Environmental impact on human health

Environmental impact on human health

1. Atmospheric pollution and respiratory diseases:

Atmospheric pollution, defined as the presence of harmful substances in the air in concentrations that pose a danger to human health and the environment, is one of the most serious global environmental risk factors. Sources of air pollution are diverse and include industrial emissions, vehicles, burning fossil fuel, agricultural activity and natural phenomena, such as forest fires and volcanic eruptions.

1.1. The main air pollutants:

• Solid particles (PM): PM, especially PM2.5 (particles of less than 2.5 micrometers) and PM10 (particles in size less than 10 micrometers), penetrate deep into the lungs and can even fall into the bloodstream. Sources of PM are fuel combustion (including automobile exhausts, power plants and household heating), industrial processes, construction and agriculture. The chemical composition of PM varies depending on the source and may include soot, sulfates, nitrates, metals and organic compounds.
• Ozon (O3): The tropospheric ozone formed as a result of chemical reactions between nitrogen oxides (NOX) and volatile organic compounds (VOCS) in the presence of sunlight, is a strong irritant of the lungs. Car exhausts, industrial emissions and evaporation of solvents are the main sources of NOX and VOCS. Ozone, located on the surface of the Earth, differs from the ozone layer in the stratosphere, which protects us from ultraviolet radiation.
• Nitrogen dioxide (No2): NO2, which forms during the burning of fossil fuel, especially in internal combustion engines and at power stations, is an irritant of the respiratory tract and contributes to the formation of ozone and acid rains.
• Sulfur dioxide (SO2): SO2, which forms during the burning of fossil fuel containing sulfur (for example, coal and fuel oil), as well as in some industrial processes (for example, when smelting metals), is a strong irritant of the respiratory tract and contributes to the formation of acid rains and PM.
• Ugric gas (CO): Co, which forms with the incomplete combustion of fossil fuel, is colorless and the smell of gas, which is associated with hemoglobin in the blood, preventing the delivery of oxygen to tissues. Car exhausts, faulty heaters and smoke from fires are the main sources of CO.
• Flying organic compounds (VOCS): VOCS, distinguished from a wide range of sources, including automobile exhausts, industrial emissions, solvents, paints, varnishes and household cleaners, contribute to the formation of ozone and can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, as well as headaches and other symptoms.
• Heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium): Heavy metals thrown into the atmosphere as a result of industrial processes (for example, metal smelting, waste burning) and burning fossil fuel can accumulate in the body and cause various health problems, including neurological disorders, damage to the kidneys and cancer.
• Pollen and disputes of mushrooms: Although they are natural components of air, high concentrations of pollen and mushroom spores, especially during seasonal allergies, can cause and aggravate respiratory diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis.

1.2. Impact on the respiratory system:

• Asthma: Atmospheric pollution, especially PM2.5, ozone and nitrogen dioxide, is a trigger for exacerbation of asthma, causing narrowing of the respiratory tract, an increase in mucus production and difficulty breathing. Children, elderly people and people with existing respiratory diseases are especially susceptible to the effects of polluted air on asthma. The long -term effect of contaminated air can also contribute to the development of asthma in children.
• Chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD): Long -term exposure to contaminated air, especially PM2.5 and sulfur dioxide, is a risk factor for the development of COPD, a progressive lung disease, characterized by limitation of air flow and chronic inflammation of the respiratory tract. People who are exposed to contaminated air at the workplace (for example, miners, builders) are also at increased risk of hobble development.
• Respiratory infections: Air pollution can weaken the immune system and increase the susceptibility to respiratory tract infections, such as pneumonia and bronchitis. PM can damage the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, making it difficult to remove pathogens.
• Lung cancer: The long -term exposure to certain air pollutants, such as PM2.5, benzene and radon, is associated with an increased risk of developing lung cancer. The risk of lung cancer from air pollution is especially high for people who also smoke or expose other carcinogens.
• Reducing the function of the lungs: The chronic effect of contaminated air, especially in childhood, can lead to a decrease in the function of the lungs and a slowdown in the growth of the lungs. This can increase the risk of respiratory diseases at a later age.
• Inflammation of the respiratory tract: Even the short -term effect of contaminated air can cause inflammation of the respiratory tract, which leads to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing. Inflammation of the respiratory tract can also increase the risk of other respiratory diseases.

1.3. At-risk groups:

• Children: Children are more susceptible to contaminated air, since their lungs are still developing, and they breathe more often than adults. They also spend more time outdoors, exposed to greater exposure to contaminated air.
• Elderly people: Older people often have existing respiratory or cardiovascular diseases that can aggravate the effects of contaminated air. Their immune system can also be weakened, which makes them more susceptible to respiratory tract infections.
• People with respiratory diseases: People with asthma, COPD or other respiratory diseases are especially susceptible to the effects of contaminated air, which can cause an exacerbation of symptoms and increase the risk of hospitalization.
• People with cardiovascular diseases: Air pollution can worsen the state of the cardiovascular system and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
• Pregnant women: The effects of contaminated air during pregnancy can negatively affect the health of the mother and child, increasing the risk of premature birth, low weight at birth and other complications.
• People with low socio-economic status: People with low socio-economic status often live in areas with a higher level of air pollution and may not have access to adequate medical care, which makes them more vulnerable to contaminated air.

2. Water pollution and gastrointestinal diseases:

Water pollution, which includes pollution of surface and groundwater with various substances, is a serious threat to human health. Sources of water pollution are diverse and include industrial discharges, agricultural drains, uncleaned wastewater, leaks from septic tanks and waste repository, as well as atmospheric precipitation.

2.1. The main water pollutants:

• Pathogenic microorganisms: Bacteria, viruses and protozoa, contained in unpeeled wastewater and fecal waste of animals, can pollute drinking water and cause various gastrointestinal diseases, such as cholera, typhoid, dysentery, hepatitis a and lambliosis.
• Chemicals: Industrial chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers and other chemicals can pollute water and cause various health problems, including cancer, reproductive disorders, neurological disorders and organ damage.
• Heavy metals: Lead, mercury, cadmium and other heavy metals that fall into water from industrial discharges, mining and soil erosion can accumulate in the body and cause various health problems, including neurological disorders, kidney damage and cancer.
• Nitrate: Nitrates falling into water from agricultural drains and wastewater can cause metghemoglobinemia, a condition in which blood cannot transfer enough oxygen, especially in infants.
• Fluorides: The excessive content of fluoride in water can cause fluorosis, a condition in which the teeth become spotty and fragile.
• Microplastic: Microplastics formed as a result of the destruction of plastic waste pollutes water resources and can fall into the food chain. Potential consequences for human health from the effects of microplasty are still studied.
• Pharmaceuticals and personal hygiene products: Pharmaceutical drugs and personal hygiene products that enter water from wastewater can affect the endocrine system and cause other health problems.

2.2. Effect on the gastrointestinal tract and other systems:

• Diarrhea: Polluted water is one of the main causes of diarrhea, especially in developing countries. Pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses and protozoa, can cause diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and even death, especially in children.
• Dissentery: The dysentery caused by Shigella bacteria is an infectious disease characterized by diarrhea with blood and mucus, fever and abdominal pain. Polluted water is the main source of infection with dysentery.
• Cholera: The cholera caused by the Vibrio Cholerae bacterium is an acute infectious disease characterized by severe diarrhea and vomiting, which can lead to rapid dehydration and death. Polluted water is the main source of cholera infection.
• Typhus: The typhoid caused by the Salmonella Typhi bacterium is an infectious disease characterized by fever, headache, weakness and abdominal pain. Contaminated water and food are the main sources of typhoid infection.
• Hepatitis a: Hepatitis A caused by hepatitis A virus is an infectious disease that affects the liver. Contaminated water and food are the main sources of hepatitis A.
• Lambliosis: Lambiosis caused by the simplest Giardia Lamblia is an infectious disease characterized by diarrhea, abdominal pain and nausea. Polluted water is the main source of lambliosis infection.
• Cancer: Water pollution with certain chemicals, such as arsenic, benzene and trigalomethane, is associated with an increased risk of developing bladder, liver and other organs.
• Reproductive disorders: Water pollution with certain chemicals, such as pesticides and industrial chemicals, can cause violations of reproductive function, such as a decrease in fertility, congenital defects and developmental disorders.
• Neurological disorders: Water pollution with heavy metals, such as lead and mercury, can cause neurological disorders, such as developmental delay, decreased IQ and behavioral problems, especially in children.
• Kidney damage: Water pollution with certain chemicals and heavy metals can damage the kidneys and lead to chronic kidney disease.
• Endocrine disorders: Water pollution by pharmaceutical preparations and personal hygiene products can affect the endocrine system and cause various health problems, such as reproductive function disorders, breast and prostate cancer, as well as developmental disorders.

2.3. At-risk groups:

• Children: Children are more susceptible to contaminated water, since their immune system is still developing, and they consume more water per kilogram of body weight than adults.
• Elderly people: Older people often have existing diseases that can aggravate the effects of contaminated water.
• People with a weakened immune system: People with HIV/AIDS, cancer or other diseases weakening the immune system are especially susceptible to infections transmitted through water.
• Pregnant women: The effect of contaminated water during pregnancy can negatively affect the health of the mother and child.
• People with low socio-economic status: People with low socio-economic status often do not have access to pure drinking water and sanitation, which makes them more vulnerable to polluted water.

3. Soil pollution and health problems:

The soil pollution, defined as the presence of harmful substances in the soil in concentrations that are a danger to human health and the environment, is another important environmental risk factor. Sources of soil pollution are diverse and include industrial waste, agricultural chemicals, wastewater, mining waste, atmospheric precipitation and waste burial.

3.1. The main soil pollutants:

• Heavy metals: Lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic and other heavy metals that fall into the soil from industrial waste, mining industry and agricultural chemicals can accumulate in plants and get into the food chain, causing various health problems, including neurological disorders, damage to the kidneys and cancer.
• Pesticides and herbicides: Pesticides and herbicides used in agriculture to combat pests and weeds can pollute the soil and water, as well as accumulate in plants and animals, causing various health problems, including cancer, reproductive function and neurological disorders.
• Oil products: Oil products falling into the soil as a result of leaks from oil pipelines, gas stations and industrial enterprises can pollute groundwater and cause various health problems, including cancer and neurological disorders.
• Industrial chemicals: Industrial chemicals, such as polychlorified bifeniles (PHB) and dioxins that fall into the soil from industrial waste, can accumulate in the environment and cause various health problems, including cancer, reproductive function and impaired immune system.
• Radioactive substances: Radioactive substances that fall into the soil as a result of accidents at nuclear power plants or burial radioactive waste can cause cancer and other health problems.
• Pathogenic microorganisms: Pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses and protozoa, contained in wastewater and fecal waste, can pollute the soil and cause various diseases, such as diarrhea, dysentery and cholera.
• Microplastic: Microplastics entering the soil as a result of the use of wastewater sediment and the decomposition of plastic waste can have a negative effect on soil organisms and potentially influence human health through the food chain.

3.2. Ways of influence:

• Consumption of polluted food: Plants grown on polluted soil can accumulate pollutants, such as heavy metals and pesticides, which then fall into the food chain and can cause various health problems.
• Direct contact with contaminated soil: Direct contact with contaminated soil can lead to skin diseases, such as dermatitis, as well as to the ingestion of pollutants into the body through the skin. Children who play in contaminated soil are especially vulnerable to these influences.
• Inhalation of contaminated dust: Dust containing pollutants, such as heavy metals and radioactive substances, can inhale and fall into the lungs, causing respiratory diseases and other health problems.
• Polluted water consumption: Soil pollutants can seep into groundwater and pollute drinking water sources.
• Evapion of pollutants into the air: Some soil pollutants can evaporate and fall into the air, causing air pollution in the room and on the street.

3.3. Health problems associated with soil pollution:

• Cancer: The pollution of the soil with certain chemicals, such as benzene, PHB and dioxins, is associated with an increased risk of developing lung cancer, leukemia and other types of cancer.
• Neurological disorders: Soil pollution with heavy metals, such as lead and mercury, can cause neurological disorders, such as developmental delay, decreased IQ and behavioral problems, especially in children.
• Reproductive disorders: Pesticide pollution with pesticides and industrial chemicals can cause violations of reproductive function, such as a decrease in fertility, congenital defects and developmental disorders.
• Kidney damage: The soil pollution with heavy metals and certain chemicals can damage the kidneys and lead to chronic kidney disease.
• Liver diseases: The soil pollution with certain chemicals can damage the liver and lead to liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis.
• Respiratory diseases: Inhalation of contaminated dust can cause respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis and pneumoconiosis.
• Gastrointestinal diseases: The consumption of contaminated food or water can cause gastrointestinal diseases, such as diarrhea, dysentery and cholera.
• Skin diseases: Direct contact with contaminated soil can lead to skin diseases, such as dermatitis.
• Immune system disorders: The pollution of the soil with certain chemicals can disrupt the function of the immune system and increase susceptibility to infections.

3.4. At-risk groups:

• Children: Children are more susceptible to the effects of polluted soil, since they spend more time outdoors, play the soil and consume more food per kilogram of body weight than adults.
• Elderly people: Older people often have existing diseases that can aggravate the effects of contaminated soil.
• People living near polluted areas: People living near industrial enterprises, mines, landfills and other polluted areas are exposed to increased risk of exposure to pollutants contained in the soil.
• Workers engaged in polluted areas: Workers engaged in industrial enterprises, mines, landfills and other polluted areas are exposed to increased risk of exposure to pollutants contained in the soil.
• People who eat foods grown on polluted soil: People who eat foods grown on polluted soil are increased at an increased risk of polluting substances that accumulate in plants.

4. Noise and health:

The noise defined as an undesirable or irritating sound is a common environmental pollutant, which can have a negative effect on human health. Noise sources are numerous and include transport (cars, trains, aircraft), industry, construction, public events and household appliances.

4.1. Sources of noise:

• Transport noise: Transport noise, especially from cars, trains and aircraft, is one of the most common noise sources in urban areas. The intensity of transport noise depends on the density of movement, such as vehicles and proximity to roads and airports.
• Industrial noise: Industrial noise emanating from factories, factories and other industrial enterprises can be very loud and prolonged, having a negative impact on the health of workers and residents living near these enterprises.
• Construction noise: Construction noise created by construction equipment, explosive work and other construction processes can be very annoying and interfere with the normal life of people.
• Public noise: Public noise emanating from concerts, sporting events and other public events can be very loud and long, having a negative impact on the health of people living near these events.
• Household noise: Household noise created by household appliances, such as washing machines, vacuum cleaners and TVs, as well as loud conversations and music, can be very annoying and interfere with the normal life of people.

4.2. Impact on health:

• Hearing loss: Long -term exposure to loud noise can lead to hearing loss, especially to damage to the hair cells of the inner ear. The noise level is above 85 dB (a) within eight hours a day is considered dangerous for hearing.
• Sleep disorders: Noise can interfere with sleep, causing difficulties with falling asleep, frequent awakening and decreased sleep quality. Chronic sleep disturbances can lead to fatigue, a decrease in concentration of attention, irritability and other health problems.
• Cardiovascular diseases: Long -term noise can lead to an increase in blood pressure, an increase in heart rate and an increase in blood cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
• Mental disorders: Noise can cause stress, irritability, anxiety and depression. The chronic effect of noise can also lead to the development of more serious mental disorders, such as post -traumatic stress disorder.
• Reducing cognitive functions: Noise can reduce cognitive functions, such as concentration of attention, memory and ability to learn. Children living near noisy roads or airports may experience difficulties at school.
• Violations of behavior: Noise can cause behavioral disturbances, such as aggression, irritability and hyperactivity. Children exposed to noise at an early age may have more problems with school behavior.
• Violations of the endocrine system: Noise can cause violations of the endocrine system, such as an increase in the level of cortisol, stress hormone. A chronic increase in the level of cortisol can lead to various health problems, such as impaired immune system, increasing blood pressure and increasing the risk of diabetes.

4.3. At-risk groups:

• Children: Children are more susceptible to noise, since their nervous system is still developing, and they spend more time outdoors.
• Elderly people: Older people often have existing diseases that can aggravate the effects of noise.
• People living near noisy sources: People living near roads, airports, industrial enterprises and other noisy sources are at increased risk of noise.
• Workers engaged in a noisy environment: Workers engaged in industrial enterprises, in construction and other noisy environments are subjected to increased risk of hearing loss and other health problems associated with noise.
• People with mental disorders: People with mental disorders, such as anxiety and depression, can be especially susceptible to the negative impact of noise.

5. Ionizing radiation and health:

Ionizing radiation characterized by high energy, capable of knocking electrons from atoms and molecules, is a significant environmental risk factor for human health. Sources of ionizing radiation vary from natural (cosmic radiation, radioactive elements in soil and water) to anthropogenic (medical diagnostics, nuclear energy, industry).

5.1. Sources of ionizing radiation:

• Natural sources:
  • Cosmic radiation: Cosmic radiation, consisting of high -energy particles coming from space, is a constant source of ionizing radiation. The level of cosmic radiation increases with a height above sea level.
  • Radioactive elements in soil and water: Radioactive elements, such as Uranus, Toria and Radiy, present in soil and water, are a natural source of ionizing radiation. The concentration of these elements varies depending on the geological features of the area.
  • Radon: Radon, radioactive gas formed during the breakdown of uranium in the soil, can penetrate the buildings and pose a serious threat to health, especially in poorly ventilated rooms.
• Anthropogenic sources:
  • Medical diagnostics: X -ray radiation, computed tomography (CT) and other medical procedures that use ionizing radiation are a significant source of anthropogenic ionizing radiation.
  • Nuclear energy: Nuclear power plants and other objects of the nuclear fuel cycle can throw away radioactive substances into the environment, especially in the case of accidents.
  • Industry: Ionizing radiation is used in various industrial processes, such as radioography of welds, sterilization of medical devices and food processing.
  • Military activity: Nuclear tests and other types of military activities related to the use of nuclear weapons can lead to environmental pollution by radioactive substances.

5.2. Impact on health:

The impact of ionizing radiation can cause various health problems, depending on the dose, such as radiation and duration of exposure.

• Acute effects: High doses of ionizing radiation obtained as a result of accidents at nuclear facilities or radiation therapy can cause acute effects such as radiation disease characterized by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, hair loss, decreased immunity and, in severe cases, death.
• Disractable effects: Low doses of ionizing radiation obtained for a long time can cause delayed effects, such as:
  • Cancer: Ionizing radiation is a well -known carcinogen and can cause various types of cancer, such as leukemia, thyroid cancer, lung cancer and breast cancer. The risk of cancer increases with an increase in the dose of ionizing radiation.
  • Genetic mutations: Ionizing radiation can cause genetic mutations that can be transmitted to offspring and cause congenital defects and other health problems.
  • Reproductive disorders: Ionizing radiation can cause impaired reproductive function, such as a decrease in fertility, premature menopause and congenital defects.
  • Cataract: Ionizing radiation can cause cataract, clouding of the lens of the eye, which can lead to loss of vision.
  • Cardiovascular diseases: Some studies show that ionizing radiation can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and stroke.

5.3. At-risk groups:

• Children: Children are more susceptible to the effects of ionizing radiation, since their tissues and organs are still developing, and their cells are divided faster than in adults.
• Pregnant women: The effect of ionizing radiation during pregnancy can negatively affect the health of the mother and child, increasing the risk of congenital defects and other health problems.
• People living near nuclear facilities: People living near nuclear power plants and other nuclear fuel objects are at increased risk of radioactive substances, especially in the case of accidents.
• Employees employed in nuclear industry and medicine: Employees employed in nuclear industry and medicine are exposed to increased risk of influencing ionizing radiation in their professional activities.
• People who are subject to frequent medical procedures using ionizing radiation: People subjected to frequent X -ray studies, CT and other medical procedures using ionizing radiation are increased risk of cancer.

6. Nononizing radiation and health:

Nononizing radiation, which includes electromagnetic fields (EMP) and ultraviolet (UV) radiation, is also an important environmental risk factor for human health, although with other mechanisms of influence than ionizing radiation. Sources of non-ionizing radiation are diverse and include power lines, household appliances, mobile phones, Wi-Fi, sunlight and solarium.

6.1. Types of non -ionizing radiation:

• Electromagnetic fields (EMP): EMPs are created by electric charges in motion and divided into low-frequency (low-frequency) EMPs created by power lines and household appliances, and radio frequency (RF) EMPs created by mobile phones, Wi-Fi and radio transmitters.
• Ultraviolet (UV) radiation: UV radiation is part of the spectrum of sunlight and is divided into UV-A, UV-V and UV-S. UV-A is most of the UV radiation reaching the surface of the Earth, UV-B can cause sunburn and skin cancer, and UV-C is absorbed by an ozone layer in the atmosphere.

6.2. Sources of non -ionizing radiation:

• Electromagnetic fields (EMP):
  • Power lines: Lines of power transmission transmitting electricity over long distances create an EMP.
  • Household appliances: Household appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines, microwave ovens and hairdries, create an EMP waist.
  • Mobile phones: Mobile phones emit RF EMP used to transmit voice and data.
  • Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi routers emit RF EMP that provide wireless Internet access.
  • Radio and television transmitters: Radio and television transmitters radiate RF EMPs used to transmit radio and television signals.
• Ultraviolet (UV) radiation:
  • Sunlight: Sunlight is the main source of UV radiation.
  • Solariums: Year