Environmental impact on health: how to protect yourself

Environmental impact on health: how to protect yourself

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

1. Compiled air composition: Contaminated air is a complex mixture of gaseous and solid particles, including ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), solid particles (PM2.5 and PM10), as well as volatile organic compounds (elk). Sources of pollution vary from industrial enterprises and transport to household heating and agricultural activities. PM2.5, particles in size less than 2.5 micrometers are especially dangerous, as they easily penetrate the light and circulatory system. Elk secreted by paints, solvents and other chemicals can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, as well as aggravate respiratory diseases.

2. Sources of atmospheric pollution: The main sources of pollution are:

   • Industry: The production of electricity, metallurgy, the chemical industry and other industries throw a significant amount of pollutants into the atmosphere, including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, heavy metals and solid particles. Insufficiently effective cleaning systems and outdated technologies exacerbate the problem.
   • Transport: Cars, trucks, planes and ships throw nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, solid particles and hydrocarbons into the atmosphere. The problem is especially acute in cities with high movement density.
   • Household heating: The use of coal, firewood and other types of solid fuel for heating houses, especially in rural areas, is a significant source of pollution with solid particles and carbon monoxide.
   • Agriculture: The use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers, as well as livestock, contribute to air pollution by ammonia and other harmful substances. Dusty storms and fires, often associated with agricultural activities, also have a negative impact on air quality.
   • Natural sources: Volcanic eruptions, forest fires and dust storms also contribute to the atmosphere, but their influence is usually temporary and local.

3. The effect of contaminated air on health: Contaminated air has a negative effect on various body systems, including:

   • Respiratory system: Air pollution can cause or aggravate respiratory diseases, such as asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) and pneumonia. Long -term exposure to contaminated air can lead to damage to the lungs and a decrease in their function.
   • Cardiovascular system: Air pollution increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, arrhythmias and other cardiovascular diseases. Solid particles can penetrate the blood system and cause inflammation and the formation of blood clots.
   • Nervous system: Air pollution can have a negative effect on cognitive functions, memory and concentration. Studies show the relationship between air pollution and an increased risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
   • Reproductive system: Air pollution can negatively affect reproductive health of both men and women. It can lead to a decrease in fertility, premature birth and low weight at birth.
   • Oncological diseases: Long -term exposure to contaminated air increases the risk of lung cancer, as well as other types of cancer. Some pollutants, such as benzene and formaldehyde, are known carcinogens.
   • Immune system: Air pollution can weaken the immune system, making a person more susceptible to infections.

4. At-risk groups: Children, elderly people, pregnant women and people with chronic diseases of the respiratory and cardiovascular system are especially vulnerable to the effects of contaminated air. Children are more susceptible to polluted air, since their lungs are not yet fully developed, and they are more often located on the street.

5. Methods of protection against contaminated air:

   • Follow the quality of the air: Use websites, applications and other sources of information to receive data on air quality in your region.
   • Limit your stay on the street: In days with a high level of air pollution, try to spend less time on the street, especially during the peak hours of traffic.
   • Avoid intense physical exertion on the street: Physical exercises increase the frequency of breathing, which leads to greater exposure to pollutants.
   • Use masks: N95 masks and other respirators can help protect you from solid particles.
   • Set the air cleaner: Air purposes with HEPA filters can remove solid particles and other pollutants from the air in the room.
   • Improte the room during the periods of the lowest pollution: Ventate the room early in the morning or late in the evening, when the level of air pollution is usually lower.
   • Avoid smoking and exposure to tobacco smoke: Smoking and exposure to tobacco smoke exacerbate the effects of contaminated air.
   • Support for cleanliness in the house: Remove dust regularly and use cleaning products that do not contain volatile organic compounds.
   • Choose environmentally friendly transport: Use public transport, bicycle or walk when possible.
   • Maintain a policy of improving air quality: Support the initiatives and a policy aimed at reducing air pollution.

II. Water: water pollution and health risks

1. Sources of water pollution: Water pollution comes from various sources, including industrial enterprises, agricultural activities, household waste, wastewater and leaks from underground storages.

   • Industrial waste: Industrial enterprises throw a wide range of pollutants into reservoirs, including heavy metals, organic compounds, chemicals and radioactive materials.
   • Agricultural drains: Agricultural drains contain fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and manure, which can pollute surface and underground waters.
   • Household waste: Household waste, including wastewater, detergents and garbage, can pollute water bodies, if they are not cleared properly.
   • Wastewater: Unpeeled or insufficiently purified wastewater contain bacteria, viruses and other pathogenic microorganisms that can cause diseases.
   • Underground storage leaks: Trenches from underground storage facilities, such as tanks for fuel and chemicals, can pollute underground waters.
   • Garbage reset: Unauthorized garbage dumping into reservoirs is a serious problem, especially in developing countries.

2. Types of water pollutants:

   • Pathogenic microorganisms: Bacteria, viruses and parasites contained in wastewater and fecal waste can cause infectious diseases such as cholera, typhoid, dysentery and hepatitis A.
   • Chemicals: Heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium), pesticides, herbicides, industrial chemicals and pharmaceuticals can pollute water and pose a danger to health.
   • Nitrate and phosphate: An excess of nitrates and phosphates contained in fertilizers and wastewater can cause an eutrification of reservoirs, leading to algae growth and a decrease in oxygen level, which leads to the death of fish and other aquatic organisms.
   • Radioactive substances: Radioactive substances contained in industrial waste and nuclear waste can pollute water and pose a serious health hazard.
   • Solid particles: Solid particles, such as sand, clay and organic substances, can clung to water, making it difficult to penetrate sunlight and worsening water quality.
   • Microplastic: Microplastics formed as a result of the destruction of plastic waste pollutes water and can enter the human body through food and water.

3. The effect of contaminated water on health: Contaminated water can cause a wide range of diseases, including:

   • Infectious diseases: Cholera, typhoid, dysentery, hepatitis a, polio and other infectious diseases can be transmitted through contaminated water.
   • Poisoning: Water pollution with heavy metals, pesticides and other chemicals can cause poisoning.
   • Oncological diseases: The prolonged exposure to certain chemicals contained in contaminated water can increase the risk of cancer.
   • Congenital defects: Water pollution by some chemicals can lead to congenital defects in children.
   • Diseases of the skin and mucous membranes: Contact with contaminated water can cause skin irritation, dermatitis and other diseases of the skin and mucous membranes.
   • Neurological disorders: The effect of some heavy metals, such as mercury, can cause neurological disorders.

4. At-risk groups: Children, elderly people, people with weakened immunity and pregnant women are especially vulnerable to polluted water.

5. Methods of protection against contaminated water:

   • Use safe water sources: Drink water only from proven sources, such as water supply, bottled water or water that has been cleaned.
   • Boil water: Boiling water for 1 minute kills most pathogenic microorganisms.
   • Use water filters: Water filters can remove pollutants from water, such as bacteria, viruses, heavy metals and pesticides.
   • Avoid swimming in contaminated reservoirs: Do not bathe in reservoirs that are supposedly polluted.
   • Wash your hands: Wash your hands with soap and water, especially after visiting the toilet and before eating.
   • Use safe waste disposal methods: Use the waste properly to prevent water pollution.
   • Maintain a policy of protecting water resources: Support the initiatives and policies aimed at protecting water resources from pollution.
   • Sanitary processing: Regularly sanitize wells and other water sources.
   • Education: Increase awareness of the importance of pure water and how to protect it.

III. Soil: soil pollution and its effect on health

1. Sources of soil pollution: Soil pollution comes from various sources, including industrial enterprises, agricultural activities, mining industries, household waste and accidents.

   • Industrial waste: Industrial enterprises throw a wide range of pollutants into the soil, including heavy metals, organic compounds, chemicals and radioactive materials.
   • Agricultural activity: The use of pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers and manure can pollute the soil.
   • Mining industry: The mining industry can pollute the soil with heavy metals and other toxic substances.
   • Household waste: Household waste, including garbage and wastewater, can pollute the soil if they are not disposed of properly.
   • Accidents: Accidents, such as leaks of chemicals and oil spills, can pollute the soil.
   • Hostilities: Military operations can pollute the soil with explosive substances and other toxic substances.

2. Types of soil pollutants:

   • Heavy metals: Lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic and other heavy metals can accumulate in the soil and pose a health hazard.
   • Organic compounds: Pesticides, herbicides, polychlored bifeniles (PHB), dioxins and other organic compounds can pollute the soil and pose a danger to health.
   • Radioactive substances: Radioactive substances contained in industrial waste and nuclear waste can pollute the soil and pose a serious health hazard.
   • Pathogenic microorganisms: Bacteria, viruses and parasites contained in wastewater and fecal waste can pollute the soil and cause diseases.
   • Oil and oil products: The spill of oil and oil products can pollute the soil and pose a danger to health.

3. The effect of polluted soil on health: Polluted soil can have a negative effect on health in various ways, including:

   • Direct contact: Direct contact with contaminated soil can cause skin irritation, dermatitis and other skin diseases.
   • The receipt of pollutants with food: Pollutants can accumulate in plants grown on polluted soil and enter the human body with food.
   • The receipt of pollutants with water: Pollutants can be washed out of contaminated soil and fall into underground waters, polluting drinking water.
   • Dust inhalation: Inhaling dust containing pollutants can cause respiratory diseases.
   • Soil swallowing by children: Children can swallow polluted soil, playing on the street.

4. At-risk groups: Particularly vulnerable to polluted soil are children, people working in agriculture and construction, as well as people living near industrial enterprises and landfills.

5. Methods of protection against contaminated soil:

   • Grow food on clean soil: Grow food on a soil that is not contaminated with heavy metals, pesticides and other pollutants.
   • Wash fruits and vegetables: Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before use to remove the remains of the soil and polluting substances.
   • Wear gloves when working with soil: Wear gloves when working with the soil to avoid direct contact with contaminated soil.
   • Wash your hands: Often wash your hands with soap and water, especially after working with soil and before meals.
   • Do not allow children to games in polluted areas: Do not allow children to games in areas that are allegedly contaminated.
   • Improve soil quality: Add organic substances to the soil to improve its structure and the ability to hold pollutants.
   • Phytotheration: Use plants to remove pollutants from the soil.
   • Support for soil protection policy: Support the initiatives and policies aimed at protecting the soil from pollution.

IV. Noise: noise pollution and its effect on health

1. Sources of noise pollution: Noise pollution is an undesirable or harmful noise that can have a negative effect on human health. The main sources of noise pollution are transport, industry, construction and household appliances.

   • Transport: Cars, trucks, trains, aircraft and motorcycles are the main sources of noise pollution, especially in cities.
   • Industry: Industrial enterprises create noise from machines, equipment and production processes.
   • Construction: Construction sites create noise from construction equipment, tools and workers.
   • Household appliances: TVs, radios, washing machines, vacuum cleaners and other household appliances can create noise.
   • Neighbors: Loud music, conversations and other noises from neighbors can create discomfort and have a negative effect on health.

2. The effect of noise pollution on health: Noise pollution can have a negative impact on various aspects of health, including:

   • Hearing: Long -term exposure to loud noise can lead to hearing loss.
   • Cardiovascular system: Noise pollution can increase blood pressure, heart rate and risk of cardiovascular diseases.
   • Mental health: Noise pollution can cause stress, irritability, insomnia, anxiety and depression.
   • Cognitive functions: Noise pollution can worsen cognitive functions, such as memory, attention and concentration.
   • Dream: Noise pollution can violate sleep, leading to fatigue, a decrease in productivity and a deterioration in health.
   • Children: Children are especially vulnerable to the effects of noise pollution, since it can have a negative impact on their development and training.

3. At-risk groups: Children, elderly people, people with hearing impairments and people working in a noisy environment are especially vulnerable to the effects of noise pollution.

4. Ways to protect against noise pollution:

   • Use hearing protection products: Use headphones or bears in a noisy environment.
   • Install sound insulation: Install sound insulation in your house to reduce noise.
   • Avoid noisy places: Try to avoid noisy places such as motorways, industrial enterprises and construction sites.
   • Limit the time of stay in a noisy environment: If you should be in a noisy environment, limit your stay in it.
   • Control the noise level in your home: Do not listen to the music too loudly and do not use noisy household appliances for too long.
   • Make a quiet corner in your home: Make a quiet corner in your house where you can relax and take a break from the noise.
   • Complain about excessive noise: If you are concerned about excessive noise, complain to the appropriate organs.
   • Support for a decrease in noise pollution: Support the initiatives and policies aimed at reducing noise pollution.
   • Soundproofing: Install double or triple glasses in the windows.
   • Plants: Plant trees and shrubs around the house to create a natural sound barrier.

V. Radiation: impact of radiation and protection methods

1. Radiation sources: Radiation is energy emitted in the form of waves or particles. Radiation can be natural or artificial. Natural sources of radiation include cosmic rays, radioactive elements in soil and water, as well as radioactive gases, such as radon. Artificial sources of radiation include medical radiographs, nuclear tests, nuclear energy and industrial sources.

   • Natural sources:
     • Space rays: Cosmic rays are high -energy particles coming from space.
     • Radioactive elements in soil and water: Radioactive elements, such as uranium, thorium and potassium-40, are present in soil and water.
     • Radon: Radon is a radioactive gas formed as a result of the collapse of uranium in the soil and breed.
   • Artificial sources:
     • Medical X -rays: Medical X -rays are used to diagnose and treat various diseases.
     • Nuclear tests: Nuclear trials release a huge amount of radioactive substances into the atmosphere.
     • Nuclear energy: Nuclear power plants produce electricity using nuclear energy.
     • Industrial sources: Radiation is used in industry for various purposes, such as quality control and sterilization.

2. Types of radiation:

   • Alpha particles: Alpha particles are heavy positively charged particles that can be stopped by a sheet of paper.
   • Beta parties: Beta particles are light negatively charged particles that can be stopped by a thin sheet of metal.
   • Gamma-rays: Gamma rays are high-energy electromagnetic waves that can penetrate through most materials.
   • Neutrons: Neutrons are neutral particles that can penetrate through most materials.

3. The influence of radiation on health: The impact of radiation can have a negative effect on health, including:

   • Acute radiation disease: Acute radiation disease is a disease caused by the effects of high doses of radiation. Symptoms of acute radiation disease include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hair loss and bleeding.
   • Oncological diseases: The effect of radiation increases the risk of cancer, especially leukemia, thyroid cancer and breast cancer.
   • Genetic disorders: The impact of radiation can cause genetic disorders that can be inherited.
   • Congenital defects: The effect of radiation during pregnancy can lead to congenital defects in a child.
   • Reduced immunity: The impact of radiation can weaken the immune system, making a person more susceptible to infections.

4. At-risk groups: Children, pregnant women and people with weakened immunity are especially vulnerable to radiation.

5. Methods of protection against radiation:

   • Limit your stay near radiation sources: Try to spend less time near radiation sources, such as x -rays and nuclear power plants.
   • Use protection products: Use protection products, such as lead aprons and collars, when passing X -ray examinations.
   • Check the level of Radon in your home: Check the level of Radon in your home and take measures to reduce it if it exceeds the permissible level.
   • Take potassium iodide in the case of a nuclear accident: Take potassium iodide in the case of a nuclear accident to protect the thyroid gland from radioactive iodine.
   • Follow the safety rules: Follow the safety rules when working with radiation sources.
   • Strengthening immunity: Take vitamins and antioxidants to maintain the immune system.
   • Awareness: Be aware of information about the radiation atmosphere in your region.
   • Evacuation: In the case of a serious radiation accident, follow the recommendations for evacuation.

VI. Electromagnetic fields (EMP): EMP exposure and protection methods

1. Sources of electromagnetic fields: Electromagnetic fields (EMP) are invisible power fields created by electric charges moving in space. EMPs are present everywhere in our lives, both from natural and artificial sources.

   • Natural sources: The Earth creates a natural magnetic field, and the sun and other celestial bodies emit electromagnetic waves.
   • Artificial sources: The main artificial sources of EMP are power lines, transformer substations, household electrical appliances (televisions, computers, microwaves, mobile phones), mobile tower and Wi-Fi wireless networks.

2. Types of electromagnetic fields: EMPs are divided into two main categories:

   • Low -frequency EMP: Created by electric currents in power lines, household electrical appliances and other electrical equipment.
   • High -frequency EMP: Radiated by radio transmitters, television and broadcasting stations, mobile phones, mobile towers and Wi-Fi wireless networks.

3. The influence of electromagnetic fields on health: The effect of EMP on health is the subject of ongoing scientific research. Some studies show that a long -term exposure to high levels of EMP can be associated with the following problems:

   • Insomnia: EMP can violate the production of melatonin, hormone regulating sleep.
   • Headaches: In some people, the effects of EMP can cause headaches.
   • Fatigue: Some studies show that a long -term exposure to EMP can cause fatigue and energy reduction.
   • Increased risk of developing some types of cancer: Some epidemiological studies indicate a possible relationship between the long -term exposure of high EMP levels and an increased risk of leukemia in children.
   • Reproductive disorders: Some animal studies show that EMP exposure can negatively affect the reproductive function.

4. At-risk groups: Children, pregnant women and people with increased sensitivity to EMP are considered the most vulnerable groups.

5. Methods of protection against electromagnetic fields:

   • Hold on the distance from EMP sources: Follow the safe distance from the power lines, transformer substations and electrical appliances.
   • Limit the time of using mobile phones: Use mobile phones as little as possible, and use wired headset if possible.
   • Turn off wi-fi at night: Turn off the Wi-Fi router at night to reduce the effects of EMP during sleep.
   • Use shielding materials: Use shielding materials (for example, special fabrics and paints) to protect against EMP in your house.
   • Proceeds the room regularly: Protect the room regularly to reduce the concentration of EMP.
   • Sleep away from electrical appliances: Do not hold electrical appliances (phones, tablets) next to the bed during sleep.
   • Wired connection: If possible, use the wire connection for the Internet instead of Wi-Fi.
   • Grounding: Make sure your wiring is grounded.
   • Avoid prolonged contact: Avoid prolonged contact with electrical appliances that create strong EMP (for example, microwave ovens).

VII. Climate change and its effect on health

1. Mechanisms for the influence of climate change on health: Climate change caused by human activities has an increasingly noticeable effect on people’s health around the world. An increase in temperature, extreme weather phenomena, increasing sea level and other consequences of climate change create new ones and aggravate existing health threats.

2. The main ways of impact of climate change to health:

   • Thermal waves: An increase in temperature leads to more frequent and intense thermal waves that can cause thermal blow, dehydration and other diseases, especially in older people, children and people with chronic diseases.
   • Air pollution: Climate change exacerbates air pollution, increasing the formation of ozone and solid particles, which can cause respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases and other health problems.
   • Distribution of infectious diseases: Climate change contributes to the spread of infectious diseases, such as malaria, Denge’s fever and lime disease, due to the change in the habitat of diseases carriers, such as mosquitoes and ticks.
   • Aqueous diseases: An increase in water temperature and extreme weather phenomena can increase the risk of water pollution and the spread of water diseases such as cholera and typhoid.
   • Lack of food: Climate change negatively affects agriculture, leading to a decrease in yield and a lack of food, which can cause malnutrition and other health problems.
   • Extreme weather phenomena: Extreme weather phenomena, such as hurricanes, floods, droughts and forest fires, can lead to injuries, deaths, movement of the population and other health problems.
   • Allergies: An increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere leads to an increase in the production of pollen with plants, which exacerbates allergic reactions.

3. At-risk groups: Children, elderly people, people with chronic diseases, people with low socio-economic status and residents of the regions most susceptible to climatic changes are especially vulnerable to the consequences of climate change for health.

4. Methods of protection from the consequences of climate change for health:

   • Adaptation: Adaptation to climate change includes taking measures to reduce vulnerability to its consequences for health, such as developing action plans in the case of heat waves, improving healthcare systems and strengthening infrastructure.
   • Mitigation of the consequences: The mitigation of the consequences of climate change includes the adoption of measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as the transition to renewable energy sources, increasing energy efficiency and reducing meat consumption.
   • Education: The enlightenment of the population about the consequences of climate change for health and how to protect yourself is an important step in the fight against this threat.
   • Policy support: Supporting a policy aimed at combating climate change is an important way to protect your health and the health of future generations.
   • Energy saving: Save energy in the house to reduce your carbon trace.
   • Alternative transport: Use public transport, bicycle or walk instead of a car.
   • Sustainable nutrition: Choose food products produced by an ecologically sustainable way.
   • Reducing waste: Reduce the amount of waste and process the garbage.
   • Support for environmental organizations: Support organizations working to solve the problem of climate change.

VIII. Environmental impact on mental health

1. Environment and mental health connection: The environment has a significant impact not only on physical, but also on mental health. The quality of the air, the presence of green zones, the noise level and other environmental factors can affect the mood, the level of stress, cognitive functions and general mental well -being.

2. Negative influences:

   • Air pollution: Air pollution is associated with an increased risk of depression, anxiety and other mental disorders.
   • Noise pollution: Noise pollution can cause stress, irritability, sleep disturbance and deterioration of cognitive functions, which negatively affects mental health.
   • Lack of green areas: The lack of green zones in cities is associated with an increased level of stress, depression and anxiety.

3. Positive influences:

   • Green zones: The presence of green zones (parks, gardens, forests) is associated with improving mood, reducing stress levels, increasing cognitive functions and general mental well -being.
   • Natural landscapes: The contemplation of natural landscapes (sea, mountains) can have a calming and restoring effect on the psyche.
   • Clean air: Pure air helps to improve cognitive functions and reduce stress.

4. Ways to improve mental health through the environment:

   • Spend time in nature: Regularly spend time in nature, visit parks, forests, gardens, go on hiking.