Environmental diseases are illnesses caused by environmental factors such as air pollution, water pollution, toxic chemicals, and radiation exposure. These diseases can have a serious impact on human health and the environment in which we live. In fact, the diseases caused by poor environment lead to around 12 million deaths yearly.
In this blog post, we will delve deeper into the topic of environmental diseases and explore their causes, symptoms, and prevention measures.
5 Most Common Environmental Diseases
Many diseases are caused by the environment. Some of them are discussed below.
1. Asthma
It is a condition where the airways narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus making it difficult to breathe. Exposure to air pollution, dust, and other airborne irritants can trigger asthma attacks.
2. Lead Poisoning
The condition occurs when lead builds up in the body over time, leading to a range of symptoms, including developmental delays, abdominal pain, headaches, memory loss, and mood disorders.
Lead is often found in old paint, drinking water, and soil.
3. Mesothelioma
It is a type of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. It affects the thin layer of tissue that covers most of your internal organs, and symptoms may not appear until decades after exposure.
Asbestos is commonly used in construction and manufacturing for insulation, flooring, roofing, and other applications. Other sources of asbestos exposure can include talc-based cosmetic products, contaminated talc mines, and vermiculite mines.
4. Legionnaires’ Disease
It is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria that thrive in warm water sources like air conditioning units, hot tubs, and plumbing systems.
5. Malaria
It is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes. It’s more common in areas with poor sanitation and limited healthcare access.
Symptoms of Environmental Diseases
The symptoms of environmental diseases can vary depending on the specific condition, but here are some general symptoms that may be present;
- Coughing or wheezing.
- Weakness.
- High-grade fever.
- Headaches.
- Muscle pain.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Nausea and vomiting.
Note: These symptoms may not always indicate an environmental illness and may be similar to symptoms of other illnesses. If you experience these symptoms, consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis.
Tips for Protecting Yourself from Environmental Diseases
Here are a few practical tips to help you protect yourself from environmental diseases.
- Monitor air quality; If air quality is poor, avoid outdoor activities or wear a mask to reduce inhalation of harmful pollutants.
- Control lead exposure; If you live in an older home or work in an industrial setting, test for lead and take measures to remove any lead present.
- Prevent insect bites; Mosquitoes can transmit diseases like malaria and dengue. Wear protective clothing and use insect repellent when you spend time outside.
- Filter your water; Consider installing a water filtration system that can help remove contaminants and ensure safe drinking water.
Wrapping Up!
Environmental diseases are a real and serious problem affecting millions of people worldwide. From air pollution to harmful chemicals, our surroundings can directly impact our health.
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