Linking Human Medical Conditions with Environmental Health Hazards

In many ways environmental health and a person's human health can be directly correlated. I have seen many patients over the years have some form of disease or medical condition that can be either directly the result of environmental causes or was exacerbated by some environmental means.

Chemicals or contaminants are everywhere and simply put they are a fact of life from the time a person is born.

Most contaminants are relatively harmless especially under limited exposure, however in some cases exposure over time even to relatively harmless contaminants may be enough to produce medical problems.

Most people understand that exposure to hazardous chemicals at the workplace can result in many medical diseases or conditions such as cancers, neurological damage and respiratory illness.

The fact is though that people are exposed to many contaminants and environmental dangers everyday, sometimes it may simply even breathing. Air quality in many cities is has levels above what is considered acceptable and people are warned that they may need to limit exposure.

Here are some human health issues directly correlated to some environmental health issues.

1. Asthma - Although asthma may not be a direct result of air pollution, asthmatic attacks can and often are triggered by air quality issues. I have had asthma for a long time and my asthma attacks are a direct result of the air pollution that I am exposed to in my environment. Air pollutants can also cause a patient to start having asthma and asthma symptoms such as wheezing and airway constriction. Sulfur dioxide is a chemical that makes people have respiratory distress, the chemical causes stricture of the airway to the lungs and it can produce very serious or life threatening consequences.

2. Toxic mold - Many older homes or poorly built housing may have mold and although there are different types of molds, in some cases the mold may be classified as toxic mold. Toxic mold problems pose a real problem in America, especially in run down communities. Many times the people have no where else to go and the elderly may already have many conditions that can be exacerbated by exposure to mold in their homes. Mold health problems consist of respiratory problems, neurological problems such as damaging brain effects and nausea.

3. Contaminants from Drinking water - Many people would be surprised to know that drinking water can and still often holds many toxins. Contaminated water can originate from the water source itself, during the processing or treatment of the water or once during the actually delivery process to the home.

If the water source is from surface water such as a lake or river, it is often contaminated with pesticides, industrial chemicals, acid rain or sometimes toxic storm runoff. Although the water may be able to receive some filtration and cleansing naturally, drinking surface water is not advisable for obvious health concerns.

If the water source is from groundwater such as wells or other water supplies, it normally takes longer to become contaminated. Groundwater moves slow and is not exposed to the natural filtration and cleansing processes that of surface water, therefore it maybe contaminated with disease pathogens, septic systems, improper disposals of hazardous products, along with agricultural toxic chemicals.

The normal contaminant levels of our drinking water are usually not enough to cause any immediate health concerns. However chronic problems from small amounts of contaminants over a period of time can cause damage to the liver and kidneys, nervous system disorders, birth defects, cancers and even chronic damage to a person's immune system.

I personally see patients on a daily basis who have been affected by workplace exposure and unfortunately many times the patients are already aware of their increased health risks for being around toxic substances, but due to the economy and their families have no other choice but to keep working.I have seen health problems from hearing loss, skin disorders and respiratory issues all of which are a direct result of environmental health.

References for this article include: www.who.int/ceh/risks/en/
www.environmentalhealththreats.com
www.oehha.org/
www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/ANAMarketplace/ANAPeriodicals/OJIN/TableofContents/Volume122007/No2May07/HomeEnvironmentalHealthRisks.aspx