20 Environment-Related Diseases
There is a strong link between environmental degradation and public health. The occurrence of these diseases are on the increase as environmental degradation worsens. Below are 26 diseases and ailments related to the environment.
Allergies and Asthma
Many people today suffer from allergies; sneezing, with running noses and itching eyes from pollen, dust and other substances. About 50 million American have allergies. Some suffer asthmatic attack.
Birth Defects
When a pregnant woman is exposed to the inhalation of dangerous chemicals, and cigarette smoke, the fetus can be adversely affected. This could lead to the malformation of a babies organs.
Cancer
Cancer can be caused by cigarette smoke, asbestos, radiation and chemicals from the environment. The chanced of having cancer can be reduced by reducing human exposure to potential harmful chemicals or gas.
Dermatitis
Dermatitis defines skin inflammation and irritation. It can be caused by poison ivy, oak and sumac. Some chemicals used in dyes, paints detergents and cosmetics can also cause rashes and blisters.
Emphysema
This is the inability of the lung to expand and contract normally. It can be caused by air pollution and cigarette smoke. This can break down sensitive tissue in the lungs.
Heart Disease
Environmental chemicals contribute to the cause of heart ailments.
Job-Related Illnesses
Every job no matter how safe it appears has its hazard. Many job-related ailments are caused by chemicals and other agents present in the workplace. Factories and work places do sometimes contain poisonous chemicals, dyes and metals. Radiation equipment in the hospital, quarry dust at mines, noise inside of factories, etc.
Lead Poisoning
Lead dust, fumes and lead-contaminated water do introduce lead into the body. Lead can damage the brain, kidneys, liver, and other organs.
Mercury Poisoning
An insignificant amount of mercury in the body can damage the kidneys, liver and brain. Mercury exposure results from eating contaminated fish and other foods.
Nervous System Disorders
Toxic chemicals from the environment can cause nervous breakdown. This can result in mood changes, memory loss, blindness, paralysis and death.
Pneumoconiosis
Some airborne particles such as fibers from asbestos, cotton and hemp, and dusts from such compounds as silica, graphite, coal, iron and clay can be very dangerous. They can damage sensitive areas of the lung resulting in pneumoconiosis, or black lung.
Queensland Fever
Dust from a hide and skin work environment can result in this illness is called Queensland fever. It is caused by a tiny organism that infects livestock and then spreads to the milk and feaces.
Sunburn and Skin Cancer
Sunburn and even skin cancer can be caused by exposing the skin to too much sun.
Tooth Decay
The absence of fluoride in drinking water can cause tooth decay. Today, fluorides are increasing used in drinking water or in toothpastes to protect the teeth from decay.
Uranium Poisoning
Uranium is a poisonous and dangerous radioactive element that can damage living tissue.
Vision Problems
The eyes are very sensitive to the environment. Airborne organisms, over exposure to sun and or a slight change in the chemical composition of air can cause eye irritation. redness and produce a burning sensation and cataract.
Waterborne Diseases
Malaria, typhoid, skin irritation and diarrhea diseases are some of the diseases that are related to water and sanitation problems.
Xeroderma Pigmentosa
Xeroderma is an inheritable ailment from parents. When someone is exposed to direct sunlight, his skin can break out into tiny dark spots that look like freckles. If this condition is not treated, the spots can become cancerous.
Yusho Poisoning
This sickness comes from eating food contaminated in rice oil. If toxic PCB’s (polychlorinated biphenyls) leaks into oil during the manufacturing process. of rice, the case of Yusho poisoning might occur.
Zinc Deficiency/Zinc Poisoning
In some cases, people can be poisoned by zinc when it is consumed much in water or food.
It is therefore very important that we make every effort to ensure that our water and sanitation system is clean and working. This would save us a lot of health problems and diseases.