Emerging Diseases

Carcinogens

• Cancer-causing chemicals

• Heart disease triggers

• Infection-fighting agents

• Brain function enhancers

Infectious Disease

• A disease caused by a pathogen that can easily be spread by people and animals

• A disease that is hereditary and passed down through generations

• A disease caused by environmental factors such as pollution

• A disease that is only transmitted through contaminated food

Toxicology

• The study of how poisonous a substance is and its impact on an organism.

• The study of the effects of drugs on the human body.

• The study of environmental pollutants and their effects on ecosystems.

• The study of the chemical composition of substances.

Biological Hazards

• Viruses, bacteria, and other organisms that cause disease

• Chemical substances that can harm living organisms

• Physical agents that can cause injury or harm

• Radiation that can lead to health issues

Chemical Hazard

• Any chemical can be harmful in large enough amounts.

• Only toxic chemicals are considered hazardous.

• All chemicals are safe in small quantities.

• Chemicals are only hazardous if they are flammable.

allergens

• Chemicals that over-activate the immune system

• Substances that cause allergic reactions in some individuals

• Proteins that enhance immune response

• Vitamins that support immune function

WHO (World Health Organization)

• Monitors health events worldwide and coordinates international responses to emerging diseases

• Provides financial assistance to developing countries

• Conducts medical research and trials

• Regulates pharmaceutical companies globally

Epidemiology

• The study of diseases in a population

• The study of human behavior

• The study of environmental impacts on health

• The study of genetic disorders

CDC (Center for Disease Control)

• Responds to emerging diseases in the United States; the CDC developed pandemic plans to deal with the spread of the H1N1 flu virus

• Focuses solely on international health issues

• Provides funding for private healthcare initiatives

• Conducts research on non-communicable diseases

pathogen

• A disease causing organism

• A type of bacteria that is harmless

• A virus that only affects plants

• A medication used to treat infections