Environmental diseases (Part 1)

                                   Environmental diseases

     Environmental diseases are non-communicable diseases that result when people are chronically exposed to toxic environmental chemicals. Other contributory causes of ENVDs include radiation, pathogens, allergens, and psychological stress. 

  In epidemiology, environmental diseases are diseases that can be directly attributed to environmental factors. Apart from the true monogenic genetic disorders. environmental diseases may determine the development of disease in those genetically predisposed to a particular condition. Stress, physical and mental abuse, diet, exposure to toxins, pathogens, radiation, and chemicals found in almost all personal care products and household cleaners are possible causes of a large segment of non-hereditary disease. If a disease process is concluded to be the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factor influences, its etiological origin can be referred to as having a multifactorial pattern. 

A to Z of Environmental diseases:

 The air, the water, the sun, the dust, plants and animals, and the chemicals and metals of our world: 

A:

Allergies and asthma: More than half of the 300 million people living in the u.s. are sensitive to one or more allergens. Sneeze, noses run and eyes itch from pollen, dust, and other substances. Triggered by pollutants and other chemicals in the air and in the home.  

B:

Birth Defects: When pregnant women are exposed to chemicals or drink a lot of alcohol, harmful substances reach the fetus. Aspirin and cigarette smoking can also cause birth problems. Birth defects are the leading cause of death for infants during the first year of life. 

C:

Cancer: when a cell or group of cells begins to multiply more rapidly than normal. Some cancers are caused by substances in the environment: cigarette smoke, asbestos, radiation, natural and manmade chemicals, alcohol, and sunlight. People can reduce their risk of getting cancer by limiting their exposure to these harmful agents.

D:

Dermatitis: Dermatitis is a fancy name for inflamed, irritated skin. Many of us have experienced the oozing bumps and itching caused by poison ivy, oak, and sumac. Some chemicals found in paints, dyes, cosmetics, and detergents can also cause rashes and blisters. Too much wind and sun make the skin dry and chapped. Fabrics, foods, and certain medications can cause unusual reactions in some individuals. 

E:

Emphysema: Air pollution and cigarette smoke can break down sensitive tissue in the lungs. Once this happens, the lungs cannot expand and contract properly. For these people, each breath is hard work. Even moderate exercise is difficult. Some emphysema patients must breathe from tanks of oxygen.

F:

Fertility: Ability to produce children. However, one in eight couples has a problem. Infertility can be caused by infections that come from sexual diseases or from exposure to chemicals on the job or elsewhere in the environment. Researchers at The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) have shown that too much caffeine in the diet can temporarily reduce a woman’s fertility. 

G:

Goiter: Sometimes people don't enough iodine from the foods they eat. This can cause a small gland called the thyroid to grow larger. The thyroid can become so large that it looks like a baseball sticking out of the front of your neck. This is called a goiter. Since the thyroid controls basic functions like growth and energy, goiter can produce a wide range of effects. Goiter became rare after public health officials decided that iodine should be added to salt.

H:

Heart disease: While most chemicals that enter the body are broken down into harmless substances by the liver, some are converted into particles called free radicals that can react with proteins in the blood to form fatty deposits called plaques, which can clog blood vessels. A blockage can cut off the flow of blood to the heart, causing a heart attack. When this occurs, the body is more vulnerable to diseases and infections.

I:

Immune deficiency diseases:

  The immune system fights germs, viruses, and poisons that attack the body. It is composed of white blood cells and other warrior cells. When a foreign particle enters the body, these cells surround and destroy this “enemy.” We have all heard of AIDS and the harm it does to the immune system. Some chemicals and drugs can also weaken the immune system by damaging its specialized cells. When this occurs, the body is more vulnerable to diseases and infections.

J:

Job- related illnesses: 

  Many of these illnesses are caused by chemicals and other agents present in the workplace. Factories and scientific laboratories can contain poisonous chemicals, dyes, and metals. Doctors and other health workers have to work with radiation. People who work in airports or play in rock concerts can suffer hearing loss from loud noise. Some jobs involve extreme heat or cold.

K:

Kidney Diseases: These diseases range from simple infections to total kidney failure. People with kidney failure cannot remove wastes and poisons from their blood. They depend on expensive kidney machines in order to stay alive. Some chemicals found in the environment can produce kidney damage. Some nonprescription drugs, when taken too often, can also cause kidney problems.

L:

Lead Poisoning: infants and children will pick up and eat paint chips and other objects that contain lead. Lead dust, fumes, and lead-contaminated water can also introduce lead into the body. Lead can damage the brain, kidneys, liver, and other organs. Severe lead poisoning can produce headaches, cramps, convulsions, and even death. Even small amounts can cause learning problems and changes in behavior. 

M:

Mercury Poisoning: Mercury Poisoning Mercury is a silvery metal that is extremely poisonous. Very small amounts can damage the kidneys, liver, and brain. Years ago, workers in hat factories were poisoned by breathing the fumes from the mercury used to shape the hats. Today, mercury exposure usually results from eating contaminated fish and other foods that contain small amounts of mercury compounds. If it is not treated, mercury poisoning can eventually cause pain, numbness, weak muscles, loss of vision, paralysis, and even death.

                                                                                      To Be Continued 

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