Ecology and Health: how the habitat affects us

Ecology and Health: how the habitat affects us

I. The air we breathe: the atmospheric pollution and its consequences for health

A. The composition of atmospheric air and sources of pollution:

1. The normal composition of atmospheric air: nitrogen, oxygen, argon, carbon dioxide, trace elements.
2. The main sources of atmospheric air pollution:
   • Industry: emissions of industrial enterprises (metallurgy, chemical, oil refining), energy plants (CHPC, hydroelectric power station), mining and processing of minerals.
   • Transport: automobile, railway, aviation, water (exhaust gases of internal combustion engines).
   • Agriculture: the use of pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, ammonia emissions from livestock complexes.
   • Household sources: heating of residential buildings (especially in the private sector), burning of garbage, cooking.
   • Natural sources: volcanic activity, forest fires, soil erosion, dust storms.

B. The main atmospheric air pollutants and their impact on human health:

1. Solid particles (PM10, PM2.5):
   • Composition and sources: soot, dust, mineral salts, metal particles, organic compounds.
   • The mechanisms of exposure: penetration into the respiratory tract, irritation of the mucous membranes, inflammation of the lungs, transfer of harmful substances to the body.
   • Diseases associated with the effects of solid particles: respiratory diseases (bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia), cardiovascular diseases (heart attack, stroke), lung cancer.
2. Sulfur dioxide (SO2):
   • Sources: burning of coal and oil, non -ferrous metal smelting.
   • Exact mechanisms: respiratory tract irritation, the formation of sulfuric acid in the lungs, worsening the condition of patients with asthma.
   • Diseases associated with the effects of sulfur dioxide: respiratory diseases, a decrease in the function of the lungs, cardiovascular diseases.
3. Nitrogen oxides (Nox):
   • Sources: road transport, energy plants, industry.
   • The mechanisms of exposure: respiratory tract irritation, ozone formation in the surface layer of the atmosphere, increased exposure to other pollutants.
   • Diseases associated with the effects of nitrogen oxides: respiratory diseases, a decrease in immunity, cardiovascular diseases.
4. Ozon (O3):
   • Sources: Education in the surface atmosphere under the influence of sunlight from nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds.
   • Exact mechanisms: respiratory tract irritation, reducing lung function, increased exposure to other pollutants.
   • Diseases associated with the effects of ozone: respiratory diseases, reduction of immunity, cardiovascular disease.
5. Ugric gas (CO):
   • Sources: incomplete fuel combustion (road transport, heating, fires).
   • Exact mechanisms: blocking oxygen transfer, tissue hypoxia, damage to the nervous system.
   • Diseases associated with the effects of carbon monoxide: poisoning, headache, dizziness, loss of consciousness, heart failure.
6. Flying organic compounds (los):
   • Sources: industry, transport, use of solvents, varnishes, paints.
   • Exact mechanisms: respiratory tract irritation, ozone formation, carcinogenic effect.
   • Diseases associated with the effects of elk: respiratory diseases, cancer, damage to the nervous system.
7. Heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium):
   • Sources: industry, transport, garbage burning.
   • Exact mechanisms: accumulation in the body, damage to the nervous system, kidneys, liver, bones.
   • Diseases associated with the effects of heavy metals: poisoning, damage to the nervous system, kidneys, liver, cancer.

C. Factors affecting the degree of exposure to atmospheric air pollution on health:

1. Concentration of pollutants: the higher the concentration, the stronger the impact.
2. Duration of exposure: prolonged exposure is more dangerous than short -term.
3. Individual susceptibility: children, elderly people, pregnant women and people with chronic diseases are more vulnerable.
4. The presence of related factors: smoking, stress, poor nutrition enhance the negative effects of air pollution.
5. Climate conditions: temperature, humidity, wind affect the spread and concentration of pollutants.

D. Measures to reduce atmospheric air pollution and health protection:

1. At the legislative level:
   • The establishment of the standards of maximum permissible concentrations (MPC) of pollutants.
   • Control over the emissions of industrial enterprises and vehicles.
   • The introduction of environmental taxes and fines for environmental pollution.
   • Development and implementation of programs to improve the quality of atmospheric air.
2. At the level of industrial enterprises:
   • The introduction of modern emissions cleaning technologies.
   • The use of ecologically pure fuel and raw materials.
   • Optimization of production processes to reduce emissions.
   • Installing atmospheric air monitoring systems in the enterprise.
3. At the level of the transport system:
   • The development of public transport and infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians.
   • The transition to environmentally friendly modes of transport (electric cars, hybrids).
   • Tighten the requirements for the environmental class of cars.
   • Organization of traffic to reduce traffic jams and emissions.
4. At the population level:
   • Using public transport, bicycle or on foot instead of a car.
   • Limiting the use of cars during peak hours.
   • Installation of air purification systems in residential premises.
   • Refusal of smoking.
   • Proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle to strengthen immunity.
   • Active participation in environmental protection measures.

II. Water – a source of life and risk: pollution of water resources and its effect on health

A. Sources of water pollution and their classification:

1. Point sources:
   • Reset of industrial enterprises (wastewater containing toxic substances).
   • Reset sewage drains (household waste, pathogenic microorganisms).
   • Leaks from tanks and pipelines (oil, oil products, chemicals).
   • Reset from livestock farms (organic waste, pathogenic microorganisms).
2. Diffuse sources:
   • Agricultural drains (fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides).
   • City drains (road dust, chemicals, waste).
   • Atmospheric precipitation (contaminated substances from the atmosphere).
   • Soil erosion (flow of soil and suspended substances into reservoirs).
3. Classification of water pollutants:
   • Biological pollutants: bacteria, viruses, parasites (causing infectious diseases).
   • Chemical pollutants:
     • Organic pollutants: pesticides, herbicides, petroleum products, phenols, detergents (causing poisoning, cancer, hormonal disorders).
     • Inorganic pollutants: heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium), nitrates, phosphates, chlorides (causing poisoning, cancer, eutrification of reservoirs).
   • Physical pollutants: suspended substances, temperature, radioactive substances (causing turbidity, temperature change, radiation disease).

B. The main water pollutants and their impact on human health:

1. Pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, parasites):
   • Sources: sewage drains, livestock waste.
   • Diseases: cholera, dysentery, typhoid, hepatitis a, polio, lambliosis, cryptosporidia.
   • The mechanisms of exposure: penetration into the body through the gastrointestinal tract, reproduction and release of toxins.
2. Nitrates and nitrites:
   • Sources: agricultural drains, sewage drains.
   • Diseases: metghemoglobinemia (in children), stomach cancer.
   • The mechanisms of exposure: the transformation of hemoglobin into metghemoglobin, a violation of oxygen transfer, the formation of carcinogenic substances.
3. Heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium, chrome):
   • Sources: industrial drains, mining industry.
   • Diseases: damage to the nervous system, kidneys, liver, bones, cancer.
   • Exact mechanisms: accumulation in the body, binding with proteins and enzymes, violation of their functions.
4. Pesticides and herbicides:
   • Sources: agricultural drains.
   • Diseases: cancer, hormonal disorders, damage to the nervous system.
   • Exact mechanisms: impaired work of the endocrine system, carcinogenic effect, neurotoxic effect.
5. Oil products:
   • Sources: accidents on oil pipelines, oil refineries, transport.
   • Diseases: poisoning, cancer, liver and kidney damage.
   • Exact mechanisms: toxic effect on organs and tissues, carcinogenic effect.
6. Radioactive substances:
   • Sources: nuclear power plants, uranium mining and processing.
   • Diseases: radiation disease, cancer, genetic mutations.
   • Exact mechanisms: ionizing radiation, DNA damage, violation of cellular processes.
7. Fluorine:
   • Sources: industrial drains, natural sources.
   • Diseases: tooth fluorosis (with excess), caries (with a lack).
   • Exact mechanisms: violation of the mineralization of tooth enamel.

C. Water purification methods and their effectiveness:

1. Mechanical methods:
   • Landing: removal of suspended substances by deposition.
   • Filtering: removal of suspended substances using filters (sandy, coal).
   • Efficiency: removal of large suspended particles, reducing the turbidity of water.
2. Chemical methods:
   • Coagulation: enlargement of suspended substances with the help of coagulants (aluminum salts, iron).
   • Chlorination: water disinfection with chlorine (destruction of bacteria and viruses).
   • Ozonation: disinfection of water with ozone (destruction of bacteria and viruses, oxidation of organic substances).
   • Ultraviolet irradiation: disinfection of water using ultraviolet radiation (destruction of bacteria and viruses).
   • Efficiency: removal of small suspended substances, disinfection of water, reducing the content of organic substances.
3. Biological methods:
   • Biological filtering: water purification with microorganisms that decompose organic substances.
   • Biological ponds: water purification in ponds using algae and microorganisms.
   • Efficiency: removal of organic substances, nitrates, phosphates.
4. Membrane methods:
   • Reverse osmosis: removal of all dissolved substances from the water using a semi -permeable membrane.
   • Ultrafiltration: removal of large molecules and microorganisms from the water using a semi -permeable membrane.
   • Nanofiltration: removing ions and small molecules from the water using a semi -permeable membrane.
   • Efficiency: obtaining high purity water, removal of all types of pollutants.

D. Measures to protect water resources and provide the population with quality water:

1. At the legislative level:
   • Establishment of water quality standards.
   • Control over the discharges of industrial and sewage.
   • The introduction of water protection zones around reservoirs.
   • Development and implementation of water resources protection programs.
2. At the level of industrial enterprises:
   • The introduction of modern wastewater treatment technologies.
   • Using closed water supply cycles.
   • Installation of wastewater quality monitoring systems.
3. At the level of agriculture:
   • Rational use of fertilizers and pesticides.
   • The introduction of soil -protective agricultural technologies.
   • Limiting cattle near water bodies.
4. At the population level:
   • Saving water in everyday life.
   • Proper waste disposal.
   • Using filters to clean drinking water.
   • Participation in measures for the protection of water resources.

III. Soil – the basis of life: soil pollution and its consequences for health

A. Sources of soil pollution and their classification:

1. Industrial enterprises:
   • Emissions into the atmosphere settling on the basis.
   • Wastewater discharges to filtering fields.
   • Placement of production waste at landfills.
   • Leaks from tanks and pipelines.
2. Agriculture:
   • The use of mineral fertilizers (nitrates, phosphates, potassium salts).
   • The use of pesticides and herbicides.
   • The use of livestock waste as fertilizers.
3. Transport:
   • Emissions into the atmosphere settling on the soil (heavy metals, oil products).
   • Oil spills for accidents.
4. Household waste:
   • Unauthorized landfills.
   • Fixed waste landfills.
5. Accidents and disasters:
   • Accidents at chemical enterprises.
   • Accidents at nuclear power plants.
   • Oil and oil products.
6. Classification of soil pollutants:
   • Chemical pollutants:
     • Inorganic pollutants: heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium, chrome, arsenic), salt (chlorides, sulfates, nitrates), mineral fertilizers.
     • Organic pollutants: pesticides, herbicides, petroleum products, polychlorified biphenils (PHB), dioxins, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAU).
   • Biological pollutants: pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, parasites), helminth eggs.
   • Radioactive pollutants: radionuclides (Strontius-90, Cesius-137, Plutonium-239).

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

1. Direct contact with the soil:
   • Through the skin (absorption of toxic substances).
   • Through the mouth (random soil swallowing).
   • Through the respiratory tract (inhalation of dust).
   • Diseases: skin diseases (dermatitis, eczema), poisoning, parasitic diseases.
2. Through polluted food:
   • Plants grown on polluted soil accumulate toxic substances.
   • Animals that feed on plants grown on polluted soil accumulate toxic substances.
   • Diseases: poisoning, cancer, hormonal disorders, damage to the nervous system.
3. Through contaminated water:
   • The soil pollutants enter soil and surface water.
   • Diseases: poisoning, infectious diseases, cancer, hormonal disorders.
4. Through polluted air:
   • Pollutants from the soil rise into the air with dust.
   • Diseases: respiratory diseases, cancer, damage to the nervous system.

C. The main soil pollutants and their influence on human health:

1. Heavy metals:
   • Sources: industrial emissions, waste, transport.
   • Diseases: damage to the nervous system, kidneys, liver, bones, cancer.
   • Exact mechanisms: accumulation in the body, binding with proteins and enzymes, violation of their functions.
2. Pesticides and herbicides:
   • Sources: agricultural drains, use in agriculture.
   • Diseases: cancer, hormonal disorders, damage to the nervous system.
   • Exact mechanisms: impaired work of the endocrine system, carcinogenic effect, neurotoxic effect.
3. Oil products:
   • Sources: accidents on oil pipelines, oil refineries, transport.
   • Diseases: poisoning, cancer, liver and kidney damage.
   • Exact mechanisms: toxic effect on organs and tissues, carcinogenic effect.
4. Radioactive substances:
   • Sources: accidents at nuclear power plants, uranium mining and processing.
   • Diseases: radiation disease, cancer, genetic mutations.
   • Exact mechanisms: ionizing radiation, DNA damage, violation of cellular processes.
5. Pathogenic microorganisms:
   • Sources: sewer drains, livestock waste, unauthorized landfills.
   • Diseases: infectious diseases (dysentery, salmonellosis, helminthiasis).
   • The mechanisms of exposure: penetration into the body through the gastrointestinal tract, reproduction and release of toxins.

D. Soil cleaning methods and their effectiveness:

1. Physical methods:
   • Replacement of contaminated soil: removal of contaminated soil and replacing it with clean soil.
   • Thermal desorption: heating of contaminated soil to remove flying pollutants.
   • Soil flushing: flushing of contaminated soil with water or solvent to remove pollutants.
   • Efficiency: removal of pollutants, but expensive and can lead to waste formation.
2. Chemical methods:
   • Neutralization: the addition of chemicals for neutralization of pollutants (for example, lime to neutralize acidity).
   • Oxidation and recovery: the use of oxidizing agents or restorers to destroy pollutants.
   • Efficiency: Destruction of pollutants, but can lead to the formation of toxic products.
3. Biological methods:
   • Herbal Review: the use of plants for absorption and decomposition of pollutants.
   • Biodegradation: the use of microorganisms to decompose pollutants.
   • Efficiency: environmentally friendly methods, but slow and not always effective for all types of pollutants.

E. Measures to protect the soil from pollution and restoration of contaminated territories:

1. At the legislative level:
   • Establishment of soil quality standards.
   • Control over the emissions of industrial enterprises and agricultural drains.
   • Introduction of restrictions on the use of pesticides and herbicides.
   • Settlement regulation.
   • Development and implementation of programs to restore polluted territories.
2. At the level of industrial enterprises:
   • The introduction of modern technologies for cleaning emissions and wastewater.
   • Using closed water supply cycles.
   • Safe storage and waste disposal.
3. At the level of agriculture:
   • Rational use of fertilizers and pesticides.
   • The introduction of organic farming technologies.
   • Proper disposal of livestock waste.
4. At the population level:
   • Proper waste disposal.
   • Limiting the use of pesticides and herbicides in personal plots.
   • Participation in measures to restore polluted territories.

IV. Noise and vibration: acoustic pollution and its effect on health

A. Sources of noise and vibration in the environment:

1. Transport:
   • Road transport: the noise of engines, tires, brakes, signals.
   • Railway transport: train noise, wheels, signals.
   • Aviation transport: aircraft noise during take -off and landing.
2. Industry:
   • Equipment work: noise of machine tools, compressors, pumps, fans.
   • Production processes: forging, stamping, welding.
   • Transportation of materials: the noise of loaders, conveyors.
3. Construction:
   • Work of construction equipment: the noise of excavators, bulldozers, cranes.
   • Construction processes: noise of piles, crushing concrete, metal cutting.
4. Household sources:
   • Household appliances: the noise of washing machines, vacuum cleaners, refrigerators.
   • Audio and video equipment: noise of TVs, radio receivers, music centers.
   • Talks, screams, music: noise from neighbors, street events.
5. Vibration:
   • Transport: vibration from cars, trains, aircraft.
   • Industry: vibration from machine tools, compressors, presses.
   • Construction: vibration from pile driving, drilling plants.

B. The mechanisms of the effects of noise and vibration on the human body:

1. Noise:
   • Damage to the hearing aid: damage to the hair cells of the inner ear, leading to a decrease in hearing or deafness.
   • Impact on the nervous system: stress, irritability, insomnia, headache, worsening memory and concentration of attention.
   • The impact on the cardiovascular system: increasing blood pressure, increasing heart rate, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
   • Exposure on the endocrine system: violation of the production of hormones (cortisol, adrenaline).
   • Impact on the immune system: reducing immunity, increasing the risk of infectious diseases.
2. Vibration:
   • Local vibration: impact on hands and brushes when working with a vibrating tool (vibrational disease).
   • General vibration: exposure to the entire organism when working in transport or in production (circulatory disorders, damage to the nervous system, damage to bones and joints).

C. Diseases associated with the effects of noise and vibration:

1. Hearing diseases:
   • Sensnevoral hearing loss (professional hearing loss).
   • Noise in the ears (tinnitus).
2. Diseases of the nervous system:
   • Neurasthenia.
   • Vegetes -vascular dystonia.
   • Stress headaches.
   • Migraine.
3. Diseases of the cardiovascular system:
   • Hypertonic disease.
   • Coronary heart disease.
   • Myocardial infarction.
   • Stroke.
4. Diseases of the musculoskeletal system:
   • Vibrational disease.
   • Osteochondrosis of the spine.
   • Arthrosis.
5. Other diseases:
   • Sleep disorders.
   • Reducing immunity.
   • Psychological disorders (anxiety, depression).

D. Methods of protection against noise and vibration:

1. Engineering and technical measures:
   • Reducing the noise in the source: replacing noisy equipment with low -noise, the use of vibration -insulating materials, installation of mufflers.
   • Sound insulation of the premises: the use of sound -absorbing and soundproofing materials during the construction and repair of buildings.
   • Equipment vibration isolation: installation of equipment on vibration -insulating supports.
2. Urban planning events:
   • Placement of industrial enterprises and transport highways at a distance from residential areas.
   • Creating green spaces that absorb noise.
   • Organization of noise -protective screens along roads.
3. Organizational events:
   • Limiting the time of the noisy equipment.
   • The provision of personal protective equipment to employees (headphones, Berushi).
   • Regular medical examinations to identify hearing impairment and other diseases associated with the effects of noise and vibration.
4. Individual protection measures:
   • The use of headphones or Berusha in noisy places.
   • Limiting the time spent in noisy places.
   • Regular breaks when working with a vibrating tool.
   • Compliance with personal hygiene rules.
   • A healthy lifestyle.

E. Regulatory requirements for the level of noise and vibration in residential and industrial premises:

1. Sanitary norms and rules:
   • The establishment of maximum permissible levels (PDU) of noise and vibration in residential and industrial premises.
   • Monitoring compliance with sanitary norms and rules.
   • Responsibility for violation of sanitary norms and rules.
2. Hygienic standards:
   • Establishing optimal noise and vibration levels for various activities.
   • Recommendations for reducing noise and vibration levels.
3. Technical regulations:
   • Requirements for the safety of equipment generating noise and vibration.
   • Requirements for sound and vibration insulation of buildings.

V. Electromagnetic fields: invisible danger and its effect on health

A. Sources of electromagnetic fields in the environment:

1. Natural sources:
   • The geomagnetic field of the Earth.
   • Atmospheric electric fields (thunderstorms).
   • Solar radiation.
2. Artificial sources:
   • Power lines (power lines).
   • Transformer substations.
   • Household electrical appliances (TVs, computers, microwave stoves, mobile phones).
   • Radar stations.
   • Radio and television transmitting stations.
   • Cellular phones and basic cellular stations.
   • Medical equipment (apparatus of magnetic resonance imaging).
   • Industrial equipment (welding machines, electric furnaces).
   • Electric transport (trams, trolleybuses, electric trains).

B. Types of electromagnetic fields and their characteristics:

1. Electric field:
   • It is created by electric charges.
   • It is characterized by tension (in/m).
   • Easily shields.
2. Magnetic field:
   • It is created by moving electric charges.
   • Characterized by induction (TL) or tension (a/m).
   • It is difficult to shield.
3. Electromagnetic field:
   • It consists of electric and magnetic fields interconnected.
   • It is characterized by frequency (Hz) and wavelength (m).
   • It spreads in space in the form of electromagnetic waves.
4. Classification of electromagnetic fields by frequency:
   • Industrial frequency fields (50 Hz): power lines, household electrical appliances.
   • Radio frequency fields (from 3 kHz to 300 GHz): radio and television-transmitting stations, cell phones, microwaves.
   • Microwave fields (from 300 MHz to 300 GHz): microwave stoves, radar stations.
   • Infrared radiation: thermal devices.
   • Visible light: lighting devices.
   • Ultraviolet radiation: the sun, solariums.
   • X -ray radiation: medical equipment.
   • Gamma radiation: radioactive sources.

C. The mechanisms of exposure to electromagnetic fields on the human body:

1. Thermal impact:
   • Increase in tissue temperature under the influence of electromagnetic field of high intensity.
   • It can lead to burns, cataracts, impaired work of internal organs.
   • Actual for microwave ovens, radar stations.
2. Nettle exposure:
   • Exposure on the cellular and molecular level at lower levels of the electromagnetic field.
   • Violation of the nervous system, cardiovascular system, endocrine system, immune system.
   • Changing the permeability of cell membranes.
   • Disturbance synthesis DNA and RNA.
   • Free radical oxidation.
   • It is believed that can increase the risk of cancer.

D. Diseases associated with the influence of electromagnetic fields:

1. Nervous system:
   • Neurasthenia.
   • Vegetes -vascular dystonia.
   • Headaches.
   • Insomnia.
   • Deterioration of memory and concentration.
   • Epilepsy (possibly).
2. Cardiovascular system:
   • Hypertonic disease.
   • Coronary heart disease.
   • Arrhythmia.
3. Endocrine system:
   • Violation of the menstrual cycle in women.
   • Reducing potency in men.
   • Thyroid diseases.
4. Immune system:
   • Reducing immunity.
   • Increasing the risk of infectious diseases.
   • Allergic reactions.
5. Oncological diseases:
   • Leukemia (especially in children).
   • Brain cancer.
   • Breast cancer.
6. Other diseases:
   • Cataract.
   • Chronic fatigue syndrome.
   • Autism (possibly).

E. Measures to protect against electromagnetic fields:

1. Removing from the source:
   • Compliance with a safe distance from power lines, transformer substations, radar stations.
   • Placement of sleeping places