Human habitat and health: relationship and risks

Human habitat and health: relationship and risks

Section 1: fundamental aspects of the interaction of the environment and health

1.1 Definition and classification of the environment

The human habitat covers the totality of natural, anthropogenic and social factors surrounding him and exerting a direct or indirect effect on his life and health. This environment includes:

• Natural environment: Ecosystems, climate, geography, soil resources, water bodies, atmospheric air, biodiversity.

• Anthropogenic environment: The environment created or modified by man, including cities, rural settlements, industrial complexes, transport networks, agricultural lands, energy infrastructure, production and consumption waste.

• Social environment: Socio-economic conditions, cultural characteristics, educational level, healthcare, legal system, crime level, social support, interpersonal relations.

The classification of the environment can be carried out according to various criteria:

• By scale: Global, regional, local.

• By the nature of the impact: Favorable, unfavorable, extreme.

• By components: Physical, chemical, biological, social.

• By the type of settlement: City, rural.

1.2 human health: a comprehensive definition and factors that affect it

Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well -being, and not just the absence of diseases or physical disabilities (WHO definition). Human health is a complex multi -factor category, which is influenced by various factors combined in the following groups:

• Biological factors: Genetic predisposition, age, gender, constitution, immunity, physiological characteristics.

• Life lifestyle factors: Nutrition, physical activity, bad habits (smoking, alcohol, drugs), work and rest mode, personal hygiene.

• Environmental factors: The quality of air, water, soil, climate, radiation, noise, electromagnetic fields, the presence of infectious agents.

• Socio-economic factors: The level of education, employment, income, housing conditions, access to healthcare, social support.

The influence of environmental factors on human health can be direct (for example, the effects of pollutants on the respiratory system) or indirect (for example, the effect of social insulation on mental health).

1.3 mechanisms of exposure to human habitat

The habitat has an effect on human health through various mechanisms, including:

• Physical impact: The effect of temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, radiation, noise, vibration, electromagnetic fields. These factors can cause hypothermia, overheating, injuries, burns, hearing impairment, headaches, fatigue.

• Chemical effect: The effect of pollutants (toxic chemicals, heavy metals, pesticides) through air, water, food, soil. This can lead to acute and chronic poisoning, allergic reactions, the development of cancer, reproductive disorders.

• Biological effect: The effect of pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites), allergens (pollen of plants, animal hair, mold), toxic plants and animals. This can cause infectious diseases, allergic reactions, poisoning.

• Socio-psychological impact: The impact of social conditions, stress, violence, social conflicts, information blockage. This can lead to mental disorders, depression, anxiety, a decrease in immunity, behavioral disorders.

Section 2: The influence of various components of the habitat on health

2.1 atmospheric air quality and its effect on health

Atmospheric air pollution is one of the most serious environmental problems of our time, which has a significant negative impact on human health. The main atmospheric air pollutants include:

• Solid particles (PM2.5, PM10): The smallest particles formed as a result of the burning of fossil fuel, industrial processes, automobile emissions, forest fires. They penetrate deep into the respiratory tract and can cause respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer.

• Sulfur dioxide (SO2): It is formed during the burning of fossil fuel containing sulfur, as well as as a result of industrial processes. It causes respiratory tract irritation, contributes to the development of respiratory diseases.

• Nitrogen oxides (Nox): They are formed during fuel burning at high temperatures, mainly in internal combustion engines. They cause irritation of the respiratory tract, contribute to the formation of a smog, enhance the effect of allergens.

• Ozon (O3): It is formed as a result of chemical reactions between nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds under the influence of sunlight. Irritates the respiratory tract, causes a cough, difficulty breathing, exacerbation of asthma.

• Ugric gas (CO): It is formed with incomplete combustion of fuel. It is associated with blood hemoglobin, blocking the flow of oxygen to organs and tissues. It causes headache, dizziness, weakness, loss of consciousness, in severe cases – death.

• Flying organic compounds (VOCS): They stand out from various sources, such as solvents, paints, varnishes, building materials, detergents. They can cause respiratory tract irritation, headache, nausea, dizziness, and also have a carcinogenic effect.

The impact of contaminated air is especially dangerous for children, elderly people, people with chronic diseases of the respiratory and cardiovascular system. Long -term exposure to contaminated air can lead to a reduction in life expectancy.

2.2 Water quality and its effect on health

Water is a vital resource necessary to maintain human health. The pollution of water sources is a serious threat to health. The main water pollutants include:

• Pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, parasites): They fall into water with fecal effluents, causing infectious diseases such as cholera, typhoid, dysentery, hepatitis a, polio.

• Chemicals (heavy metals, pesticides, nitrates, organic compounds): They fall into water from industrial effluents, agricultural land, waste landfills. They can cause acute and chronic poisoning, oncological diseases, reproductive disorders.

• Radioactive substances: They fall into water as a result of accidents at nuclear power plants, production and processing of radioactive ores. They have a carcinogenic effect, can cause genetic mutations.

• Microplastic: The smallest plastic particles formed as a result of the decomposition of plastic products. They fall into water with household and industrial drains. The consequences of the effects of microplasty on human health have not been fully studied, but it is assumed that they can have a toxic and carcinogenic effect.

The use of contaminated water can lead to various diseases, including infectious diseases, poisoning, cancer, and developmental disorders. The lack of access to pure drinking water is a serious problem in many regions of the world, especially in developing countries.

2.3 soil quality and its health connection

The soil is an important component of the environment that provides the life of plants, animals and humans. Soil pollution can have a negative effect on human health through various paths:

• Direct contact: Contact with contaminated soil can lead to skin diseases, infectious diseases (for example, tetanus), poisoning.

• Consumption of polluted food: Plants grown on polluted soil can accumulate toxic substances (heavy metals, pesticides), which then fall into the human body when these plants are eating.

• Water pollution: Polluted soil can pollute groundwater, which are then used for drinking and irrigation of agricultural land.

The main soil pollutants include:

• Heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic): They fall into the soil from industrial effluents, waste dumps, automobile emissions. They accumulate in the human body, causing various diseases, including neurological disorders, renal failure, oncological diseases.

• Pesticides: Used in agriculture to combat pests and diseases of plants. They can have a toxic effect on the nervous system, reproductive system, immune system.

• Oil products: They fall into the soil as a result of accidents on oil pipelines, oil spills, and vehicles from vehicles. Have a toxic effect on the nervous system, liver, kidneys.

• Radioactive substances: They fall into the soil as a result of accidents at nuclear power plants, production and processing of radioactive ores. They have a carcinogenic effect, can cause genetic mutations.

2.4 climate and its effect on human health

The climate has a significant effect on human health, determining the spread of infectious diseases, the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, as well as the physiological state of the body. Climate change caused by human activities leads to an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather phenomena, such as:

• Wounder: High temperatures can cause heat stroke, dehydration, exacerbation of cardiovascular diseases.

• Cold: Low temperatures can cause hypothermia, frostbite, exacerbation of respiratory diseases.

• Floods: Flows can lead to injuries, drowning, spread of infectious diseases, and drinking water pollution.

• Droughts: Droughts can lead to a lack of food, malnutrition, and the spread of infectious diseases associated with poor -quality water.

• Forest fires: Forest fires can lead to air pollution with smoke, injuries, burns, respiratory diseases.

Climate change also affects the spread of infectious diseases, such as malaria, Denge’s fever, Lyme disease, since the habitat of the carriers of these diseases (mosquitoes, ticks) change. An increase in sea level leads to flooding of coastal territories, the movement of the population, an increase in the risk of infectious diseases.

2.5 urban environment and its features of influence on health

The urban environment is characterized by a high population density, developed by infrastructure, intensive traffic, high level of air and noise pollution, as well as specific social conditions. These factors have a significant impact on the health of citizens:

• Air pollution: City air contains high concentrations of solid particles, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, ozone, volatile organic compounds, which leads to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer.

• Noise: City noise (transport, construction, industrial enterprises) can cause sleep disturbances, stress, headaches, hearing loss.

• Lack of green spaces: The lack of parks, squares, lawns leads to a decrease in air quality, a decrease in the opportunities for relaxation and physical activity, and an increase in stress.

• High population density: The high population density contributes to the spread of infectious diseases, increases crime, increases competition for resources.

• Social isolation: Despite the high population density, many citizens experience social insulation, which can lead to depression, anxiety, and a decrease in immunity.

• Hypodynamia: The city lifestyle is often associated with low physical activity, which leads to obesity, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes.

However, the urban environment also has its advantages, such as access to medical services, education, culture, entertainment. The creation of a favorable urban environment, with clean air, green spaces, safe streets, developed infrastructure for physical activity, can significantly improve the health of citizens.

2.6 rural environment and its specific health risks

The rural environment is characterized by low population density, proximity to nature, agricultural activity, as well as specific social conditions. Health risks in rural areas differ from risks in the urban environment:

• Using pesticides and fertilizers: Work in agriculture is associated with contact with pesticides and fertilizers that can have a toxic effect on the nervous system, reproductive system, and immune system.

• Infectious diseases: Rural residents are at risk of infectious infectious diseases transmitted from animals (zones) such as brucellosis, leptospirosis, tularemia, tick -borne encephalitis.

• Injury: Work in agriculture is associated with the risk of injuries associated with the use of agricultural machinery, work with animals.

• Lack of medical services: Access to medical services in rural areas is often limited, which can lead to late diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

• Social isolation: In rural areas, social isolation can be observed, especially among the elderly, which can lead to depression, anxiety, and a decrease in immunity.

• Poor drinking water: In rural areas, individual water supply sources (wells, wells) are often used, the quality of the water in which may not comply with sanitary standards.

Section 3: Professional risks associated with environmental factors

3.1 influence of the production environment on employees’ health

The production environment is a set of factors affecting employees in the process of labor. These factors can be physical, chemical, biological, psychological and ergonomic. Adverse factors of the production environment can lead to occupational diseases, injuries, and reduce performance.

• Physical factors: Noise, vibration, temperature, humidity, lighting, electromagnetic fields, ionizing radiation.

• Chemical factors: Toxic substances, dust, gases, couples.

• Biological factors: Pathogenic microorganisms, allergens.

• Psychological factors: Stress, monotony, overload, conflict situations.

• Ergonomic factors: An inconvenient work pose, repeated movements, lifting weights.

Examples of occupational diseases associated with production environment factors:

• Silicosis: The lung disease caused by inhalation of dust containing silicon dioxide (work in mines, quarries, in the production of building materials).

• Professional hearing loss: Loss of hearing caused by a long effect of noise (work in industrial enterprises, in construction, in transport).

• Vibrational disease: The disease caused by a long effect of vibration (work with manual vibration tools, transport).

• Professional eczema: Skin disease caused by contact with irritating substances (work in the chemical industry, in agriculture, in medicine).

• Carpal channel syndrome: The disease of the wrist caused by repeating movements (working at the computer, on the conveyor).

3.2 Features of professional risks in various sectors of the economy

Professional risks depend on the specifics of the industry and the nature of the work performed.

• Industry: A high level of noise, vibration, dustiness, gas content, toxic substances.

• Agriculture: Contact with pesticides, fertilizers, infectious agents, injuries, the effects of adverse climatic factors.

• Construction: High level of injuries, noise, vibration, dustiness, exposure to toxic substances.

• Transport: Noise, vibration, gasket, stress, accident risk.

• Medicine: Contact with infectious agents, ionizing radiation, toxic substances, stress.

• Office work: Hypodynamia, stress, uncomfortable work pose, visual stress.

3.3 Methods for evaluating and managing professional risks

Evaluation and management of professional risks are important elements of the labor protection system. The purpose of risk assessment is to identify hazardous and harmful production factors, determine the probability and severity of the consequences of their impact on the health of workers.

The main risk assessment methods:

• Analysis of danger and performance (Hazop): The method used to identify potential dangers and problems associated with the design and operation of equipment and processes.

• Analysis of types and consequences of failures (FMEA): The method used to identify potential failures of equipment and processes and evaluate their consequences.

• Event tree: The method used to analyze the sequence of events leading to undesirable consequences.

• Refusal tree: The method used to determine the causes of equipment failures and processes.

Professional risk management includes:

• Elimination of a dangerous factor: Replacing a hazardous substance or process with a less dangerous one.

• Protection tools: Installation of protective fences, ventilation systems, means of monitoring the parameters of the production environment.

• Administrative measures: Training of employees to safe work methods, development of labor protection instructions, organization of medical examinations.

• Using personal protective equipment (PPE): Providing PPE workers (respirators, protective glasses, gloves, overalls) and control over their use.

Section 4: Socio-economic factors and their impact on health

4.1 The influence of poverty and inequality on health

Poverty and inequality are important socio-economic determinants of health. People living in poverty have limited access to the necessary resources, such as healthy food, pure housing, quality education, medical services, a safe environment. This leads to a deterioration in health and reducing life expectancy.

Poverty is related to:

• Non -durability and deficiency of nutrients: Insufficient consumption of calories, proteins, vitamins, minerals leads to a delay in the growth and development of children, a decrease in immunity, an increase in the risk of infectious diseases.

• Poor housing conditions: Overpopulation, lack of heating, water supply, sewage, increased humidity, mold, pests create favorable conditions for the spread of infectious diseases and allergies.

• Inaccessibility of medical services: Limited access to medical care leads to late diagnosis and treatment of diseases, an increase in mortality.

• Environmental pollution: Poor areas are often located near industrial enterprises, waste dumps, motorways, which leads to increased exposure to pollutants on health.

• Stress and mental disorders: Poverty is associated with chronic stress, social isolation, a sense of hopelessness, which increases the risk of depression, anxiety, and abuse of psychoactive substances.

Inequality also has a negative impact on health, even among people who do not live in poverty. In societies with a high level of inequality, there is a higher level of stress, violence, crime, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases.

4.2 Influence of education and employment on health

Education and employment are important factors that determine the health and well -being of a person.

• Education: People with a higher level of education have more knowledge about a healthy lifestyle, better understand medical information, more consciously make decisions about their health. They also have more opportunities for employment, higher income, and better medical insurance.

• Employment: The work provides income, social status, a sense of belonging, the structure of the day. Unemployment is associated with stress, depression, abuse of psychoactive substances, worsening health. The quality of the work also matters: work with a high level of stress, low payment, and poor working conditions can have a negative effect on health.

4.3 The influence of social support and social networks on health

Social support and social networks play an important role in maintaining human health and well -being. Social support includes emotional support, practical help, information that a person receives from other people. Social networks are a set of social ties that a person has with other people.

Social support and social networks are related to:

• Reducing stress levels: The presence of social support helps to cope with stress, reduces the feeling of loneliness and isolation.

• Improving mental health: Social support reduces the risk of depression, anxiety, abuse of psychoactive substances.

• Strengthening immunity: Social support strengthens the immune system, increases resistance to infectious diseases.

• Improving physical health: Social support contributes to a healthy lifestyle (proper nutrition, physical activity, rejection of bad habits), reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and oncological diseases.

• Increasing life expectancy: People with developed social networks live longer than people with disabilities.

Section 5: Assessment of health risks associated with habitat factors

5.1 Methodology for assessing health risks (acute respiratory infections)

Assessment of health risks (acute respiratory infections) is the process of assessing the probability and severity of adverse health consequences associated with the influence of environmental factors. ARI is used to determine the priorities in the field of health protection, the development of measures to reduce risk, assess the effectiveness of these measures.

The main stages of ARI:

1. Definition of the problem: Determination of a specific habitat factor, which poses a potential threat to health.

2. Exposition rating: Assessment of the level and duration of the impact of the environmental factor on the population.

3. Assessment of toxicity: Assessment of the toxic properties of the habitat factor and its ability to cause adverse consequences for health.

4. Risk characteristic: Integration of information about the exposure and toxicity to assess the probability and severity of adverse health consequences.

5. Risk management: Development and implementation of risk reduction measures.

5.2 Using environmental monitoring data for acute respiratory infections

Environmental monitoring data is an important source of information for acute respiratory infections. Monitoring data allow you to assess the level of air, water, soil pollution, noise, radiation level, and other habitats.

Monitoring data are used for:

• Exposition ratings: Determination of the level and duration of the impact of the environmental factor on the population.

• Identification of sources of pollution: Determination of environmental pollution sources.

• Assessment of the effectiveness of measures to reduce pollution: Assessment of the effectiveness of measures to reduce environmental pollution.

5.3 Assessment of health risk when exposed to chemicals

Assessment of health risk when exposed to chemicals includes:

• Determination of chemicals of interest: Identification of chemicals that are present in the environment and can pose a threat to health.

• Exposition rating: Assessment of the level and duration of the effects of chemicals on the population.

• Assessment of toxicity: Assessment of the toxic properties of chemicals and their ability to cause adverse consequences for health.

• Risk characteristic: Integration of information about the exposure and toxicity to assess the probability and severity of adverse health consequences.

To assess the toxicity of chemicals, data obtained as a result of studies on animals and epidemiological studies in humans are used. Various ways of exposure to chemicals on the body (inhalation, oral, dermal) are taken into account.

5.4 Assessment of health risk when exposed to physical factors

Assessment of health risk when exposed to physical factors (noise, vibration, electromagnetic fields, ionizing radiation) includes:

• Determination of physical factors representing interest: Identification of physical factors that are present in the environment and can pose a threat to health.

• Exposition rating: Assessment of the level and duration of the influence of physical factors on the population.

• Evaluation of effects: Assessment of the effects of physical factors on health based on the results of scientific research.

• Risk characteristic: Integration of information about the exposure and effects for assessing the probability and severity of adverse health consequences.

Section 6: Measures to reduce health risks associated with habitat factors

6.1 Legislative regulation in the field of environmental protection and public health

Legislative regulation is an important tool for environmental protection and public health. The legislation establishes the norms and rules that must be observed in the implementation of various types of activities that have an impact on the environment and health.

The main directions of legislative regulation:

• Environmental quality establishment: The establishment of maximum permissible concentrations (MPC) of pollutants in the air, water, soil, maximum permissible levels (PDU) of noise, vibration, electromagnetic fields, ionizing radiation.

• Regulation of an environmental impact: Licensing, rationing of emissions and discharges of pollutants, conducting environmental examination of projects, establishing requirements for waste disposal.

• Ensuring access to environmental information: Ensuring the access of the population to information about the state of the environment, on emissions and discharges of pollutants, about plans and projects that can have an impact on the environment.

• Ensuring liability for violation of the law: The establishment of administrative, criminal and civil liability for violation of law in the field of environmental protection and public health.

6.2 Technological solutions to reduce environmental pollution

Technological solutions play an important role in reducing environmental pollution. There are various technologies for cleaning air, water, soil, waste disposal, and reducing energy consumption.

• Cleaning air: Installation of filters at industrial enterprises, the use of catalytic neutralizers in cars, a transition to cleaner fuel, and the development of public transport.

• Water purification: The construction of treatment facilities, the use of modern wastewater treatment technologies (biological cleaning, membrane technologies), the protection of water protection zones.

• Soil cleaning: Biomediation (the use of microorganisms for the decomposition of pollutants), belonging (the use of plants to extract pollutants from the soil), and chemical treatment of the soil.

• Waste disposal: Separate garbage collection, waste processing, composting organic waste, burning waste with heat disposal.

• Reducing energy consumption: The use of energy -saving technologies, the development of renewable energy sources (solar energy, wind energy, hydropower), an increase in the energy efficiency of buildings.

6.3 Measures to form a healthy lifestyle and increase the environmental culture of the population

The formation of a healthy lifestyle and an increase in the environmental culture of the population are important factors in the prevention of diseases associated with habitat factors.

Measures to form a healthy lifestyle include:

• Propaganda of a healthy diet: Recommendations on a balanced diet, increase the consumption of vegetables and fruits, limiting fat consumption, sugar, salt.

• Improving physical activity: Recommendations on regular physical activity, sports, walks in the fresh air.

• Refusal of bad habits: Prevention of smoking, alcohol abuse, drug use.

• Compliance with personal hygiene: Regular washing of hands, compliance with hygiene rules in cooking.

Measures to increase environmental culture include:

• Environmental education: Inclusion of environmental protection issues in educational programs, conducting environmental lessons, lectures, excursions.

• Environmental Education: Publication of articles, books, brochures on environmental protection, organization of environmental exhibitions, festivals, competitions.

• Support for environmental initiatives: Support for public organizations involved in the protection of the environment, the organization of subbotniks, shares in the landing of trees.

6.4 The role of international cooperation in solving environmental problems and ensuring public health

International cooperation plays an important role in solving global environmental problems and ensuring public health. Many environmental problems (climate change, pollution of the oceans, depletion of the ozone layer, loss of biodiversity) cannot be resolved by the efforts of individual countries, but require coordinated actions of the entire world community.

Forms of international cooperation:

• Conclusion of international treaties and agreements: Development and signing of international treaties and agreements on environmental protection and public health.

• Creation of international organizations: Creation of international organizations (UN, WHO, UNEP) to coordinate actions to solve global environmental problems.

• Exchange of information and experience: Exchange of information and experience between countries on environmental protection and public health.

• Assistance to developing countries: Assistance to developing countries in solving environmental problems and ensuring public health.

Section 7: Future directions of research and development in the field of interconnection of human habitat and health.

7.1 The need for further studies of the influence of the microbioma of the environment on human health

The microbia of the environment, including communities of bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microorganisms, plays an important role in the formation of immunity, regulation of metabolism and maintaining general human health. The interaction of a person with the microbioma of the environment occurs through air, water, soil, food and contact with animals.

The need for further research in this area is associated with:

• By studying the influence of changes in the environmental environment on human health: Changes in the environmental microbiome caused by pollution, climate change, the use of antibiotics and other factors can lead to a violation of the balance of human microbioma and the development of various diseases, such as allergies, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory intestinal diseases.

• The development of methods for the modulation of the environmental microbioma to improve human health: The use of probiotics, prebiotics, transplantation of fecal microbiota and other methods to restore the balance of human microbioma and the prevention and treatment of diseases.

• Assessment of risks associated with the influence of pathogenic microorganisms from the environment: The study of the mechanisms of transmitting pathogenic microorganisms from the environment to a person, the development of measures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

7.2 Development of new methods of monitoring and risk assessment associated with nanoparticles in the environment

Nanoparticles are particles whose size is from 1 to 100 nanometers. Nanoparticles are used in various industries, in medicine, in cosmetics. Nanoparticles can fall into the environment as a result of industrial emissions, wear of car tires, and the use of cosmetics.

There are concerns about the potential negative impact of nanoparticles on human health. Nanoparticles can penetrate into organs and tissues, cause inflammation, damage cells, have a carcinogenic effect.

The need to develop new methods of monitoring and assessing the risks associated with nanoparticles in the environment is associated with:

• The difficulty of detecting and measuring nanoparticles in the environment: Existing monitoring methods do not always allow you to effectively detect and measure nanoparticles in the air, water, soil.

• Disadvantage of information about the toxicity of nanoparticles: