There are many environmental factors that directly influence our health. The WHO estimates that 24.1% of diseases and 23.1% of deaths worldwide are attributable to environmental factors, representing 12.6 million deaths annually. Therefore, the relationship between the environment and health is real; if we take care of our environment, we take care of our health.
Environment: Risk factors that affect human health
- The environment can influence our health through several factors:
- Climate change
- Chemical and biological agents
- Use of pesticides
- Wastewater reuse
- Lack of access to safe water
- Poor sanitation and hygiene
- Environmental noise
- Occupational hazards
- Air and soil pollution
- Ionizing and non-ionizing radiation
These factors have been defined in the following four areas that present health risks:
- Climate change and health: risks of climate, extreme temperatures and disease-carrying vectors.
- Pollution: chemicals, waste, air quality, water quality, and industrial pollution.
- Radiation: natural radioactivity, electromagnetic fields, and ultraviolet radiation.
- Habitat and health: Environmental noise and vibrations, indoor air quality and healthy cities.
What are the main health effects of the environmental factors mentioned?
- Respiratory diseases such as asthma, allergies, air pollution, air quality in enclosed or open spaces.
- Ultraviolet radiation weakens the immune system and is one of the main causes of skin cancer.
- Pesticides disrupt endocrine processes, weaken the immune system, cause neurotoxic disorders, and lead to cancer.
- Tobacco smoke during pregnancy increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, low birth weight, reduced lung function, asthma, respiratory failure, and middle ear infections.
Common illnesses include diarrhea, respiratory infections, accidental injuries, and malaria. There is also a new range of illnesses associated with environmental factors, such as asthma, neurodevelopmental disorders, congenital malformations, and cancer, among others.
There are several actions we can take to start caring for the environment now: Recycling is no longer enough
Conclusions
As human beings we are very dependent on environment, This makes us more vulnerable to environmental changes. One issue we cannot ignore is the climate change This is the biggest threat to our health and well-being, from heat waves, droughts, severe storms and rising sea levels.
A healthy environment is vital to ensuring a healthy life, not only for future generations but we must take action now because we are suffering from climate change.
In our health clinics located in Dallas and Fort Worth We have doctors who speak Spanish and can guide you toward prevention and knowledge so you have the tools to take care of your quality of life. Every day we strive to improve and innovate in the preservation and care of the environment, focused on respecting our surroundings and seeking to prevent and minimize the inherent impacts of our activities.
We exist to provide you with better health and dignified care. Not sure where to begin taking care of your health? We are the best Hispanic clinic near you, me, and all families. Visit us schedule an appointment as you prefer.
