The Impact Of Environment On Health
The modern-day natural environment we live in is very different to the one our grandparents knew. It is changing at an increasingly rapid pace. And from the air we breathe to the places where we live, it can also affect our physical and mental health over time. As the human population grows, so urbanisation expands and global warming rises, understanding the complex relationship between our health and our environment is important to the future of our well-being.
Environmental Pollution
With the increase in human industrialisation over the last 200 years, the quality of our air and water supply has drastically declined. Chemicals such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide concentrations have increased, with fine particulate matter causing the most serious health issues and premature mortality. Air pollution alone is responsible for 2 million deaths in China per year.
In developed countries, water contamination from urban runoff, industrial waste, pesticides and eutrophication can lead to health issues such as kidney disease and cancer. In developing countries, limited infrastructure and poor sanitation often leads to contaminated water supplies, containing harmful bacteria and diseases which when consumed and contracted cause illnesses such as cholera, diarrhoea and dysentery.
Climate Change
Climate change to our environment exacerbates the effects of air pollution through changes in weather patterns and increased heat levels. It can also encourage the spread of insects that carry infectious diseases, such as ticks and mosquitoes, create storm surges from increased precipitation, leading to industrial overflow and increase draughts, leading to agricultural failure and malnutrition in poorer countries.
Built-Up Environment
The loss of green spaces in urban areas can lead to heat islands and the reduction of opportunities for recreational activity. Poor housing conditions or overcrowding can increase the spread of diseases; COVID-19 for example, is more prevalent in urban areas, where 90% of all reported cases have taken place. Urban spaces also see a higher, disproportionate number of injuries or fatalities compared to rural areas, while increases in noise pollution such as that from construction and traffic can lead to poor sleep, hypertension and heart disease.
Social Environment
The urbanisation of environment also provides opportunities for education, healthcare and employment opportunities, leading to better prospects and well-being. It has also, however, been associated with increased levels of mental health decline, due to social isolation and lack of green spaces. Having a close-knit community and a strong social network is important to our well-being and can help improve our mental health and enhance our recovery from illnesses.
Addressing environmental issues such as pollution, climate change and inadequate infrastructure will help to develop a healthier population. Countries such as Singapore and Denmark are already leading the way forward in urban environments with integrated urban greenery, sustainable development, bicycle infrastructures and community engagements spaces. Whether the rest of the World can follow them as well in time remains to be seen.
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Gavin Crewe is a regular contributor of informative articles to Oxford Home Schooling.