Environmental Factors on Global Health
Environmental Factors on Global Health
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Environmental Factors on Global Health
Environmental threat to health in low and middle-income countries
Many people around the world are suffering from various health issues. Extreme environmental hazardous chemicals, poor sanitation, pesticides, and air pollution have generally been a serious concern in middle and low-income countries, leading to severe diseases. Vaccine-preventable illnesses like diphtheria and measles are among them. In poor and middle-income nations, contaminated drinking water and indoor air pollution have become the leading environmental risk factors for a wide range of diseases. Human health has been threatened by the increasing prevalence and incidence of vector-borne and parasite diseases. The problem of disease in low- and middle-income nations is exacerbated by this health issue, though (Heacock., et al 2016). Nurses have an important role in addressing the health implications of environmental concerns in low and middle-income nations, according to this study. In addition, the report suggests enforcing policies to reduce environmental pollutions and recommending best practices for reducing air pollution and other harmful compounds.
Environmental threats
Global Toxic Chemicals and Pesticides
Toxic chemicals and hazardous waste from chemical manufacturing companies, the growth of the Western way of life, and globalized trade have all contributed to a rise in chemical pollution in industrialized countries in recent years. They are currently engulfing the world. One of the most pressing environmental threats to human health is the rise in air pollution, according to a World Economic Forum research. Pesticides and hazardous chemicals have emerged as major environmental contaminants in high-income countries, and many of these harmful substances have been widely dispersed in living environments over the last few years (Stevens et al., 2008). In low- and middle-income nations, parasite and vector-borne diseases are extremely frequent, posing serious hazards to people's health. Despite this, these health issues constitute a major cause of disease in these countries. Toxic chemical exposure in the environment and in the workplace has resulted in catastrophic consequences in poor and middle-income countries where chemical companies have been established.
Children’s health and toxic chemicals in low and middle income countries
Development countries in the developing world face a particular set of challenges when it comes to pollution-related ailments as well as those caused by contaminated soil or polluted air and by a lack of basic hygiene and sanitation (Stevens et al,2008). Due to their lack of access to clean drinking water and enough nutrition, these youngsters are particularly vulnerable. Children, on the other hand, are more vulnerable than adults to pesticides and other dangerous compounds, making exposure to environmental contaminants risky for them. Pregnant fetuses, children, and babies are all at risk of long-term health consequences from adverse health outcomes that are conceived.
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Health impacts of the environmental risks
People's health is heavily influenced by the environment in a variety of ways. Health and the environment have been extensively studied and environmental risk has been shown to have a significant impact on human health, either indirectly by interfering with life-sustaining ecosystems or directly by exposing individuals to negative causes. Thirteen million people die each year as a result of preventable environmental factors, according to a World Health Organization research. Environmental factors are also blamed for 23% of all deaths (untimely mortality) and 24% of the global disease problem (deaths that could have been prevented).
Ebola, diabetes, and cancer are just a few examples of non-communicable diseases that can result from exposure to high environmental dangers. In most low and middle-income nations, the environmental problem of disease is exacerbated by exposure to dangerous substances and air pollution. The energy and transportation industries are also major environmental contributors to air pollution, but the primary causes of chemical toxic waste include industry, agriculture, trash dumping, and burning of garbage (Nava et al., 2018). In addition to causing bodily ailments, environmental contamination can also cause mental health issues. Human health can be negatively affected by noise, which is a major aspect in urban life, and may even contribute to sadness.
Role of nursing profession in addressing health impacts
There are critical roles for nurses to play in lowering the health impacts of environmental exposures and climate change. Not only do nurses play a critical role in patient care and health promotion, but they also play a critical role in disaster response by providing health information to the public. Any health-related disease resource can be accessed through a nurse's knowledge and expertise (Leffers et al, 2018). Leading the charge to minimize healthcare waste, such as carbon footprints, pharmaceutical waste, and biohazards, they are pioneers in the field. They also do research on environmental hazards and climate change as well as participate in national and local conventions that discuss environmental policy and pollution. This is in addition to their clinical care activities for health populations and patients.
References
Heacock, M., Kelly, C. B., Asante, K. A., Birnbaum, L. S., Bergman, Å. L., Bruné, M. N., ... & Suk, W. A. (2016). E-waste and harm to vulnerable populations: a growing global problem. Environmental health perspectives, 124(5), 550-555.
Leffers, J., Levy, R. M., Nicholas, P. K., & Sweeney, C. F. (2017). Mandate for the nursing profession to address climate change through nursing education. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 49(6), 679-687.
Nava, M. E. P., Sánchez, A. R. M., Román, M. D. P. P., García, J. J. G., & Hernández, R. N. (2018). Situation of Occupational and Environmental Health in Mexico. Annals of global health, 84(3), 348.
Stevens, G. A., Dias, R. H., & Ezzati, M. (2008). The effects of 3 environmental risks on mortality disparities across Mexican communities. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 105(44), 16860-16865.
