritants such as dust or pollen causing the immune system to overreact. These conditions are usually chronic. Examples include hay fever and asthma. People living in cities may be more susceptible to developing cardiovascular problems and respiratory disorders

1 of 3

Poor housing conditions

This is associated with poor health and quality of life. Evidence suggests that living in poor house conditions increase the risk of respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, anxiety and depression. A cold damp home with excessive mould can present many risks to health and wellbeing including accidents and illness.

Overcrowded houses may limit people's access to washing, cooking and cleaning facilities. Indoor air pollution and inadequate ventilation can cause respiratory disease, it can also cause damp and mounds in homes. Lack of access to green spaces, parks can limit physical activity.

Poor quality housing may cause stress, anxiety, depression, and mental health issues, rising bills can lead to disturbed sleep patterns resulting in stress and anxiety.

Cold homes and homelessness can cause hypothermia, families with low income are unable to afford heating in their homes. less well insulated homes incur higher heating bills.

2 of 3

Access to health and social care services that aff

Availability of transport can be a barrier to receiving service, individuals are less likely to visit GP compared to those with a car. Living in rural areas can mean there is no access to transport therefore can't access things like gym, GP, hospital etc. Unreliable public transport, and stressful services cab result in cancelled or missed appointments.
Sometimes the opening hours are inconvenient for people e.g. GP only being open during school hours

Some people are unable to access services because: they may be homeless, vulnerable immigrants, travelling families that don't have English as their first language etc.

3 of 3

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar Health & Social Care resources:

See all Health & Social Care resources »See all Human growth and development resources »