Climate Effects on Human Health

Prepared by:

Laurence S. KalksteinKathleen M. Valimont

1. Weather has a profound (глибокий) effect on human health and well-being. It has been demonstrated that weather is associated with changes in birth rates, and sperm counts, with outbreaks of pneumonia, influenza and bronchitis, and is related to other morbidity(хворобливість) effects linked to pollen concentrations and high pollution levels.

2. Large increases in mortality (смертність) have occurred during previous heat and cold waves. It is estimated that 1,327 fatalities occurred in the United States as a result of the 1980 heat wave; the number occurring in Missouri alone accounted for over 25% of the total.

3. Hot weather extremes appear to have a more substantial impact on mortality than cold wave episodes. Most research indicates that mortality during extreme heat events varies with age, sex, and race.

4. Threshold (порог) temperatures for cities, which represent maximum and minimum temperatures associated with increases in total mortality, have been determined. These threshold temperatures vary regionally; for example, the threshold temperature for winter mortality in mild southern cities such as Atlanta is 0 deg.C and for more northerly cities, such as Philadelphia, it is -5deg.C.

5. Humidity has an important impact on mortality. It also has an important influence on morbidity(хворобливість) in the winter because cold, dry air leads to excessive dehydration of nasal passages.

6. Precipitation (випадіння опадів) in the form of rainfall and snow is also associated with changes in mortality.

7. The global warming cause the mortality.

Talking points.

1) Explain why so much attention is paid to ecological problems nowadays and why people are getting alarmed and demand urgent actions to protect nature.

2) We often hear the words “harmful effects of civilization on nature”. What do they mean? Illustrate the results of harmful and helpful influences of human contacts with nature.

3) Speak about the practical steps which are being undertaken for protecting our environment.

4) It is our responsibility to preserve this planet for future generations. Say what must be done to achieve this.

TEST YOURSELF

1. ……..is contamination by poisonous or harmful substances.

a) pollution b) detriment c) exhaust d) rubbish

2. This type of smog forms on sunny days and is the result of emissions from traffic.

a) simple smog b) London-type smog c) photochemical smog d) fog

3. Harmful substances which…… into the atmosphere in one country, are transported by the wind.

a) are impacted b) are emitted c) are exhausted d) are contaminated

4. Ice at the North and South Poles melt and……. a massive amount of water into the oceans.

a) impact b) affect c) dump d) release

5. ……is the addition of harmful chemicals to natural water.

a) air pollution b) pollution c) water pollution d) greenhouse effect

6. …..is the introduction of chemicals, particulate matter, or biological materials that cause harm or discomfort to humans or other living organisms.

a) air pollution b) pollution c) water pollution d) greenhouse effect

7……. is the downpour that contains a high concentration of pollutants.

a) air pollution b) pollution c) water pollution d) acid rain

8. Air pollution is….. to our health and can also cause economic losses.

a) a threat b) a kind c) emission d) harm

9. The…… in these smogs are irritating to our eyes and can damage our respiratory system.

a) products b) substances c) emissions d) parts

10. Global negative effects of air pollution include the enhanced….. and the ozone hole.

a) greenhouse effect b) rise of rains c) acid rains d) effect

For Fun

Smart Quiz

The following short quiz consists of 4 questions and will tell you whether you are qualified to be a professional.

(Check your answers with keys.(page 100 )

1. How do you put a giraffe into a refrigerator?

2. How do you put an elephant into a refrigerator?

3. The Lion King is hosting an animal conference. All the animals attend... except one. Which animal does not attend?

4. There is a river you must cross but it is used by crocodiles, and you do not have a boat. How do you manage it?

According to Anderson Consulting Worldwide, around 90% of the professionals they tested got all questions wrong, but many preschoolers got several correct answers. Anderson Consulting says this conclusively disproves the theory that most professionals have the brains of a four-year-old.

Unit 6

Earthquake Information

Vocabulary list

earthquake

divergent

convergent

Friction

Disaster

Precaution

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