Environmental impact on human health

Environmental impact on human health

1. Air quality and respiratory diseases

Air pollution is a serious threat to human health, especially for the respiratory system. Small solid particles (PM2.5 and PM10), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) are the main pollutants who have a negative impact on the light and cardiovascular system.

• Small solid particles (PM2.5 and PM10): These microscopic particles, which are formed as a result of fuel burning, industrial processes and traffic, are able to penetrate deep into the lungs and even in the bloodstream. The effect of PM2.5 and PM10 is associated with an increase in the risk of the development and exacerbation of asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), bronchitis, pneumonia and lung cancer. In children, air pollution PM2.5 can slow down the development of the lungs and increase susceptibility to respiratory infections. In addition, PM2.5 can contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial infarction and stroke.

• Ozon (O3): This gas is formed as a result of chemical reactions between nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds in the presence of sunlight. High ozone concentrations can cause respiratory tract irritation, cough, shortness of breath and a decrease in the function of the lungs. The effect of ozone is especially dangerous for people with asthma, as it can provoke attacks and worsen control over the disease.

• Nitrogen dioxide (No2): This gas is formed mainly as a result of fuel burning in cars and industrial plants. No2 can irritate the respiratory tract, cause coughing and shortness of breath, as well as increase susceptibility to respiratory infections. Long -term exposure to NO2 is associated with the development of asthma in children.

• Sulfur dioxide (SO2): This gas is formed mainly as a result of the burning of fossil fuel containing sulfur. SO2 can cause respiratory tract irritation, cough, shortness of breath and bronchospasm. High concentrations of SO2 can be especially dangerous for people with asthma and COPD.

• Ugric gas (CO): This colorless and without smell of gas is formed as a result of incomplete combustion of fuel. Co prevents the transfer of oxygen in the blood, which can lead to dizziness, headaches, nausea, loss of consciousness and even death.

2. Water and infectious diseases

Pollution of water resources is a serious threat to human health, since it can lead to the spread of infectious diseases. Contaminated water may contain pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses and parasites, as well as chemicals that can cause various diseases.

• Bacterial infections: Contaminated water may contain bacteria, such as They exhibited chill (E. coli), Salmonella And Vibrio choleraethat can cause diarrhea, vomiting, fever and other symptoms. Cholera, typhoid fever and dysentery are serious diseases that can be transmitted through contaminated water.

• Viral infections: Contaminated water can contain viruses, such as novirus, rotavirus and hepatitis A, which can cause gastroenteritis, hepatitis and other diseases.

• Parasitic infections: Contaminated water may contain parasites, such as Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium And Entamoeba histolyticathat can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain and other symptoms.

• Chemical pollution: Water can be polluted by chemicals such as heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium), pesticides, nitrates and industrial waste. A long -term exposure to these substances can lead to various diseases, including cancer, damage to the nervous system and impaired reproductive function.

3. Soil and exposure to toxic substances

Soil pollution can have a negative effect on human health, since the soil is a source of food and water. Contaminated soil may contain toxic substances, such as heavy metals, pesticides and industrial waste, which can enter the human body through a food chain, water or direct contact.

• Heavy metals: Heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic, can accumulate in the soil as a result of industrial processes, mining and the use of pesticides. These metals can enter the human body through contaminated foods (vegetables, fruits, meat) or water. Long -term exposure to heavy metals can lead to various diseases, including damage to the nervous system, kidneys, liver and cancer.

• Pesticides: Pesticides used in agriculture can pollute the soil and water. Long -term exposure to pesticides is associated with an increase in the risk of cancer, damage to the nervous system, reproductive problems and immune disorders.

• Industrial waste: Industrial waste may contain various toxic substances that can pollute the soil and water. The effect of these substances can lead to various diseases, depending on the type of pollutant.

4. Climate changes and health risks

Climate change is a serious threat to human health, since it can lead to an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather phenomena, such as heat, floods, droughts and storms. These phenomena can have a direct and indirect effect on human health.

• Wounder: Extreme heat can lead to a thermal impact, dehydration and exacerbation of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Elderly people, children and people with chronic diseases are especially vulnerable to the effects of heat.

• Floods: Flows can lead to drowning, injuries, the spread of infectious diseases (cholera, hepatitis a) and pollution of drinking water sources.

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

• Storms: Storms can lead to injuries, death, destruction of infrastructure and impaired access to medical care.

• Distribution of vector diseases: Climate change can lead to a change in the distribution of mosquitoes, ticks and other carriers of diseases, such as malaria, denge fever, lime disease and ZIK virus.

5. Noise and mental health

Noise is a common environmental factor that can have a negative effect on human health, especially mental health. Long-term noise can lead to stress, sleep disorders, a decrease in cognitive functions and an increase in the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

• Stress: Noise can cause stress, which can lead to an increase in blood pressure, heart rate and other physiological changes. Long-term stress can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, depression and anxiety disorders.

• Sleep violation: Noise can break the dream, which can lead to fatigue, a decrease in concentration of attention and mood worsening. A long-term sleep disturbance can increase the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease.

• Reducing cognitive functions: Noise can reduce cognitive functions, such as memory, attention and ability to learn. Children living in noisy areas may experience learning difficulties.

• Cardiovascular diseases: Long-term noise exposure is associated with an increase in the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, myocardial infarction and stroke.

6. Urbanization and health

Urbanization, characterized by the growth of cities and an increase in population density, can have both a positive and negative effects on human health. On the one hand, cities offer more opportunities for education, employment and access to medical care. On the other hand, urbanization can lead to air and water pollution, noise, overpopulation, lack of green spaces and social inequality that can have a negative effect on health.

• Air pollution: Cities often suffer from a high level of air pollution associated with road traffic, industry and heating. Air pollution can lead to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer.

• Water pollution: Cities may experience problems with water pollution due to insufficient wastewater treatment and industrial waste. Contaminated water can lead to infectious diseases and chemical poisoning.

• Noise: The cities are usually noisy places where the noise comes from traffic, construction, industry and entertainment institutions. Noise can lead to stress, sleep disturbance and cardiovascular diseases.

• Overpopulation: Overpopulation can lead to the spread of infectious diseases, deterioration of sanitary conditions and social stress.

• Lack of green spaces: The lack of green spaces can limit the possibilities for physical activity, relaxation and relaxation, which can negatively affect mental and physical health.

• Social inequality: In cities, social inequality is often observed, when some population groups have limited access to resources and services necessary to maintain health.

7. Chemicals in consumer goods and health

Chemicals used in consumer goods, such as cosmetics, personal hygiene products, cleaning agents, furniture and electronics, can have a negative effect on human health. Some of these substances can be endocrine destroyers, carcinogens or allergens.

• Endocrine destroyers: Endocrine destroyers are chemicals that can interfere in the work of the endocrine system that regulates hormones. The effect of endocrine destroyers is associated with an increase in the risk of cancer, reproductive problems, developmental disorders and immune disorders.

• Carcinogens: Cambers are chemicals that can cause cancer. Some chemicals used in consumer goods, such as formaldehyde, benzene and vinyl chloride, are carcinogens.

• Allergens: Allergens are substances that can cause allergic reactions. Some chemicals used in consumer goods, such as flavoring, dyes and preservatives, are allergens.

8. Radiation and health

Radiation is a form of energy that can have a negative effect on human health. There are two main types of radiation: ionizing and non -ionizing.

• Ionizing radiation: Ionizing radiation has sufficient energy to remove electrons from atoms and molecules, which can lead to DNA damage and other cellular components. Sources of ionizing radiation are radioactive materials, x -rays and cosmic radiation. The effect of ionizing radiation is associated with an increase in the risk of cancer, genetic mutations and other diseases.

• Non -ionizing radiation: Nononizing radiation has insufficient energy to remove electrons from atoms and molecules. Sources of non -ionizing radiation are radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation and ultraviolet radiation. The effect of non -ionizing radiation can lead to heating of tissues, burns and other effects. Ultraviolet radiation can cause skin and cataract cancer.

9. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and health

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are organisms whose DNA has been changed using genetic engineering methods. GMOs are widely used in agriculture to increase productivity, resistance to pests and diseases, as well as improving the nutritional value of food products. The issue of GMO safety for human health is the subject of discussions. Some studies show that GMOs can cause allergic reactions, toxic effects and other health problems. However, other studies have not revealed any negative health consequences.

10. Lack of access to pure water and sanitation

The lack of access to pure water and sanitation is one of the main causes of diseases and mortality in the world. More than 2 billion people do not have access to safe drinking water, and more than 4 billion people do not have access to proper sanitation. This leads to the spread of infectious diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, typhoid typhoid and hepatitis A. In addition, lack of access to pure water and sanitation can lead to malnutrition, growth retardation and other health problems.

11. The impact of pesticides on the health of agricultural workers

Agricultural workers who regularly use pesticides are at increased risk of developing various diseases. Pesticides can cause acute poisoning, chronic diseases and long -term health consequences.

• Acute poisoning: Acute poisoning with pesticides can cause nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, cramps, shortness of breathing and even death.

• Chronic diseases: Long -term exposure to pesticides is associated with an increase in the risk of cancer, damage to the nervous system, reproductive problems, immune disorders and respiratory diseases.

• Long -term health consequences: The effect of pesticides during pregnancy can lead to congenital defects, developmental retardation and other health problems in children.

12. Electromagnetic fields (EMP) and health

Electromagnetic fields (EMP) are invisible energy fields that surround all electrical devices. EMP sources are power lines, transformers, mobile phones, Wi-Fi routers and other electronic devices. The question of the effect of EMP on human health is the subject of discussions. Some studies show that the prolonged exposure to EMP can increase the risk of cancer, damage to the nervous system and other health problems. However, other studies have not revealed any negative health consequences.

13. The influence of stromal factors on the development of oncological diseases
Stromal factors play an important role in the development of cancer. The stroma surrounds tumor cells and includes various types of cells, such as fibroblasts, endothelial cells and immune cells, as well as extracellular matrix (VKM). These components of the stroma can have both stimulating and overwhelming effects on the growth and progression of the tumor.

• Fibroblasts: Fibroblasts are the main cells of the stroma and synthesize VKM. They can contribute to the growth of the tumor by secreting growth factors, such as the transforming factor of beta growth (TGF-β) and the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), as well as remodeling VKM, creating a favorable environment for invasion and metastasis. Activated fibroblasts, known as fibroblasts associated with cancer (CAF), are especially important in this process.

• Endothelial cells: Endothelial cells form blood vessels, which provide the tumor with nutrients and oxygen. Angiogenesis, the process of formation of new blood vessels, is critical for the growth and metastasis of the tumor. The tumors secrete angiogenic factors, such as the growth factor of the vascular endothelium (VEGF), which stimulate the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells.

• Immune cells: Immune cells, such as T-cells, B-cells, macrophages and dendritic cells, can have both antitumor and prophesies. Some immune cells can recognize and destroy tumor cells, while others can contribute to tumor growth, securing growth factors and suppressing antitumor immunity. Macrophages associated with a tumor (TAM) are an example of immune cells, which often contribute to the progression of the tumor.

• Extracellular matrix (VKM): The VKM is a complex network of proteins and polysaccharides that surrounds cells and provides structural support. VKM also plays a role in the regulation of cellular adhesion, migration and proliferation. Remodeling of the VKM, which occurs with the development of a tumor, can contribute to invasion and metastasis of the tumor.

14. The influence of social and economic factors on environmental influences on health

Social and economic factors play an important role in determining the impact of the environment on human health. Poor and marginalized communities often disproportionately suffer from environmental pollution and other environmental risks.

• Economic status: Poor people often live in areas with a high level of air and water pollution, poor sanitation and limited access to medical care. They also work more often in dangerous work, which are associated with the effects of toxic substances.

• Education: People with a lower level of education can be less aware of health risks associated with environmental exposure, and can be less capable of protecting themselves from these risks.

• Race and ethnicity: Race and ethnic minorities often disproportionately suffer from environmental pollution and other environmental risks due to discriminatory practices of housing and zoning.

• Access to medical care: People with limited access to medical care can be less capable of obtaining timely diagnosis and treatment of diseases associated with environmental exposure.

15. Strategies for mitigating environmental impact on health

There are a number of strategies that can be used to mitigate environmental impact on human health.

• Improving air quality: This can be achieved by reducing emissions from cars, industry and power plants, as well as by promoting the use of renewable energy sources.

• Improving the quality of water: This can be achieved by improving wastewater treatment, protecting drinking water sources and reducing the use of pesticides and other chemicals in agriculture.

• Waste management: This can be achieved by reducing waste formation, processing and composting, as well as proper waste burial.

• Reducing the effects of noise: This can be achieved by using sound insulation, creating zones of silence and restrictions on noise from transport and industry.

• Promotion of a healthy lifestyle: This can be achieved by encouraging physical activity, healthy nutrition and smoking.

• Increased awareness: Increased awareness of health risks associated with environmental impact, and about the mitigation strategies of these risks.

• Strengthening cooperation: Strengthening cooperation between the government, business and the public to solve problems related to environmental impact on health.

These strategies can help protect human health from the negative impact of the environment and create a healthier and more stable environment for everyone.