Ecology and Health: Relations and consequences

Ecology and Health: Relations and consequences

Section 1: Fundamentals of environmental relationships and human health

1. 1. Ecology as a science of relationship: Ecology, from the Greek “oikos” (house) and “logos” (study), is a scientific discipline that studies the relationship between living organisms and their environment. This is a complex science that combines knowledge from biology, chemistry, physics, geology and other areas for understanding complex interactions in nature. Ecology considers systems at various levels of the organization, from individual organisms to the biosphere as a whole.
2. 2. Human health in the context of ecology: Human health is determined not only by genetic factors and lifestyle, but also by the state of the environment. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well -being, and not just the absence of diseases or weakness. Environmental factors have a direct and indirect effect on all three components of health. Pure air and water, fertile soil, a stable climate and the presence of biodiversity are fundamental elements that support human health.
3. 3. The main environmental factors affecting health: Environmental factors affecting human health can be divided into several categories:
   • Physical factors: These include temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, radiation, noise, vibration, electromagnetic fields and climatic conditions. Extreme temperatures, for example, can lead to a thermal impact or hypothermia. A high noise level negatively affects the ear and nervous system. Ionizing radiation can cause cancer and genetic mutations.
   • Chemical factors: These are air pollutants (sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, solid particles), water (heavy metals, pesticides, nitrates), soils (toxic chemicals, radioactive substances) and food products (preservatives, dyes). Chemicals can have an acute and chronic toxic effect on the body, causing various diseases.
   • Biological factors: They include bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, allergens and toxic plants and animals. Infectious diseases transmitted through water, air, food or carriers are a serious threat to human health. Allergens can cause allergic reactions such as asthma, rhinitis and dermatitis.
   • Socio-economic factors: The level of education, income, housing conditions, access to medical services and nutrition also have a significant impact on health. Adverse socio-economic conditions, such as poverty and lack of access to pure water and sewage, increase the risk of diseases and reduce life expectancy.
4. 4. The mechanisms of the impact of environmental factors on health: Environmental factors affect human health through various mechanisms, including:
   • Direct toxic effects: Pollutants of air, water and soil can directly damage the cells and tissues of the body, causing inflammation, oxidative stress and other pathological processes.
   • Violation of the immune system: The effect of toxic substances and infectious agents can weaken the immune system, making a person more susceptible to diseases.
   • Genetic mutations: Some environmental factors, such as radiation and certain chemicals, can cause genetic mutations, increasing the risk of cancer and other hereditary diseases.
   • Violation of the endocrine system: The endocrine destroyers contained in some pesticides, plastics and cosmetics can intervene in the functioning of the hormonal system, causing reproductive disorders, developmental disorders and other health problems.
   • Psychological impact: Environmental pollution, climate change and biodiversity loss can cause stress, anxiety and depression, negatively affecting mental health.

Section 2: Atmospheric air pollution and health

2. 1. Sources of atmospheric air pollution: Atmospheric air pollution is a serious environmental problem that has a significant impact on human health. The main sources of air pollution include:
   • Transport: Cars, trucks, aircraft and other vehicles are the main source of emissions of nitrogen oxides, solid particles, carbon monoxide and other pollutants.
   • Industry: Industrial enterprises throw a wide range of pollutants into the atmosphere, including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, heavy metals, organic compounds and solid particles.
   • Energy: Thermal power plants operating on coal, oil or gas are large sources of emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and solid particles.
   • Agriculture: The use of pesticides and fertilizers, as well as livestock, are sources of emission of ammonia, methane and other polluting substances.
   • Household sources: Heating houses with carbon or firewood, burning of garbage and the use of household chemicals also contribute to air pollution.
3. 2. The main atmospheric air pollutants and their impact on health: The main pollutants of atmospheric air include:
   • Solid particles (PM2.5 and PM10): Solid particles are small particles balanced in the air. PM2.5 is particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers that can penetrate deep into the lungs and get into the bloodstream. PM10 is particles with a diameter of less than 10 micrometers. Solid particles cause respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer and premature death.
   • Ozon (O3): Ozone is formed as a result of chemical reactions between nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds under the influence of sunlight. Ozone causes respiratory tract irritation, cough, shortness of breath and exacerbation of asthma.
   • Nitrogen dioxide (No2): Nitrogen dioxide is formed as a result of the burning of fossil fuel. Nitrogen dioxide causes respiratory tract irritation, a decrease in lung function and an increase in the risk of respiratory infections.
   • Sulfur dioxide (SO2): Sulfur dioxide is formed as a result of burning coal and oil. Sulfur dioxide is irritated by the respiratory tract, cough, shortness of breath and exacerbation of asthma.
   • Ugric gas (CO): Carbon monoxide is formed as a result of incomplete combustion of fossil fuel. Current gas reduces the ability of blood to tolerate oxygen, causing headache, dizziness, weakness and death.
   • Flying organic compounds (los): Los is organic chemicals that easily evaporate into the air. Los is found in gasoline, paints, solvents and other products. The elk causes respiratory tract irritation, headache, dizziness and cancer.
   • Heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium): Heavy metals are released into the atmosphere as a result of industrial activity and the burning of fossil fuel. Heavy metals have a toxic effect on the nervous system, kidneys and other organs.
4. 3. Groups of the population, most vulnerable to air pollution: Some groups of the population are more vulnerable to polluted air than others. These include:
   • Children: Light children are not yet fully developed, and they breathe faster than adults, so they inhale more pollutants.
   • Elderly people: In older people, chronic diseases are more often found, such as heart and lung diseases that can aggravate air pollution.
   • People with diseases of the heart and lungs: Air pollution can aggravate the symptoms of asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) and other respiratory diseases. Air pollution also increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
   • Pregnant women: Air pollution can negatively affect the development of the fetus, increasing the risk of premature birth, low birth weight and congenital defects.
   • People with low socio-economic status: People with low socio-economic status often live in areas with a higher level of air pollution and have limited access to medical services.
5. 4. Measures to reduce atmospheric air pollution and health protection: To reduce atmospheric air pollution and health protection, the following measures must be taken:
   • Transition to cleaner energy sources: The use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind energy, can replace fossil fuel and reduce emissions of pollutants.
   • Improving energy efficiency: An increase in the energy efficiency of buildings, transport and industry can reduce the need for energy and reduce emissions of pollutants.
   • Development of public transport: The development of public transport and stimulating the use of bicycles and pedestrian walks can reduce the number of cars on the roads and reduce pollutant emissions.
   • The introduction of more stringent standards of emissions for cars and industry: The establishment of more stringent standards of emissions for cars and industrial enterprises can significantly reduce the number of pollutants thrown into the atmosphere.
   • Landscaping of cities: Planting trees and the creation of green zones in cities can absorb pollutants and improve air quality.
   • Information of the population: Information of the population about risks associated with air pollution, and about measures that can be taken to protect health, can help reduce the effect of air pollution.
   • Using personal protective equipment: During periods of high levels of air pollution, it is recommended to use respirators or masks to protect the respiratory system.

Section 3: Water pollution and its consequences for health

3. 1. Sources of water pollution: Water resources, including surface waters (rivers, lakes, reservoirs) and underground waters, are polluted from various sources. The main sources of water pollution include:
   • Industrial wastewater: Industrial enterprises are dumped into water bodies of wastewater containing a wide range of pollutants, including heavy metals, organic compounds, acids, alkalis and other toxic substances.
   • Agricultural wastewater: Agricultural wastewater contain pesticides, fertilizers, organic substances and pathogenic microorganisms that can pollute water bodies.
   • Household wastewater: Domestic wastewater contains organic substances, pathogenic microorganisms, detergents and other pollutants that can pollute water bodies.
   • Wastewater with storm drains: Livine drains from urban areas may contain oils, heavy metals, garbage and other pollutants that can pollute water bodies.
   • Leaks from underground tanks and pipelines: Drenches from underground tanks and pipelines containing petroleum products, chemicals and other toxic substances can pollute underground waters.
   • Landfills and waste landfills: Landfills and waste landfills can pollute underground and surface water, if they do not meet environmental requirements.
4. 2. The main water pollutants and their effect on health: The main water pollutants include:
   • Pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, parasites): Pathogenic microorganisms cause infectious diseases such as cholera, dysentery, typhoid, hepatitis A and other gastrointestinal disorders.
   • Organic substances (oil products, pesticides, phenols): Organic substances can cause cancer, violations of the reproductive system, damage to the nervous system and other health problems.
   • Heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium): Heavy metals have a toxic effect on the nervous system, kidneys and other organs.
   • Nitrates and nitrites: Nitrates and nitrites can cause methemoglobinemia, especially in infants, and also increase the risk of developing stomach cancer.
   • Fluorides: A high level of fluoride in water can cause fluorosis of teeth and bones.
   • Radioactive substances: Radioactive substances can cause cancer and genetic mutations.
   • Microplastic: Microplastics are small particles of plastic, which pollute water bodies and can enter the human body with drinking water and seafood. The effect of microplasty on human health has not yet been completely studied, but it is assumed that it can cause inflammation, oxidative stress and other pathological processes.
   • Pharmaceuticals and personal hygiene products: Pharmaceutical drugs and personal hygiene products that fall into water bodies with wastewater can have a negative effect on human health and wild nature.
5. 3. Diseases associated with water pollution: Water pollution can cause various diseases, including:
   • Infectious diseases: Cholera, dysentery, typhoid, hepatitis a, polio, rotavirus infection and other gastrointestinal disorders.
   • Poisoning with heavy metals: Lead poisoning (Saturnism), mercury poisoning, cadmium poisoning.
   • Cancer: Stomach cancer, bladder cancer, liver cancer, leukemia.
   • Reproductive system disorders: Infertility, congenital development defects.
   • Damage to the nervous system: Violations of the development of the nervous system in children, neurodegenerative diseases.
   • Metgemoglobinemia: The disease caused by a high level of nitrates in drinking water, especially dangerous for babies.
6. 4. Measures to ensure the quality of drinking water and protect water resources: To ensure the quality of drinking water and protect water resources, the following measures must be taken:
   • Warm cleaning: Construction and modernization of treatment facilities for removing pollutants from wastewater.
   • Protection of water protection zones: Establishment and compliance with the rules for the protection of water protection zones around water bodies.
   • Control over the use of pesticides and fertilizers in agriculture: The introduction of stable agricultural management methods, which reduce the use of pesticides and fertilizers.
   • Prevention of leaks from underground tanks and pipelines: Regular control and maintenance of underground tanks and pipelines.
   • Improvement of waste management: Organization of separate waste collection, waste processing and safe waste disposal.
   • Water quality monitoring: Regular monitoring of water quality in water bodies and drinking water.
   • Information of the population: Information of the population about risks associated with water pollution, and about measures that can be taken to protect health.
   • Ensuring access to safe drinking water: Construction and maintenance of water supply systems that provide the population with safe drinking water.
   • Using alternative water sources: Development and use of alternative water sources, such as rainwater collection and desalination of sea water.

Section 4: soil pollution and its effect on human health

4. 1. Sources of soil pollution: The soil, being an important component of the ecosystem, is subjected to pollution from various sources, which has a negative impact on human health. The main sources of soil pollution include:
   • Industrial activity: Industrial enterprises dump production waste containing heavy metals, organic compounds, acids, alkalis and other toxic substances into the soil.
   • Agriculture: The use of pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides can pollute the soil and lead to the accumulation of toxic substances in agricultural products.
   • Transport: Embrays from road transport contain heavy metals, petroleum products and other pollutants that can accumulate in the soil along the roads.
   • Landfills and waste landfills: Landfills and waste landfills can pollute the soil if they do not meet environmental requirements.
   • Household waste: Incorrect disposal of household waste, such as batteries, batteries and electronic waste, can lead to soil pollution with heavy metals and other toxic substances.
   • Radioactive pollution: Radioactive soil pollution can occur as a result of accidents at nuclear power plants, nuclear weapons testing and radioactive ore mining.
5. 2. The main soil pollutants and their effect on health: The main soil pollutants include:
   • Heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic): Heavy metals have a toxic effect on the nervous system, kidneys, liver and other organs. They can accumulate in agricultural products and enter the human body with food.
   • Organic substances (pesticides, herbicides, polychlored bifeniles (PHB), dioxins): Organic substances can cause cancer, violations of the reproductive system, damage to the nervous system and other health problems.
   • Radioactive substances (Strontius-90, Cesius-137): Radioactive substances can cause cancer and genetic mutations.
   • Oil products: Oil products can pollute the soil and underground waters, having a toxic effect on the human body.
   • Pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, parasites): Pathogenic microorganisms can pollute the soil and cause infectious diseases.
6. 3. Ways of exposure to polluted soil on human health: Polluted soil can affect human health in various ways:
   • Direct contact: Contact with contaminated soil can lead to skin diseases, allergic reactions and poisoning.
   • Consumption of contaminated agricultural products: The consumption of agricultural products grown on polluted soil can lead to the accumulation of toxic substances in the human body.
   • Drinking water pollution: Contaminated soil can pollute the underground waters, which are used for drinking water supply.
   • Inhalation of contaminated dust: Inhalation of contaminated dust from contaminated soil can lead to respiratory diseases and other health problems.
   • The receipt of pollutants in the food chain: Soil pollutants can enter the food chain through plants, animals and microorganisms, which can lead to the accumulation of toxic substances in the human body.
7. 4. Measures to protect the soil from pollution and improvement of polluted territories: To protect the soil from pollution and improvement of contaminated territories, the following measures must be taken:
   • Prevention of soil pollution: The introduction of environmentally friendly technologies in industry and agriculture, restriction of the use of pesticides and fertilizers, the organization of separate waste collection, safe waste disposal.
   • Cleaning polluted territories: The use of various methods of soil cleaning, such as Hero Reinforcement (use of plants for soil purification), biomediation (the use of microorganisms for soil purification) and chemical extraction.
   • Soil quality monitoring: Regular monitoring of the quality of the soil to identify polluted territories and evaluate the effectiveness of cleaning measures.
   • Information of the population: Information of the population about risks associated with soil pollution, and about measures that can be undertaken to protect health.
   • Reclamation of polluted territories: Restoring the productivity of polluted areas by making organic fertilizers, planting trees and other plants.
   • Establishment of restrictions on the use of polluted territories: Restriction of the use of polluted territories for agricultural production and construction of residential buildings.

Section 5: Climate change and its consequences for health

5. 1. The causes and manifestations of climate change: Climate change is one of the most serious environmental problems of our time, which has a significant impact on human health. The main cause of climate change is an increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrogen oxide (N2O). These gases delay heat in the atmosphere, leading to an increase in temperature on the planet. The main manifestations of climate change include:
   • Improving the average temperature on Earth: The average temperature on Earth increased by about 1 degree of Celsius from the beginning of the industrial era.
   • Melting glaciers and polar ice: Glaciers and polar ice melt at an unprecedented speed, which leads to an increase in sea level.
   • Improving sea level: An increase in sea level threatens coastal cities and ecosystems.
   • Increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather phenomena: Extreme weather phenomena, such as heat, droughts, floods, hurricanes and forest fires, become more and more frequent and intense.
   • Change in precipitation: Change in precipitation leads to droughts in some regions and floods in others.
   • Ocean acidification: An increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere leads to acidification of the ocean, which threatens marine ecosystems.
6. 2. The main consequences of climate change for human health: Climate change has a wide range of negative consequences for human health, including:
   • Thermal blow and other diseases associated with heat: An increase in temperature increases the risk of thermal blow, dehydration and other diseases associated with heat, especially among the elderly, children and people with chronic diseases.
   • Respiratory diseases: Air pollution caused by forest fires and an increase in ozone concentration exacerbates respiratory diseases, such as asthma and hobble.
   • Infectious diseases: Climate change affects the spread of infectious diseases such as malaria, Denge and Lyme disease.
   • Lack of food and malnutrition: Climate change leads to a decrease in agricultural crop yields and an increase in the frequency of droughts and floods, which threatens food security and increases the risk of malnutrition.
   • Mental disorders: Extreme weather phenomena, such as hurricanes and floods, can cause stress, anxiety, depression and post -traumatic stress disorder.
   • Migration and movement of the population: Climate change can lead to migration and movement of the population due to drought, floods and raising sea levels, which creates additional problems for the health and well-being of people.
   • Increasing incidence and mortality from extreme weather phenomena: Extreme weather phenomena, such as heat, floods and hurricanes, lead to an increase in incidence and mortality.
7. 3. Groups of the population, most vulnerable to the consequences of climate change for health: Some groups of the population are more vulnerable to the consequences of climate change for health than others. These include:
   • Children: Children are more vulnerable to the thermal impact, respiratory diseases and infectious diseases.
   • Elderly people: Elderly people are more vulnerable to the thermal impact and other diseases associated with heat.
   • People with chronic diseases: People with chronic diseases, such as heart and lung diseases, are more vulnerable to the consequences of climate change for health.
   • People with low socio-economic status: People with low socio-economic status often live in areas that are more affected by climate change, and have limited access to medical services.
   • Indigenous peoples: Indigenous peoples often live in areas that are strongly dependent on natural resources, and are more vulnerable to the consequences of climate change.
8. 4. Measures to mitigate the consequences of climate change and adaptation to them to protect health: To mitigate the consequences of climate change and adaptation to them to protect health, the following measures must be taken:
   • Reducing greenhouse gas emissions: The transition to renewable energy sources, increased energy efficiency, development of public transport, restriction of forest cutting down.
   • Adaptation to climate change: The construction of flood protection systems, the development of drought -resistant varieties of agricultural crops, the creation of early warning systems about extreme weather phenomena.
   • Strengthening health systems: Improving access to medical services, preparing medical workers for assistance in diseases associated with climate change, development of action plans in emergency situations.
   • Information of the population: Information of the population about the risks associated with climate change, and about measures that can be undertaken to protect health.
   • Development of sustainable agriculture: The introduction of agricultural management methods that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the resistance to climate change.
   • Protection of forests and other ecosystems: Forests and other ecosystems play an important role in the absorption of carbon dioxide and mitigate the consequences of climate change.

Section 6: Human Biolescence and Health

6. 1. The value of biodiversity for human health: Biostasis, that is, the variety of living organisms on Earth, plays an important role in maintaining human health. Bio -arbitrariness provides us with food, water, medicines and other resources necessary for life. In addition, biodiversity plays an important role in the regulation of climate, purification of air and water, pollination of agricultural crops and monitoring the spread of diseases.
7. 2. The influence of the loss of biodiversity on health: The loss of biodiversity caused by human activity has a negative impact on human health. Loss of biodiversity can lead to:
   • Reducing the availability of food: The loss of biodiversity leads to a decrease in agricultural crop yields and a decrease in the availability of wild species that are used in food.
   • Increase in the spread of diseases: Loss of biodiversity can lead to an increase in the spread of infectious diseases, such as Lyme disease and the Western Nile virus.
   • Reducing the availability of drugs: Many drugs are made from plants and animals. Loss of biodiversity can lead to a decrease in the availability of these drugs.
   • Worsening water and air quality: The loss of biodiversity can lead to a deterioration in the quality of water and air, which negatively affects human health.
   • Increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather phenomena: Loss of biodiversity can lead to an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather phenomena, such as floods and droughts, which negatively affects human health.
8. 3. The relationship of biodiversity and infectious diseases: Loss of biodiversity can lead to an increase in the spread of infectious diseases. For example, the destruction of forests and other natural habitats can lead to an increase in the population of rodents, which are the carriers of Lime’s disease. In addition, the loss of biodiversity can lead to a decrease in competition between species, which can contribute to the spread of pathogenic microorganisms.
9. 4. Measures to maintain biodiversity and its value for health: To maintain biodiversity and its value for health, the following measures must be taken:
   • Creation of protected territories: The creation of protected territories, such as national parks and reserves, allows you to maintain natural habitats and biodiversity.
   • Sustainable use of natural resources: Sustainable use of natural resources, such as forests and water resources, allows you to satisfy human needs without prejudice to biodiversity.
   • Restoration of degraded ecosystems: The restoration of degraded ecosystems, such as forests and swamps, allows you to restore biodiversity and improve the quality of the environment.
   • The fight against invasive views: Invasive species, such as Kosnovsky hogweed and American mink, can supplant local species and negatively affect biodiversity.
   • Reducing environmental pollution: The reduction of environmental pollution, such as pollution of air, water and soil, allows you to maintain biodiversity and improve the quality of the environment.
   • Information of the population: Information of the population about the importance of biodiversity and the measures that can be taken to preserve it allows you to increase awareness of this problem and stimulate actions by solving it.
   • Support for sustainable agriculture: Support for sustainable agriculture, which uses agricultural management methods that do not harm the biodiversity.

Section 7: Environmental risks at the workplace and occupational diseases

7. 1. Environmental factors at the workplace representing health risk: The working environment can be a source of various environmental factors representing the health risk. These factors include:
   • Air pollution: Air pollution at the workplace can be caused by various sources, such as industrial processes, vehicles and construction work. Air pollutants can cause respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
   • Noise: A high level of noise at the workplace can lead to hearing loss, stress and other health problems.
   • Vibration: Vibration at the workplace can lead to diseases of the musculoskeletal system, circulatory disorders and other health problems.
   • Radiation: Radiation at the workplace can be caused by various sources, such as x -rays, nuclear reactors and radioactive materials. Radiation can cause cancer and other health problems.
   • Chemicals: Many workers are exposed to chemicals in the workplace. Chemicals can cause various health problems, such as skin diseases, respiratory diseases, cancer and impaired reproductive system.
   • Biological factors: Workers engaged in agriculture, healthcare and other industries can be exposed to biological factors, such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. Biological factors can cause infectious diseases and allergic reactions.
   • Ergonomic factors: Incorrect organization of the workplace and monotonous movements can lead to diseases of the musculoskeletal system, such as tunnel syndrome and back pain.
8. 2. Professional diseases associated with the influence of environmental factors: The impact of environmental factors in the workplace can lead to various occupational diseases, such as:
   • Respiratory diseases: Astma, COPD, silicosis, asbestosis, lung cancer.
   • Hearing loss: Noise-induced hearing loss.
   • Diseases of the musculoskeletal system: Tunnel syndrome, back pain, tendonitis.
   • Skin diseases: Dermatitis, eczema.
   • Cancer: Lung cancer, skin cancer, leukemia.
   • ** Infectious diseases