Influence of ecology on human health

Influence of ecology on human health

1. Atmospheric pollution and respiratory diseases

Atmospheric pollution caused by the emissions of industrial enterprises, vehicles and energy plants is a serious threat to human health, especially for the respiratory system. The main air pollutants are solid particles (PM), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (No.2), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and carbon monoxide (CO).

• Solid particles (PM): PM is a mixture of solid and liquid particles located in the air. They are classified depending on the size, the most dangerous are PM2.5 (a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers) and PM10 (diameter less than 10 micrometers), since they can penetrate deep into the lungs and even into the bloodstream. PM sources include the burning of fossil fuel, industrial processes, construction work and natural phenomena, such as dusty storms. The effect of PM is associated with the development and exacerbation of respiratory diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), bronchitis, as well as an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer. The long -term effect of PM2.5 can lead to a decrease in life expectancy.
• Ozon (O3): Ozone in the troposphere (squat ozone) is formed as a result of chemical reactions between nitrogen oxides (NOX) and volatile organic compounds (VOCS) under the influence of sunlight. High ozone concentrations irritate the respiratory tract, cause cough, shortness of breath and chest pain. Children, elderly people and people with respiratory diseases are especially sensitive to ozone. Ozone can also damage the tissues of the lungs and reduce their function.
• Nitrogen dioxide (No2): No2 is formed as a result of the burning of fossil fuel, especially in internal combustion engines. High concentrations of NO2 irritate the respiratory tract, cause coughing and shortness of breath, and also increase susceptibility to respiratory infections. No2 can aggravate the symptoms of asthma and COPD. Children living near roads with intensive traffic are at increased risk of developing respiratory diseases due to NO2.
• Sulfur dioxide (SO2): SO2 is formed as a result of the burning of fossil fuel containing sulfur, as well as as a result of industrial processes. High concentrations of SO2 irritate the respiratory tract, cause cough, shortness of breath and chest pain. SO2 can cause bronchospasm and aggravate asthma symptoms. SO2 can also contribute to the formation of acid rains, which have a negative effect on the environment.
• Ugric gas (CO): Co is formed as a result of incomplete combustion of fossil fuel. Co binds to hemoglobin in the blood, preventing the transfer of oxygen to tissues and organs. High concentrations CO can cause headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, loss of consciousness and even death. Pregnant women, children and people with cardiovascular diseases are especially sensitive to Co.

2. Water pollution and infectious diseases

The pollution of water resources with chemicals, waste and pathogenic microorganisms is a serious threat to human health, since water is a vital resource for drinking, hygiene and agriculture.

• Chemical pollution: Industrial drains, agricultural fertilizers and pesticides, as well as mining waste, can pollute water resources with heavy metals (mercury, lead, cadmium), organic compounds (pesticides, solvents, pharmaceuticals) and other toxic substances. The use of contaminated water can lead to chronic diseases such as cancer, neurological disorders, liver and kidney damage, as well as to impaired reproductive function. For example, the effects of mercury can cause neurological disorders, especially in children, and the effect of lead can reduce mental abilities.
• Microbiological pollution: Wastewater, feces and other organic waste can pollute water resources with pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria (E. Coli, Salmonella, Shigella), viruses (novirus, rotavirus, hepatitis a) and parasites (Giardia, Cryptosporidium). The use of contaminated water can lead to infectious diseases such as diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, typhoid, hepatitis A and polio. These diseases are especially dangerous for children, elderly people and people with weakened immunity.
• Nitrate pollution: The intensive use of nitrogen fertilizers in agriculture leads to pollution of groundwater with nitrates. Increased concentrations of nitrates in drinking water can cause metghemoglobinemia (a “blue child” syndrome) in infants, in which the ability of blood to transfer oxygen is disturbed. In addition, nitrates can be converted into nitrites, which are carcinogenic substances.
• Euttraining: The discharge of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) into water bodies, for example, from agricultural drains and wastewater, leads to eutrification – excessive growth of algae and other aquatic plants. Evtrophy reduces the content of oxygen in water, which leads to the death of fish and other aquatic organisms. The decomposition of the organic mass formed as a result of eutrification can lead to the formation of toxic substances, such as cyanotoxins, which can cause liver and nervous system diseases.

3. Soil pollution and food poisoning

The soil pollution with heavy metals, pesticides and other toxic substances can lead to pollution of food products grown on this basis and pose a threat to human health.

• Heavy metals: Industrial waste, mining industry and the use of fertilizers and pesticides can pollute the soil with heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic. These metals can accumulate in plants, which are then eaten. The chronic effect of heavy metals can lead to various diseases, such as neurological disorders, kidney damage and liver, cancer and impaired reproductive function. For example, lead can reduce mental abilities in children, and cadmium can cause kidney and bone damage.
• Pesticides: The intensive use of pesticides in agriculture can lead to soil and water pollution. Pesticides can accumulate in plants and animals, which are then consumed. The chronic effect of pesticides can lead to various diseases, such as cancer, neurological disorders, impaired reproductive function and endocrine disorders. Some pesticides are endocrine destroyers, that is, they can violate the functioning of the hormonal system.
• Polluted with polychlored bifeniles (PHB): PHB are persistent organic pollutants, which were widely used in industry in the past. They can accumulate in soil and water and get into the food chain. The impact of PHB is associated with the development of cancer, neurological disorders, impaired reproductive function and immunodeficiency.
• Dioxins and furats: Dioxins and furats are formed as a result of waste burning, chlorine production and other industrial processes. They are persistent organic pollutants that can accumulate in soil and water and get into the food chain. The effect of dioxins and furanes is associated with the development of cancer, immunodeficiency, impaired reproductive function and endocrine disorders.

4. Noise and stress

Noise is a common environmental factor that can have a negative effect on human health, causing stress, sleep disturbances, cardiovascular diseases and hearing impairment.

• Sleep disorders: Constant noise, especially at night, can violate sleep, causing insomnia, frequent awakening and a decrease in sleep quality. The lack of sleep can lead to fatigue, irritability, a decrease in concentration of attention and the deterioration of cognitive functions. Chronic lack of sleep can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and other chronic diseases.
• Cardiovascular diseases: Long-term noise can increase blood pressure, increase the pulse and increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary heart disease and stroke. The noise activates the sympathetic nervous system, which leads to the release of stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can damage the cardiovascular system.
• Hearing disorders: The effect of loud noise can lead to damage to the hearing cells in the inner ear and the development of hearing loss. A long -term exposure to noise over 85 decibels can lead to irreversible hearing damage. In addition to hearing loss, noise can cause tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and increased sensitivity to sounds.
• Stress: The noise is a stressor that can cause a sense of irritation, anxiety and anxiety. Chronic stress can lead to various diseases, such as depression, anxiety disorders, headaches and gastrointestinal disorders. Noise can also reduce labor productivity and worsen the quality of life.

5. Radiation and Cancer

The impact of ionizing radiation, both natural and artificial origin, can increase the risk of cancer and other diseases.

• Natural background: A person is constantly exposed to ionizing radiation from natural sources, such as cosmic radiation, radon in soil and radioactive elements in rocks. The level of the natural background of radiation varies depending on the geographical location and geological features.
• Artificial sources: Artificial sources of ionizing radiation include medical X -ray devices, nuclear reactors, radioactive materials used in industry and scientific research, as well as radioactive waste. The effect of high doses of ionizing radiation can lead to radiation disease, which is characterized by nausea, vomiting, weakness, bleeding and bone marrow damage. The prolonged effect of low doses of ionizing radiation can increase the risk of cancer, especially leukemia, thyroid cancer and breast cancer.
• Radon: Radon is a radioactive gas that is formed as a result of the collapse of uranium in the soil and rocks. Radon can penetrate the houses through cracks in the foundation and other holes. Inhalation of Radon is the second most important cause of lung cancer after smoking. Regular testing of the level of radon in houses and taking measures to reduce its concentration can help reduce the risk of lung cancer.
• Ultraviolet radiation: Ultraviolet (UV) Sun radiation is an important risk factor for the development of skin cancer. Excessive exposure to UV radiation can lead to sunburn, premature skin aging and the development of basal cell cancer, flat cell cancer and melanoma. The use of sunscreen creams, wearing protective clothing and limiting the time for staying in the sun in peak hours can help reduce the risk of skin cancer.

6. Climate change and health

Climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions as a result of human activity has an increasingly noticeable effect on human health, leading to extreme weather phenomena, the spread of infectious diseases, worsening air and water quality, as well as a lack of food.

• Extreme weather phenomena: Climate change leads to an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather phenomena, such as heat, droughts, floods, storms and forest fires. The heat can lead to a thermal impact, dehydration and exacerbation of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Flows can lead to injuries, drowning, spread of infectious diseases and pollution of drinking water. Forest fires can lead to respiratory diseases, injuries and death.
• Distribution of infectious diseases: Climate change affects the spread of infectious diseases transferred by mosquitoes, ticks and other insects. An increase in temperature and a change in precipitation can expand the habitats of these insects and increase the duration of the activity season, which leads to an increase in the risk of infection with diseases such as malaria, fever, zika fever and lime disease.
• Deterioration of air and water quality: Climate change can aggravate the problem of air and water pollution. An increase in temperature can contribute to the formation of ozone in the troposphere, which leads to a deterioration in air quality and exacerbation of respiratory diseases. Droughts can lead to a decrease in the availability of drinking water and an increase in the concentration of pollutants in water resources. Flows can lead to pollution of drinking water with pathogenic microorganisms and chemicals.
• Lack of food: Climate change can have a negative impact on agriculture and lead to a lack of food. Droughts, floods and extreme temperatures can reduce the yield of agricultural crops and lead to an increase in food prices. Lack of food can lead to malnutrition, nutrient deficiency and health worsening.

7. City environment and health

The urban environment, characterized by high population density, intensive traffic, industrial enterprises and a lack of green spaces, can have a negative impact on human health.

• Air pollution: Cities often suffer from a high level of air pollution caused by emissions of vehicles, industrial enterprises and energy plants. The effect of contaminated air can lead to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
• Noise: Cities are usually characterized by a high level of noise caused by traffic, construction work and other sources. The effect of noise can lead to sleep disturbances, stress, cardiovascular diseases and hearing impairment.
• Lack of green spaces: The lack of green spaces in cities can lead to a deterioration in air quality, increasing temperature and lack of opportunities for relaxation and physical activity. Studies show that living near green spaces is associated with improving mental health and a decrease in the risk of developing chronic diseases.
• Social isolation: In cities, a high degree of social isolation can be observed, especially among the elderly and people with disabilities. Social isolation is associated with an increased risk of development of depression, anxiety disorders and other mental diseases.
• Availability of healthy nutrition: In some urban areas, access to healthy nutrition, for example, to fresh fruits and vegetables, may be limited. This can lead to malnutrition, obesity and increased risk of developing chronic diseases.

8. Chemicals in consumer goods and health

Many consumer goods, such as cosmetics, detergents, plastic packaging and furniture, contain chemicals that can have a negative effect on human health.

• Endocrine destroyers: Some chemicals contained in consumer goods are endocrine destroyers, that is, they can violate the work of the hormonal system. Examples of endocrine destroyers include bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, parabens and triclosan. The effect of endocrine destroyers can lead to impaired reproductive function, endocrine diseases, cancer and neurological disorders.
• Allergens and irritants: Some chemicals contained in consumer goods can cause allergic reactions and irritation of the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. Examples of allergens and stimuli include formaldehyde, fragrances and preservatives.
• Carcinogens: Some chemicals contained in consumer goods are carcinogens, that is, they can cause cancer. Examples of carcinogens include formaldehyde, benzene and vinyl chloride.
• Heavy metals: Some consumer goods, such as cosmetics and jewelry, may contain heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium and mercury. The effects of heavy metals can lead to various diseases, such as neurological disorders, kidney and liver damage, cancer and reproductive disorders.

9. Professional risks and health

Many professions are associated with an increased risk of exposure to harmful environmental factors, such as chemicals, dust, noise, ionizing radiation and biological agents.

• Chemicals: Employees of industrial enterprises, agriculture and construction can be exposed to a wide range of chemicals, which can cause various diseases, such as cancer, respiratory diseases, skin diseases, neurological disorders and reproductive disorders.
• Dust: Employees of mining, construction and agriculture can be exposed to dust, which can cause respiratory diseases, such as pneumoconiosis, silicosis and asbestosis.
• Noise: Employees of industrial enterprises, construction and transport can be exposed to loud noise, which can lead to hearing impairments, stress, cardiovascular diseases and sleep disturbances.
• Ionizing radiation: Workers of medical institutions, nuclear industry and scientific research can be exposed to ionizing radiation, which can increase the risk of cancer and other diseases.
• Biological agents: Employees of medical institutions, agriculture and food industry can be exposed to biological agents, such as bacteria, viruses and fungi that can cause infectious diseases.

10. Measures to protect health from environmental factors

Protecting human health from the negative impact of environmental factors requires an integrated approach, including measures to reduce environmental pollution, improve living and labor, as well as increase the knowledge of the population about health risks.

• Reducing air pollution: Measures to reduce air pollution include the introduction of cleaner production technologies, the use of more environmentally friendly transport, the development of renewable energy sources, increasing the energy efficiency of buildings and industrial enterprises, as well as monitoring the emissions of harmful substances.
• Water purification: Water purification measures include the construction and modernization of treatment facilities, the introduction of more effective methods of water purification, protection of water collection pools from pollution, monitoring the use of fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture, as well as increasing the knowledge of the population about the proper use of water.
• Soil cleaning: The measures to clean the soil include the removal of polluted soil, the use of biomediation (soil cleaning using microorganisms), the introduction of more environmentally friendly methods of agriculture, control over the use of fertilizers and pesticides, as well as recycling in accordance with environmental requirements.
• Reduced noise level: Measures to reduce the noise level include the construction of noise screen screens along roads and railways, the use of quieter vehicles and equipment, limiting the time of noisy enterprises and construction sites, as well as the development of green areas in cities.
• Radiation protection: Protection protection measures include control over the level of the radiation background, ensuring radiation safety at nuclear facilities, the use of protective equipment when working with radioactive materials, as well as informing the population about the risks associated with radiation.
• Adaptation to climate change: The measures to adapt to the climate change include the construction of protective structures from floods, the development of plans for extreme weather phenomena, the introduction of drought -resistant varieties of agricultural crops, as well as an increase in the stability of healthcare systems to the consequences of climate change.
• Improving the living and labor conditions: Measures to improve living and labor conditions include ensuring access to clean water and sanitation, improving housing conditions, improving the level of safety at workplaces, as well as providing employees with information about health risks and precautions.
• Increased awareness of the population: Increased public awareness of health risks associated with environmental factors is an important element of human health. This can be achieved through educational programs, information campaigns in the media, as well as through the participation of the population in making decisions on environmental protection issues. Training should cover such topics as air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution, noise, radiation, climate change and consumer goods. The population should be informed about how to minimize the impact of harmful environmental factors and how to protect their health and the health of their loved ones.