4 Environment Risk Factors Posing Health Threats

Environment risk factors are important to understand as human interaction with the environment is inevitable and constant. Environment risk factors have a huge impact on the quality of life as well as health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the environment can be defined as all the external factors including physical, chemical, and biological that a person interacts with.

To be able to create a healthy environment, it is important that you understand the environment risk factors and the health hazards that it poses. Maintaining a healthy environment is vital for improving life quality and expectancy. Research suggests that 23% of all deaths globally are caused by preventable environmental factors.

Top 4 Environment Risk Factors And Threat To Health

1. Air Quality

The quality of air, especially when outdoors, is one of the major environment risk factors. Research has linked bad air quality to cardiovascular diseases, lung diseases, cancer, and premature death. Steps are being taken to improve air quality and reduce unhealthy air emissions across the world.

You have to go out at one point or other than the outdoor air quality plays a major part. You can check out the air quality of your surroundings on this website.

Read about the effects of air quality on health here.

2. Hazards at Home and Work

Since most of the time is spent by people at their homes and workplaces, it is vital to take care of any hazards that can affect health. This includes the following risk factors

• Indoor air quality: affected by smoke and emissions from appliances.
• Inadequate heating and sanitation.
• Structural problems.
• Electrical and fire hazards.

Nowadays, many people are using air purifiers in their houses for better air quality.

3. Surface and Ground Water

Quality of surface and groundwater is being affected by contaminants from various sources like industries, homes, and even air. Contaminated water, when comes in contact with humans or is consumed by them, causes mild to severe illnesses. Good water quality is one of the important parts of good environmental health.

The unsafe and unclean drinking water is the biggest environment risk factors that can impact the lives of millions.

4. Toxic Substances

Exposure to toxic and hazardous substances, mainly from industries and mines, can lead to fatal health problems like cancer. Adequate precautions must be taken before coming into contact with toxic exposures.

Other Emerging Environment Risk Factors

With evolving living conditions and advancements, there are a number of new emerging issues that are adversely impacting human health.

You will find below 4 such emerging factors listed below.

1. Climate Change

The climate change threat is real. It is impacting the sea levels and can cause natural disasters. There is also an increased threat of occurrence of infectious diseases, a decrease in air quality, and chances of occurrence of floods, droughts, and storms.

Visit here to read about the effects of climate change on health.

2. Nanotechnology

While nanotechnology is contributing to various advancements, there are various risks that it presents. Nano-dust produced from devices can cause severe health problems like lung diseases and cancers.

3. Disasters

With the increased threat of climate change and worsening of other environmental factors, there is an increased risk of occurrence of natural as well as man-made disasters.

Making it important to plan and be prepared for such events. The infrastructure must be built in order to minimize the damage that can be caused if any such event occurs.

4. Blood Lead Levels

Exposure to hazardous chemicals and substances in the environment such as in house-paints, appliances, or poor air has led to a rise in blood lead levels. Lead levels as low as 2 micrograms per deciliter can affect cognitive function in children. Sadly, it has no obvious symptoms and can remain undiagnosed for long duration.

Conclusion

A polluted environment can have a huge impact on people who already suffer from health diseases are at greater risk. Therefore, it is very important for you to address the environmental risk factors and take the required steps to minimize exposure to them.

Check out the list of Eco-friendly products to help you switch to an eco-friendly lifestyle.