Humans have an impact on the environment, but the environment also affects us. More than 12 million people in the world die each year because they live or work in unhealthy environments.
Many environmental factors can impact your health, and not all of them are in your control. The health factors influence women’s health, men’s health, and the entire planet.
Read on to learn why you should consider environmental health factors.
Air Quality
Air pollution causes millions of deaths per year. It causes stroke, lung cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and other chronic health issues.
While you only have a certain amount of control over the exterior environment, look at your indoor air quality. There is also indoor air pollution you can reduce.
Poor indoor air quality in your home can trigger allergy, cold, and asthma symptoms. Taking steps such as using 20x20x1 filters will improve this health factor.
Hazardous Substances and Waste
One of the environmental health factors that can be overlooked is how waste and chemicals impact health. By 2025 cities will be producing 2.2. billion tonnes of waste every year. Waste usually ends up in landfills, which take up green space, are full of toxins, and produce greenhouse gases.
Not only does waste and chemicals have a significant impact on the environment, but also your health. Exposure directly or indirectly can cause irritation, headaches, disease, and even genetic defects. Consider your waste usage and how you can minimize it.
Water Sanitation
How clean is your water? Clean water prevents the spread of illnesses and diseases such as typhoid. Without clean water, everything from hand-washing to drinking is impacted.
There are still an estimated 209 million unsafe glasses of water being drank every day in the US, and many countries do not have safe water access. It impacts the entire population’s health. And that can affect the whole world with the spread of diseases.
Homes and Communities
Environmental health factors impact the environment, homes, and communities. For example, when an environment is not adequately maintained, it is hard to maintain a healthy lifestyle and stay safe. Perhaps there are poorly maintained roads, crime, or no transport links.
‘Food deserts’ refers to areas that do not have access to supermarkets or places to buy fresh produce like fruit and vegetables. It is why experts are encouraging public gardens, local markets, and better public transportation.
Climate change and adverse weather events also influence men’s and women’s health in communities. It can increase stress, disease risk, pollutants, ground-level ozone, and mental health conditions.
Prioritize Environmental Health Factors
The pollution of the planet and all life, including human life, is interconnected. The result is that pollution impacts men’s and women’s health too. Therefore it is a priority to start considering environmental health factors.
You can consider your impact on the environment and improve health factors that impact your home. Also, you can support community work and organizations that are campaigning for a better environment for all.
Did you find this post helpful? Read on for more insightful articles to help you.
