Environmental impact on human health

Environmental impact on human health: Comprehensive analysis

I. Air quality and respiratory diseases

The quality of the air we breathe has a deep and multifaceted effect on our health, especially on the respiratory system. Air pollutants, both anthropogenic and natural origin, can cause and aggravate a wide range of diseases, from a slight irritation of the respiratory tract to chronic and deadly conditions.

A. The main air pollutants and their sources:

1. Solid particles (CC): PC is a mixture of the smallest solid and liquid particles balanced in the air. They are classified in size, the most common are PM10 (particles with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less) and PM2.5 (particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometer and less). PM2.5 are especially dangerous because they can penetrate deep into the lungs and even get into the bloodstream.

   • Sources: Car exhausts, industrial emissions, burning of fossil fuel (coal, oil, gas), forest fires, construction dust, agricultural activities.

2. Ozon (O3): Squirrel ozone (unlike the ozone layer in the stratosphere) is formed when nitrogen oxides (NOX) and volatile organic compounds (VOCS) react in the presence of sunlight.

   • Sources: Car exhausts, industrial emissions, chemical production.

3. Nitrogen oxides (Nox): A group of gases containing nitrogen and oxygen. The most common are nitrogen monoxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2).

   • Sources: Car exhausts, industrial emissions, power plants, burning of fossil fuel.

4. Sulfur dioxide (SO2): Gas formed in the burning of fossil fuel containing sulfur.

   • Sources: Power plants, industrial processes, coal burning, volcanic activity.

5. Ugric gas (CO): Colorless and smell of gas, formed with incomplete combustion of carbon -containing substances.

   • Sources: Car exhausts, heating devices, fires.

6. Flying organic compounds (VOCS): A large group of organic chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature.

   • Sources: Solvents, paints, varnishes, gasoline, industrial processes, vegetation.

7. Allergens (pollen, spores of mold): Natural pollutants that can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems.

   • Sources: Plants, fungi, trees, herbs.

B. The effect of air pollution on the respiratory system:

1. Acute effects:

   • Righting of the respiratory tract: Air pollution can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and lungs, which leads to cough, hoarseness, difficulty breathing and constraint in the chest.
   • ASTMA exacerbation: Air pollution, especially CC and ozone, can cause an exacerbation of asthma in people suffering from this disease.
   • Increasing the frequency of respiratory infections: Air pollution can weaken the immune system and increase susceptibility to respiratory infections, such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
   • Reducing the function of the lungs: The short -term effect of contaminated air can lead to a temporary decrease in the function of the lungs.

2. Chronic effects:

   • Chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD): Long -term exposure to contaminated air is an important risk factor for the development of COPD, a group of diseases characterized by an irreversible limitation of the air flow in the lungs.
   • Asthma: The chronic effect of contaminated air can contribute to the development of asthma in children and adults.
   • Lung cancer: The prolonged exposure to the PM and other carcinogenic air pollutants are associated with an increased risk of lung cancer.
   • Reducing life expectancy: Air pollution is a significant factor contributing to premature death from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

C. Particularly vulnerable groups of the population:

1. Children: Children are more susceptible to the effects of air pollution than adults, because their lungs are still developing, and they breathe faster, absorbing more polluting substances per kilogram of body weight.
2. Elderly people: Older people often have a weakened immune system and related diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and COPD, which makes them more vulnerable to negative consequences of air pollution.
3. People with existing respiratory diseases: People with asthma, COPD and other respiratory diseases are especially sensitive to air pollution.
4. People with cardiovascular diseases: Air pollution can have a negative effect on the cardiovascular system, aggravating existing diseases and increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
5. Pregnant women: Air pollution can have a negative effect on the development of the fetus and increase the risk of premature birth, low birth weight and other complications.

II. Water pollution and health

Pollution of water resources is a serious threat to human health, since water is one of the main elements necessary to maintain life. Contaminated water may contain a wide range of harmful substances, which can cause various diseases and disorders.

A. The main water pollutants and their sources:

1. Pathogenic microorganisms: Bacteria, viruses, protozoa and parasites that can cause infectious diseases.

   • Sources: Wastewater, fecal pollution, agricultural drains.

2. Chemicals: Toxic substances, such as heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides, industrial waste and pharmaceuticals.

   • Sources: Industrial enterprises, agricultural land, waste dumps, wastewater.

3. Nitrate and phosphate: Nutrients that can cause the eutropification of water bodies, which leads to excessive algae growth and a decrease in oxygen content in water.

   • Sources: Agricultural fertilizers, wastewater, livestock farms.

4. Heavy metals: Mercury, lead, cadmium, arsenic and other metals that can accumulate in organisms and cause various diseases.

   • Sources: Industrial enterprises, mining industries, waste dumps.

5. Microplastic: Small particles of plastic, which fall into water bodies from various sources, such as plastic waste, cosmetics and synthetic clothing.

   • Sources: Waste landfills, industrial enterprises, wastewater, agricultural land.

6. Oil and oil products: Hydrocarbons that can pollute water bodies as a result of oil spills, industrial discharges and leaks from tanks.

   • Sources: Oil Production, transportation of oil, industrial enterprises, gas stations.

B. The effect of water pollution on health:

1. Infectious diseases: Contaminated water can cause a wide range of infectious diseases such as cholera, dysentery, typhoid, hepatitis a, poliomyelitis and helminthias.
2. Chemical poisoning: Contaminated water can cause chemical poisoning caused by the effects of heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides and other toxic substances.
3. Cancer: Some chemical water pollutants, such as arsenic, benzene and trigalometers, are carcinogens and can increase the risk of cancer.
4. Development disorders: The effect of some chemical water pollutants, such as lead and mercury, can cause developmental disorders in children.
5. Endocrine disorders: Some chemical water pollutants, such as pesticides and pharmaceuticals, can disrupt the endocrine system, which can lead to various health problems, including infertility, breast cancer and prostate cancer.
6. Skin diseases: Contaminated water can cause skin diseases, such as dermatitis, eczema and fungal infections.

C. Particularly vulnerable groups of the population:

1. Children: Children are more susceptible to polluted water than adults, because their immune system is still developing, and they consume more water per kilogram of body weight.
2. Pregnant women: Contaminated water can have a negative effect on the development of the fetus and increase the risk of pregnancy complications.
3. People with a weakened immune system: People with HIV/AIDS, cancer or other diseases weakening the immune system are especially susceptible to infectious diseases transmitted through water.
4. People living in areas with poor sanitation: People living in areas with poor sanitation, where there is no access to pure water and proper sanitary conditions, undergo increased risk of infection with diseases transmitted through water.

III. Soil pollution and health

Soil pollution, often underestimated, is a serious problem for human health, since the soil is an important component of the ecosystem and plays a key role in the production of food and maintaining environmental health. Contaminated soil may contain a wide range of harmful substances that can fall into the human body in various ways, having a negative effect on health.

A. The main soil pollutants and their sources:

1. Heavy metals: Lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic and other metals that can accumulate in the soil as a result of industrial processes, mining industry, burning fossil fuel and the use of pesticides.
2. Pesticides and herbicides: Chemicals used in agriculture to combat pests and weeds.
3. Organic pollutants: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAU), polychlorified bipheniles (PHB) and other organic substances that can fall into the soil as a result of industrial discharges, leaks from tanks and waste burning.
4. Radioactive substances: Uranus, Radiy, cesium and other radioactive elements that can fall into the soil as a result of nuclear tests, accidents at nuclear power plants and uranium production.
5. Pathogenic microorganisms: Bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi that can fall into the soil with feces, wastewater and agricultural drains.
6. Microplastic: Small particles of plastic, which fall into the soil from various sources, such as plastic waste, agricultural film and wastewater.

B. Ways of exposure to polluted soil on human health:

1. Consumption of polluted food: Pollutants from the soil can accumulate in plants that are consumed, which leads to exposure to humans.
2. Direct contact with contaminated soil: Contact with contaminated soil can occur when working in agriculture, games on playgrounds or gardening.
3. Inhalation of contaminated dust: Pollutants present in the soil can rise into the air in the form of dust and inhale, which leads to the effect on the respiratory system.
4. Polluted water consumption: Pollutants from the soil can penetrate into groundwater and pollute drinking water sources.

C. The effect of soil pollution on health:

1. Chemical poisoning: Contaminated soil can cause chemical poisoning caused by the effects of heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides and other toxic substances.
2. Cancer: Some chemical soil pollutants, such as arsenic, benzene and PAU, are carcinogens and can increase the risk of cancer.
3. Development disorders: The effect of some chemical soil pollutants, such as lead and mercury, can cause developmental disorders in children.
4. Infectious diseases: Contaminated soil may contain pathogenic microorganisms that can cause infectious diseases, such as tetanus, ascariasis and ankylostomosis.
5. Endocrine disorders: Some chemical soil pollutants, such as pesticides and pharmaceuticals, can disrupt the endocrine system, which can lead to various health problems.

D. Particularly vulnerable groups of the population:

1. Children: Children are more susceptible to the effects of polluted soil than adults, because they often play on Earth and can swallow the soil.
2. Pregnant women: Contaminated soil can have a negative effect on the development of the fetus and increase the risk of pregnancy complications.
3. People working in agriculture: People working in agriculture are exposed to increased risk of polluted soil due to the use of pesticides and fertilizers.
4. People living near industrial enterprises: People living near industrial enterprises are at increased risk of polluted soil due to industrial discharges.

IV. Noise and its effect on health

The noise, often perceived as an inevitable part of modern life, is a serious risk factor for health that affect physical and mental well -being. The chronic effect of noise can lead to a wide range of negative consequences, from sleep and irritability to cardiovascular diseases and cognitive disorders.

A. Sources of noise:

1. Transport: Road, railway and air transport are the main sources of noise in urban areas.
2. Industry: Industrial enterprises can create significant noise, especially near residential areas.
3. Construction: Construction work, such as the demolition of buildings, digging pits and the use of heavy equipment, can be very noisy.
4. Entertainment: Musical concerts, sporting events and other entertainment events can create a high noise level.
5. Household noise: Household appliances, such as washing machines, vacuum cleaners and lawn mowers, as well as noise from neighbors can be sources of noise in residential premises.

B. The effect of noise on health:

1. Sleep violation: Noise can complicate falling asleep, cause frequent awakening and worsen the quality of sleep, which leads to fatigue, irritability and a decrease in cognitive functions.
2. Cardiovascular diseases: Chronic noise can increase blood pressure, blood cholesterol and the risk of heart attack and stroke.
3. Auditory disorders: The effect of loud noise can lead to hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and increased sensitivity to sounds (hyperacusia).
4. Mental health: Noise can cause stress, anxiety, depression and irritability.
5. Cognitive disorders: Noise can worsen concentration, memory and ability to learn, especially in children.
6. Influence on children: The chronic impact of noise can negatively affect the development of children, worsen their academic performance and increase the risk of behavioral problems.

C. Mechanisms of noise effect on health:

1. Physiological stress: The noise activates the sympathetic nervous system, which leads to the release of stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline.
2. Sleep violation: Noise can violate normal sleep cycles, which leads to fatigue and a decrease in cognitive functions.
3. Direct effect on the hearing aid: Loud noise can damage the cells of the inner ear, which leads to hearing loss.
4. Psychological stress: Noise can cause irritation, anxiety and depression, which negatively affects mental health.

D. Particularly vulnerable groups of the population:

1. Children: Children are more susceptible to noise than adults, because their auditory system is still developing, and they spend more time on the street.
2. Elderly people: Elderly people often have a weakened auditory system and concomitant diseases, which makes them more vulnerable to the negative consequences of noise.
3. People with existing diseases: People with cardiovascular diseases, mental disorders or sleep disorders are especially sensitive to noise.
4. People working in noisy conditions: People working in noisy conditions, such as builders, workers of industrial enterprises and musicians, are at increased risk of hearing loss.

V. Change in climate and human health

Climate change, caused by anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases, is a serious threat to human health around the world. Growing temperatures, extreme weather phenomena, an increase in sea level and other consequences of climate change have a direct and indirect effect on health, increasing the incidence and mortality from various causes.

A. The main consequences of climate change:

1. Temperature increase: An increase in the average global temperature leads to an increase in the frequency and intensity of heat waves, which can lead to a thermal shock, dehydration and other thermal diseases.
2. Extreme weather phenomena: Climate change leads to an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather phenomena, such as hurricanes, floods, droughts and forest fires, which can lead to injuries, death and population movement.
3. Improving sea level: An increase in sea level threatens coastal regions and settlements, increasing the risk of floods, soil erosion and drinking water pollution.
4. Changing the spread of infectious diseases: Climate change can affect the spread of infectious diseases, such as malaria, Denge’s fever and lime disease, expanding the area of ​​carriers of these diseases.
5. Air pollution: Climate change can aggravate air pollution, increasing the concentration of ozone and solid particles, which leads to respiratory diseases.
6. Food and water shortage: Climate change can lead to a decrease in agricultural crop yields and reduction in fresh water reserves, which threatens food and water safety.

B. The influence of climate change on health:

1. Thermal diseases: Heat waves can lead to a thermal shock, dehydration, exacerbation of cardiovascular diseases and mortality.
2. Respiratory diseases: Air pollution aggravated by climate change can cause an exacerbation of asthma, COPD and other respiratory diseases.
3. Infectious diseases: Climate change can increase the risk of spreading infectious diseases, such as malaria, Denge’s fever, cholera and the fever of the Western Nile.
4. Malnutrition: A decrease in agricultural crops and food deficiency caused by climate change can lead to malnutrition, especially among children.
5. Injuries and death: Extreme weather phenomena, such as hurricanes, floods and forest fires, can lead to injuries, death and population movement.
6. Mental health: Climate change can cause anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSR) due to extreme weather phenomena and property loss.
7. Allergies: Climate change can extend the pollen season and increase its concentration, which can lead to a deterioration in allergy symptoms.

C. Particularly vulnerable groups of the population:

1. Children: Children are more susceptible to climate change than adults, because their immune system is still developing, and they spend more time on the street.
2. Elderly people: Older people often have a weakened immune system and concomitant diseases, which makes them more vulnerable to negative consequences of climate change.
3. People with existing diseases: People with cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, diabetes and other chronic diseases are especially sensitive to climate change.
4. People living in poor areas: People living in poor areas often have limited access to resources and services necessary for adaptation to climate change.
5. People living in coastal areas: People living in the coastal areas are subjected to increased risk of floods and soil erosion due to an increase in sea level.

VI. Electromagnetic radiation and health

Electromagnetic radiation (AMI) surrounds us everywhere in the modern world, based on a wide range of sources, such as mobile phones, Wi-Fi routers, power lines, household appliances and medical equipment. The question of the potential impact of AMI on human health is the subject of ongoing scientific research and public debate.

A. Types of electromagnetic radiation:

1. Ionizing radiation: High-energy radiation, such as x-rays and gamma rays, which can ionize atoms and molecules, damaging DNA and increasing the risk of cancer.
2. Non -onization radiation: Low -energy radiation, such as radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation and visible light, which does not have sufficient energy for ionization of atoms and molecules.

B. Sources of electromagnetic radiation:

1. Mobile phones: Radio frequency (RF) AMI is radiated when transmitting and receiving signals.
2. Wi-Fi routers: Emit an Amy RF for wireless Internet access.
3. Power lines: Radiate low -frequency (low -frequency) Amy.
4. Household appliances: Microwave stoves, TVs, computers and other household appliances radiate various types of AMI.
5. Medical equipment: X -ray devices, MRI devices and other medical equipment radiates ionizing and non -ionizing radiation.

C. The potential effect of AMI on health:

1. Ionizing radiation: Causes DNA damage, increases the risk of cancer, radiation disease and other diseases.

2. Non -onization radiation: The potential impact on health is more controversial and less studied. Some studies show the relationship between the effects of RF AMI and the following effects:

   • Hearing loss: The effect of loud sound through headphones can cause hearing loss.
   • Sleep violation: The impact of RF Amy from mobile phones before going to bed may break sleep.
   • Headaches: Some people report headaches and other symptoms after exposure to RF Amy.
   • Cancer: Some studies on animals have shown the relationship between the effects of RF AMI and the development of cancer, but the results were not confirmed in studies in public.
   • Electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EGC): A condition in which people report various symptoms after AMI, but the scientific evidence of the EGC is limited.

D. Precautions:

1. Ionizing radiation: Avoid unnecessary x -rays and other procedures associated with ionizing radiation. If you need to undergo an X -ray examination, make sure that the appropriate protective equipment is used.

2. Non -onization radiation:

   • Mobile phones: Use speakerphones or headphones when talking on a mobile phone. Keep the phone away from the body when it is not used.
   • Wi-Fi routers: Place the router away from the places where you spend a lot of time. Turn off the router at night.
   • Power lines: Do not live near power lines.
   • Household appliances: Hold on the distance from household appliances when they work. Turn off the devices when they are not used.

VII. The consequences of urbanization for health

Urbanization, characterized by the growth of cities and an increase in the share of the population living in urban areas, has both a positive and negative effect on human health. Cities can provide access to the best medical services, education and employment capabilities, but they are also associated with high air pollution, noise, stress, inactive lifestyle and social inequality, which can negatively affect health.

A. Advantages of urbanization for health:

1. Access to medical services: Cities often have a more developed healthcare infrastructure, including hospitals, clinics and specialized medical centers, which provides the best access to medical services.
2. Access to education: Cities usually have a wider range of educational institutions, from schools to universities, which provides people with more opportunities for education and improve their prospects for employment.
3. Employment opportunities: Cities offer more employment opportunities than rural areas, which can improve the economic well -being of people and provide them with access to the best living conditions.
4. Access to cultural and entertainment events: Cities offer a wide range of cultural and entertainment events, such as theaters, museums, concert halls and sports complexes, which can improve the quality of life of people.
5. Improved sanitary conditions: Cities usually have more developed water supply, sewage and removal systems, which improves sanitary conditions and reduces the risk of infectious diseases.

B. Disadvantages of urbanization for health:

1. Air pollution: Cities often suffer from a high level of air pollution due to automobile exhausts, industrial emissions and other sources, which can lead to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
2. Noise: The cities, as a rule, are very noisy due to transport, construction and other noise sources, which can lead to sleep disturbance, stress, hearing loss and cardiovascular diseases.
3. Stress: Life in the city can be very stressful due to the high population density, competition, lack of time and other factors, which can lead to mental disorders, cardiovascular diseases and other health problems.
4. Sedentary lifestyle: The urban environment often contributes to a sedentary lifestyle due to dependence on cars, the limited green zones and the lack of opportunities for physical activity, which can lead to obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and other health problems.
5. Social inequality: Cities are often characterized by a high level of social inequality, which can lead to a deterioration in health in people from the poor.
6. Overpopulation: Overpopulation in cities can lead to the spread of infectious diseases, increase the level of crime and worsen the quality of life.
7. Limited access to healthy nutrition: In some urban areas, access to fresh fruits, vegetables and other healthy foods can be limited, which can lead to unhealthy nutrition and health problems.

C. Strategies for mitigating the negative consequences of urbanization for health:

1. Improving air quality: Reducing automobile exhausts, industrial emissions and other sources of air pollution by introducing cleaner technologies, developing public transport and creating pedestrian and bicycle zones.
2. Reducing noise pollution: Limiting the movement of transport in residential areas, the use of noise -disposable materials in the construction and the creation of quiet areas in cities.
3. Creating green zones: Broken of parks, squares and other green zones in cities to improve air quality, reduce stress levels and create opportunities for physical activity.
4. Promotion of an active lifestyle: Creation of pedestrian and bicycle paths, development of public transport and organization of sports events.
5. Reducing social inequality: Ensuring equal access to medical services, education and employment opportunities for all residents of the city.
6. Improving housing conditions: Providing affordable and high -quality housing for all residents of the city.
7. Help to healthy nutrition: Improving access to fresh fruits, vegetables and other healthy foods in all city areas.
8. Development of public transport: Improving transport infrastructure and providing affordable and reliable public transport to reduce air pollution, noise and traffic jams.

The influence of the environment on human health is multifaceted and complex. Understanding these relationships and taking measures to protect the environment is a prerequisite for ensuring the health and well -being of the current and future generations.