576 vocabulary
Greywater water that has been used for
washing or cooking. It can be reused in
gardens and other places.
Groundwater water that flows
underground. Groundwater is the
source of drinking water in wells and
springs. The groundwater level changes
depending on rainfall and how water
and land are used. Also called water
table or aquifer.
Guinea worm a long, thin worm that looks
like a white thread. It lives under the
skin and makes a painful sore on the
ankle, leg, or elsewhere on the body.
H
Hantavirus an infectious disease spread
when people breathe in the infected
urine or feces of rodents.
Heavy metals metals that may be harmful
when people are exposed to even very
small amounts. Some heavy metals
are lead, mercury, cadmium, and
chromium.
High voltage wire wire that carries
electricity from where it is generated to
where it is used.
HIV a virus affecting millions of people
worldwide. It eventually causes AIDS
and the body loses the ability to fight
illness. There is currently no cure,
but the disease can be controlled by
medicines, and by improved diet and
living conditions.
Hormones natural chemicals the body
makes to control weight, body
temperature, hunger, bone strength,
moods and sexual feelings, and the
ability to reproduce.
Hormone disruptor a toxic chemical that
gets into our bodies and confuses our
hormones by sending false signals.
Hybrid a plant or animal with parents
from 2 different breeds or species that
have been bred to have particular
traits.
Hydrogen peroxide a chemical used to
clean and disinfect.
Hygiene what people do to stay clean and
prevent the spread of germs. Hygiene
includes washing hands and bathing,
storing and preparing food, and
keeping the home clean.
I
Ibuprofen a medicine used to reduce pain,
inflammation, and fever.
Immunization an injection of medicine
that can prevent certain diseases.
Immunizations are common for
measles, tetanus, and polio. Also called
vaccination.
Immunization programs mass efforts
to immunize people, usually run by
international health organizations
like the World Health Organization
(WHO) and UNICEF, national and
local governments, and companies that
make and sell vaccines. Also called
vaccination programs.
Incineration burning things in a closed
furnace in order to destroy them.
Incinerator a kind of oven or furnace used
to burn waste.
Incline the steepness of a hill.
Indoor air pollution air pollution inside a
home or building from tobacco smoke,
fires, chemical products, or other
sources.
Industrial pollution all of the forms of
pollution caused by chemicals and
waste products of industry.
Inert ingredient in a pesticide, the part
that is not the active ingredient. Inert
ingredients include things that make
pesticides stick to plants and insects or
prevent them from being washed off in
the rain. These ingredients are often
very poisonous.
A Community Guide to Environmental Health 2012