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Environmental influences in TB
Learning ObjectivesExplain about the various environment factors that influence the TB Epidemic
Climate, over-crowding, pollution, socio-economoic conditions, ventilation, cultural
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Environmental conditions have a huge role in the development of TB disease and are an important component of the epidemiological triad for TB disease.
The various environmental factors influencing TB are:
- Poor housing and ventilation: Damp homes, often resulting from condensation due to inadequate ventilation, allow the growth of mold, fungi, and other microorganisms. This adversely affects the respiratory health of individuals and increases the chances of the spread of TB from a patient to their household contact persons.
- Overcrowding: More people living within a single space restricts movement, gives scope for lack of privacy and limits hygiene. The extent and persistence of contact with an infected person increases. The droplet nuclei (due to coughing) from infected individuals can stay in the air for a long time and transmit the disease easily to contact persons.
- Indoor air pollution: The use of traditional biomass fuels like cow dung, wood etc. for energy generation (especially for cooking) in poorly ventilated households pose serious risks to the lung health of individuals. Damaged lungs are more susceptible to TB infection/ disease.
- Occupational environment: Healthcare workers, miners etc. are at a high risk of TB. Inadequate air change rates, negative airflow and recirculation of air have been identified as occupational hazards in hospitals with respect to TB transmission.
Resources
- Role of Environmental Factors in Transmission of Tuberculosis, Dynamics of Human Health, 2015.
- Housing and Public Health, Annual Review of Public Health, 2004.
Assessment:
| Question | Answer 1 | Answer 2 | Answer 3 | Answer 4 | Correct answer | Correct explanation | Page id | Part of Pre-test | Part of Post-test |
| How does poor housing contribute to TB transmission? | Poor ventilation measures | Increased dampness in the ambient air | Indoor air pollution | All of the above | 4 | Poor housing usually arises as a result of poverty, wherein the nutritional status and hence immunity of inhabitants are already low, which predisposes them to TB. Adding to it, structural faults like poor ventilation, the resultant increase in droplets in the air and poor smoke escape from the burning of solid fuels also contribute to TB transmission. | | Yes | Yes |
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