Everyone can make small changes to their life that will have big impacts on the environment and their health, both here and now and in the future. By being aware of how your actions affect both you and the environment around you, you’ll be able to make informed decisions that lead to healthier lives for all of us. It’s the study of factors that affect the health of an individual, community, or ecosystem, such as quality of water, air quality, and food supply chains, among other things. While there are many factors that can have an impact on your overall health, it’s important to remember that you have the most control over these areas; by practicing good environmental health habits and monitoring your surroundings more closely, you can work to achieve and maintain optimum levels of physical and mental well-being in every area of your life.
Air Pollution
According to a report published by the World Health gailgrisistenciling.com Organization (WHO), 8 million people die each year because of air pollution. This is due to things such as: vehicles and power plants which release nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide and particulate matter into our atmosphere; smoking in public spaces; and open burning. Air pollution can have negative effects on your health such as asthma attacks, respiratory problems, lung cancer and also cause premature death. You can help protect yourself from these harmful pollutants by being aware of how you impact your environment. Take short car rides instead of driving everywhere you go or consider taking mass transit if possible. Also, take care when lighting cigarettes since they pollute our air too! Smoking not only pollutes your lungs but everyone else’s around you as well. If you want to help protect yourself from environmental health risks that exist then it’s important that we all do our part!
Water Pollution
When we drink water that is polluted, it may contain unhealthy levels of chemicals such as arsenic or pesticides. Depending on how much polluted water you consume, your body can store these contaminants in your fatty tissues. This increases your risk for cancer. Consider buying a filter for drinking and showering if there is not one already installed in your home. Replace it regularly and make sure you keep it clean to ensure a healthy environment and body.
Plastic Pollution
Only 9 percent of plastics used in 2011 were recycled. It’s estimated that by 2050, more plastic will be in our oceans than fish. It’s safe to say that we’re at a crisis point with plastic pollution and it’s time for action. Here are some ways you can cut down on your consumption of single-use plastics and make every choice count: Instead of purchasing bottled water, purchase a reusable water bottle. Instead of using disposable coffee cups, bring your own mug to places where they serve coffee (or simply make coffee at home). Use canvas shopping bags instead of plastic or paper bags; repurpose old fabric into something new to avoid buying plastic wrapping altogether. Start composting! These small actions can add up over time and help us get closer to reducing our use of plastics. In addition, we all need to do everything possible to ensure corporations produce less waste overall. In order for environmental health to be improved across industries, individuals must demand change from businesses and governments alike. When enough people speak up together, change happens.
Soil Pollution
Imagine pouring fertilizer over your lawn and knowing that it’s all natural. The label says there are only plant nutrients, and you believe it. You think it couldn’t hurt anything because these products can be used around pets and kids without worry. But if it gets into nearby streams, groundwater or our rivers, that natural fertilizer has been found to disrupt aquatic life in a number of ways. When animals ingest soil contaminated with fertilizer, they may experience reproductive issues such as decreased fertility and increased mortality rates. In humans, exposure to high levels of nitrate from fertilizers can cause blue baby syndrome. This condition is characterized by anemia (lack of red blood cells), which results from a lack of oxygen carried through blood due to abnormally low hemoglobin levels. That’s why it’s so important for us to reduce our use of fertilizers that contaminate soil and water sources—for ourselves, for wildlife and for future generations.
Radiological and Nuclear Pollution
Radiation is a naturally occurring phenomenon. It comes from outer space, it’s found in our air and water, and it can even be created as a byproduct of nuclear fission and other forms of nuclear energy production. The United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) estimates that more than 300 major accidents have occurred at nuclear power plants worldwide since 1945. Many people believe that radioactive materials are dangerous only when they’re released in large amounts, such as after an explosion or meltdown at a plant. But according to environmental health experts, even tiny amounts of radiation can affect human health in serious ways; people who have been exposed to radiation can experience cancer and other potentially fatal diseases as a result. There isn’t much evidence showing that exposure to low doses of radiation causes increased risks for most cancers. However, he said researchers have found significant associations between exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation and lung cancer. Other common concerns related to environment health include: Pollution caused by climate change Don’t smoke! One thing you can do right now is quit smoking. Smoking has long-term effects on your lungs and heart, not to mention short-term effects like bad breath, yellow teeth, and smelly clothes. And if you smoke while pregnant? You’re putting your baby at risk for problems with breathing while he’s still in utero.
Inorganic Chemicals
Pesticides, lead paint, PCBs, radon and asbestos are just a few of many chemicals that can cause illness in humans. In fact, most environmental pollutants that we interact with on a daily basis do not naturally exist in our bodies; they are foreign compounds with potential to harm us. Some experts believe that 90 percent of diseases can be traced back to one’s environment (source). There is no reason for it to come as any surprise why environmental health is important: We need clean air and clean water to survive!