Environmental and Health Hazards: A Detailed Analysis
Environmental Physical Assault
Ionizing Radiation
Ionizing radiation is a form of energy that can modify the structure of matter, potentially causing changes in cells that may affect health. It can be natural or artificial.
Noise
Noise is unwanted sound that can cause sleep disturbances, behavioral issues, and hearing loss.
Temperature Variations
High temperatures, combined with excessive humidity, can be lethal by preventing sweat evaporation. Extreme cold can also cause injury. Mortality increases when heat or cold exacerbate existing conditions.
Environmental Chemical Assault
Air Pollution
Human activities, industry, heating, and traffic alter air composition, adding compounds that affect health:
Carbon Monoxide
Highly toxic to humans, affecting oxygen transport in the blood.
Sulfur Dioxide
Causes breathing difficulties and can be fatal.
Nitrogen Oxides
Harmful to the lungs and toxic.
Suspended Particles
Solid and liquid particles that cause diseases in the airways and lungs.
Water Pollution
Domestic and industrial water degrades due to organic, inorganic, and biological pollutants, all harmful to health.
Organic Pollutants
Raw sewage, livestock waste, pesticides, grease, and plastics cause microorganism growth and are toxic.
Biological Pollutants
Microorganisms present in water.
Food Contamination
Food is contaminated when foreign substances are present. Consumption can have negative health effects. Pollutants can accumulate in the body, leading to disease development.
Health, Disease, and Quality of Life
Health: A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease.
Disease: A disorder defined as a temporary or permanent loss of physical, mental, or social health.
Quality of Life: The degree of well-being, happiness, and satisfaction. It depends on mental and physical health and level of autonomy. Key indicators include life expectancy at birth and disability-free life expectancy.
Genetic and Congenital Diseases
Genetic Diseases: Caused by alterations in the genome. The genetic defect is the direct cause of the disease, such as Down syndrome, hemophilia, or certain types of diabetes.
Congenital Diseases: Manifest at birth. Many are genetic, such as Down syndrome.
Pathogens and Infectious Diseases
Infectious diseases are caused by microorganisms: bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.
Most organisms in nature are harmless. Agents that cause disease are called pathogens:
Bacteria
Single-celled organisms without a nucleus that multiply inside the body, destroying cells and tissues. They also produce toxins that spread through the blood, causing severe symptoms. “Cholera through the water.”
Viruses
Cannot reproduce on their own. They must enter a cell to reproduce, forming many new viruses. When these viruses leave the cell, they destroy it, causing disease. Flu – face contact.
Protozoa
Unicellular organisms with a nucleus. Malaria – mosquito bites.
Fungi
Unicellular or multicellular organisms with a defined nucleus. They usually do not cause disease in healthy individuals but can affect those weakened by other conditions. Athlete’s foot – contaminated surfaces.