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(a) Explain how TWO specific personal hygiene practices reduce the risk of infection - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 22 - 2014 - Paper 1
Question 22
(a) Explain how TWO specific personal hygiene practices reduce the risk of infection. (b) Drinking water contaminated with dissolved lead (a heavy metal) can cause ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:(a) Explain how TWO specific personal hygiene practices reduce the risk of infection - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 22 - 2014 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explain how TWO specific personal hygiene practices reduce the risk of infection.
Answer
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Washing Hands Before Meals: Washing hands before eating helps to remove pathogens that may have been transferred from surfaces or food. This practice reduces the likelihood of ingesting harmful microorganisms that can lead to infections.
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Covering Mouth When Coughing: Placing a hand over the mouth when coughing prevents the spread of respiratory droplets that carry pathogens. This is essential for protecting others from airborne infections, thus lowering overall transmission rates.
Step 2
Classify this disease as either infectious or non-infectious. Justify your answer.
Answer
The disease caused by drinking water contaminated with dissolved lead is classified as non-infectious. This is because it is not caused by a pathogen; rather, it is due to the presence of a toxic substance (lead) in the water. Consequently, it cannot be transmitted from person to person.