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Assignment 2

Provide answers to the following questions, and where necessary use your own words:

It is known that environmental agents of concern may include physical, chemical, biological
or social factors.

In this light,

 Discuss any 1 of the environmental agents/factors constituting the most significant

problem in your home country. (Refer to Chapter 2: section 2.4; pg 22 & 23) [4]

Water pollution is a significant concern in Zimbabwe, particularly in urban areas and

industrial zones. Industrial effluents, inadequate wastewater treatment systems, and improper
disposal of solid waste contribute to water pollution. This contamination affects both surface
water bodies and groundwater sources, leading to the degradation of aquatic ecosystems and
posing risks to human health. Waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid are prevalent
in areas with poor water quality in Zimbabwe for example Mkoba 19 suburb located in
Gweru (Matsa et al., 2021).

Gender differences may need to be taken into consideration when identifying potential
exposure pathways in the exposure assessment phase.

 Justify the statement. (Refer to Chapter 2: subsection 2.2.4; pg 19) [5]

Gender differences may need to be taken into consideration when identifying potential
exposure pathways in the exposure assessment phase due to several reasons. Gender can
influence various factors such as physiology, behaviour, and social roles, which can
ultimately impact an individual's exposure to different environmental hazards (Slavich, 2022;
Mujahid et al., 2023). By considering gender-specific differences, exposure assessments can
provide a more accurate understanding of potential risks and develop targeted strategies for
risk management and mitigation.

Gender differences play a role in physiological variations (Olaseni et al., 2020). Biological
differences between males and females, such as body size, composition, and hormonal
profiles, can affect the way individuals interact with their environment. For instance, women
generally have a higher proportion of body fat compared to men, which can lead to
differences in the distribution and storage of certain chemicals. This variation may result in
differential exposure levels or susceptibility to certain toxicants.
Behavioural disparities between genders also contribute to divergent exposure pathways.
Occupational choices, hobbies, and daily activities often differ between men and women,
leading to varying levels of exposure to specific hazards. For example, studies have shown
that men are more likely to engage in outdoor activities or work in industries with higher
occupational exposures, such as construction or mining. On the other hand, women may have
increased exposure to certain chemicals through the use of personal care products or
household cleaning agents. Understanding these behavioural patterns is crucial for accurately
assessing potential exposure pathways.

Moreover, social roles and cultural norms can influence gender-specific exposures (Cataldo
et al., 2023). Traditional gender roles may dictate different responsibilities and tasks within
households or communities, resulting in distinct exposure patterns. For instance, women may
spend more time indoors engaging in activities such as cooking or childcare, potentially
leading to increased exposure to indoor air pollutants like cooking fumes. Men, on the other
hand, may have higher occupational exposures due to societal expectations regarding
employment.

In identifying and describing issues within existing environmental conditions, it is clear

that hazardous agents may be identified using a range of data sources.

 List any 2 of the sources in question. (Refer to Chapter 2: section 2.1; pg 16) [2]

1. Health monitoring.

2. Disease surveillance.

From the listed sources or from any other range of data sources,

 Justify if any one of the sources is a true reflection of the identification of hazardous
agents in your home country. (Refer to Chapter 2: section 2.1; pg 16) [5]

Health monitoring is an essential tool for identifying hazardous agents and assessing their
impact on the population's well-being. In the case of Zimbabwe, health monitoring plays a
crucial role in providing a true reflection of the identification of hazardous agents within the
country (Chigara and Moyo, 2022).

Health monitoring systems in Zimbabwe are designed to detect and track various health
indicators, including the presence of hazardous agents. These systems rely on data collection
from healthcare facilities, laboratories, and other relevant sources to identify patterns and
trends in disease occurrence. By analysing this data, health authorities can identify potential
hazardous agents that may be responsible for causing adverse health effects in the population.

Health monitoring programs in Zimbabwe often involve active surveillance and

epidemiological investigations. These activities aim to identify outbreaks or clusters of
diseases that may be linked to specific hazardous agents. Through case investigations,
laboratory testing, and environmental assessments, public health professionals can determine
the causative agents responsible for disease outbreaks. Health monitoring information is
crucial for implementing appropriate control measures and preventing further harm to the
population (Gavi et al., 2021).

Health monitoring systems in Zimbabwe often collaborate with international organizations

and research institutions to enhance their capacity for identifying hazardous agents. These
collaborations facilitate knowledge sharing, training opportunities, and access to advanced
laboratory techniques. By leveraging these partnerships, health authorities in Zimbabwe can
tap into global expertise and resources, further improving their ability to accurately identify
hazardous agents.

 Articulate any two of the principal factors potentially causing differences between
children and adults in a range of behavioural and physiological parameters, which
risk assessor may need to take into cognizance. (Refer to Chapter 2: subsection 2.2.2;
pg 18 & 19) [4]

One significant difference between children and adults is their behaviour. Children often
engage in exploratory behaviours, such as putting objects in their mouths or touching
potentially hazardous substances (Woolf et al., 2020). This behaviour increases their
exposure to potential risks compared to adults who have a better understanding of potential
dangers. Additionally, children may have limited cognitive abilities to understand and follow
safety instructions, making them more vulnerable to accidents or injuries.

Physiologically, children also differ from adults in several ways. Children’s bodies are still
developing, which means they may have different metabolic rates, absorption rates, and
detoxification capacities compared to adults. For example, children may absorb certain
chemicals more readily through their skin or gastrointestinal tract due to their higher surface
area-to-body weight ratio. Similarly, their immature liver and kidneys may not efficiently
metabolize or eliminate certain substances, leading to prolonged exposure or increased
susceptibility to toxic effects.
References

Cataldo, C., Bellenghi, M., Masella, R. and Busani, L. (2023). One Health challenges and
actions: Integration of gender considerations to reduce risks at the human-animal-
environmental interface. One Health, 16, 100530.

Chigara, B. and Moyo, T. (2022). Factors affecting the delivery of optimum health and safety
on construction projects during the covid-19 pandemic in Zimbabwe. Journal of engineering,
design and technology, 20(1), 24-46.

Gavi, S., Tapera, O., Mberikunashe, J. and Kanyangarara, M. (2021). Malaria incidence and
mortality in Zimbabwe during the COVID-19 pandemic: analysis of routine surveillance
data. Malaria journal, 20(1), 233.

Matsa, M. M., Chokuda, F., Mupepi, O. and Dzawanda, B. (2021). An assessment of

groundwater quality in Zimbabwe’s urban areas: case of Mkoba 19 suburb,
Gweru. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 193, 1-15.

Mujahid, M. S., Maddali, S. R., Gao, X., Oo, K. H., Benjamin, L. A. and Lewis, T. T. (2023).
The impact of neighborhoods on diabetes risk and outcomes: centering health
equity. Diabetes Care, dci230003.

Olaseni, A. O., Akinsola, O. S., Agberotimi, S. F. and Oguntayo, R. (2020). Psychological

distress experiences of Nigerians during Covid-19 pandemic; the gender difference. Social
Sciences & Humanities Open, 2(1), 100052.

Slavich, G. M. (2022). Social Safety Theory: Understanding social stress, disease risk,
resilience, and behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Current Opinion in
Psychology, 45, 101299.

Woolf, A. D., Pingali, H. and Hauptman, M. (2020). The COVID-19 pandemic and children's
environmental health. Pediatric Annals, 49(12), e537-e542.