By: Edna Acevedo, Triple-S Health Educator
Climate change and environmental pollution are real problems we continue to face, and they are having an increasing impact on our health. Have you ever wondered how they directly affect your physical and mental well-being?
You probably have an idea, but here we explain how they impact our quality of life.
Pollution is a mix of dangerous substances from both human and natural sources. These include deforestation, burning trash and fossil fuels, vehicle emissions, fuel oils, byproducts from manufacturing and energy generation, smoke from chemical processing, cigarette smoke, wildfires, and landfills, among others. All of these can increase the risk of disease.
Back in the 1970s, pollution was mostly linked to respiratory conditions. However, as research has advanced, connections have been found with other serious health problems. Exposure to air pollution is now associated with oxidative stress and inflammation of human cells, which can lay the foundation for:
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Cancer
- Neurological disorders (such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and other forms of dementia)
- Premature births, low birth weight, or birth defects
Air pollution and constant exposure to harmful chemicals can also affect our mental health. The polluted air we breathe enters our bloodstream, reducing the amount of oxygen in our blood. This can interfere with brain function, damage neurons, and create chemical imbalances. As a result, the risk increases for:
- Memory loss
- Mood changes
- Sleep disturbances
- Anxiety and depression
Do you know how your actions can help the environment and reduce health risks?
- Recycle
- Sort and separate waste that can be reused
- Avoid buying products you don’t need
- Join volunteer cleanup activities
- Avoid buying or using plastic bags when shopping
- Prevent deforestation and plant a tree
- Reduce the use of plastic bottles and utensils
- Create a home garden and grow your food
- Use water and energy efficiently and avoid wasting them
- Look for “green” sections in home improvement stores
Access to clean food, water, and air—and spaces where we can enjoy nature in harmony and balance—is part of our health. A healthy, hazard-free environment is essential for living a healthy life.
Act today for your health and the planet!
Don’t wait to feel the consequences of environmental deterioration in your body. Start at home, with your habits and daily decisions. Share this information with your community, get involved in green initiatives, and participate in the urgently needed change.
Your well-being is directly connected to the health of the environment. Be the difference!