<–2/”>a >The enhanced pace of developmental activities and rapid Urbanization have resulted in Stress on natural Resources and Quality Of Life. The trend of increasing pollution in various environmental media is evident from the deteriorating air and water quality, higher noise levels, increasing vehicular emission etc. Realising the urgent need for arresting the trend, Both Central and State Governments have adopted policy for Abatement of Pollution which provides for several mechanisms in the form of regulations, legislation, agreements, fiscal incentives and other measures to prevent and abate pollution. Further, realizing that conventional pollution control approach by treatment at the end of the pipe is not delivering the desired benefits in terms of resource conservation, the thrust has been shifted to pollution prevention and control through promotion of clean and low waste technology, re-use and recycling, natural resource accounting, Environmental Audit and Institutional and Human resource development.
Various techniques to control Air Pollution are:-
- Combustion:- is used for controlling those air pollutants that are in the form of organic gases or vapours. In this technique, the organic air pollutants are subjected to flame combustion technique (also known as catalytic combustion). In this technique, organic pollutants are converted into less harmful products and water vapour.
- Absorption:-is the most commonly used methods, especially for controlling emissions from small sources. It can be physical adsorption or chemisorptions.
- Fabric filters, or baghouses, remove dust from a gas stream by passing the stream through a porous fabric. The fabric filter is efficient at removing fine particles and can exceed efficiencies of 99 percent in most applications.
- Mechanical devices:-There are many mechanical devices that clean the air of pollutants either due to (i) gravity in which the particles settle down by Gravitational Force; or by (ii) sudden change in the direction of gas flow in which particles separate out due to greater momentum.
- Electrostatic precipitators:-is a particle control device that uses electrical forces to move the particles out of the flowing gas stream and onto collector plates.
Environment and human Health; Effects of pollutants on animals and Plants
Human beings are exposed to a variety of chemicals including industrial chemicals, pesticides, air pollutants, natural and man made toxicants etc in the environment through the skin, Respiratory System and gastrointestinal tract that can affect vital body systems such as pulmonary, reproductive and nervous and immune system. Dysfunction of these systems could have far-reaching consequences, which affect individuals and even their progeny from serious health ailments.
Air pollutants can be in the form of particulate matter which can be very harmful to our health. The level of effect usually depends on the length of time of exposure, as well the kind and concentration of chemicals and particles exposed to. Short-term effects include irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, and upper respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Others include headaches, nausea, and allergic reactions. Short-term air pollution can aggravate the medical conditions of individuals with asthma and Emphysema. Long-term health effects can include chronic respiratory disease, lung cancer, heart disease, and even damage to the brain, nerves, liver, or kidneys. Continual exposure to air pollution affects the lungs of growing children and may aggravate or complicate medical conditions in the elderly.
Effects of Water Pollution
Waterborne diseases caused by polluted drinking water:
- Typhoid
- Amoebiasis
- Giardiasis
- Ascariasis
- Hookworm
Waterborne diseases caused by polluted beach water:
- Rashes, ear ache, pink eye
- Respiratory infections
- Hepatitis, encephalitis, gastroenteritis, diarrhoea, vomiting, and stomach aches
Conditions related to water polluted by chemicals (such as pesticides, hydrocarbons, persistent organic pollutants, heavy metals etc):
- Cancer, incl. prostate cancer and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Hormonal problems that can disrupt reproductive and developmental processes
- Damage to the nervous system
- Liver and kidney damage
- Damage to the DNA
- Exposure to mercury
The impacts on human health from degradation of the environment affect Society not only in terms of loss of quality of life, but also in terms of expenditure on health care, loss of productivity and loss of income.
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The environment has a profound impact on our health. Air pollution, water pollution, Soil-pollution/”>Soil Pollution, Noise Pollution, radiation, Climate change, chemical exposure, infectious diseases, mental health, social determinants of health, health Equity, environmental Justice, public health policy, environmental health research, environmental health Education, and environmental health advocacy are all important factors that can affect our well-being.
Air pollution is a major environmental health concern. It can cause respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer. Air pollution is caused by emissions from cars, factories, and power plants. It can also be caused by natural sources, such as wildfires.
Water pollution is another major environmental health concern. It can cause gastrointestinal problems, reproductive problems, and neurological problems. Water pollution is caused by sewage, industrial waste, and agricultural runoff.
Soil pollution is a less well-known environmental health concern, but it can also be harmful to human health. Soil pollution can cause cancer, reproductive problems, and developmental problems. Soil pollution is caused by industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and urban runoff.
Noise pollution is a less well-known environmental health concern, but it can also be harmful to human health. Noise pollution can cause hearing loss, stress, and sleep problems. Noise pollution is caused by traffic, construction, and industrial activity.
Radiation is a natural and man-made environmental hazard. It can cause cancer, genetic mutations, and birth defects. Radiation is caused by radon gas, ultraviolet radiation, and X-rays.
Climate Change is a major environmental health concern. It can cause heat-related illnesses, respiratory problems, and infectious diseases. Climate change is caused by the release of greenhouse gases into the Atmosphere.
Chemical exposure is a major environmental health concern. It can cause cancer, reproductive problems, and developmental problems. Chemical exposure is caused by pesticides, industrial chemicals, and household products.
Infectious diseases are a major environmental health concern. They can be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, and Fungi. Infectious diseases are spread through contact with contaminated water, food, or soil.
Mental health is a major environmental health concern. It can be affected by stress, POVERTY, and social isolation. Mental health problems can include depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.
Social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age. They are shaped by the distribution of Money, power, and resources at global, national, and local levels. Social determinants of health can affect our health in many ways, including our access to healthcare, our quality of housing, and our exposure to environmental hazards.
Health equity is the fair distribution of health outcomes across social groups. It means that everyone has the opportunity to attain their full health potential, regardless of their social position. Health equity can be achieved through policies and programs that address the social determinants of health.
Environmental justice is the fair treatment of all people, regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. Environmental justice can be achieved through policies and programs that address the disproportionate exposure of minority and low-income communities to environmental hazards.
Public health policy is the development and implementation of laws, regulations, and programs that promote health and well-being. Public health policy can address a wide range of issues, including environmental health, infectious diseases, and chronic diseases.
Environmental health research is the study of the relationship between the environment and human health. Environmental health research can help us to understand the causes of environmental health problems, identify effective interventions, and develop policies to protect public health.
Environmental health education is the process of teaching people about the relationship between the environment and human health. Environmental health education can help people to make informed decisions about their health and the environment.
Environmental health advocacy is the act of speaking out in support of environmental health protection. Environmental health advocates work to raise awareness about environmental health issues, promote policies that protect public health, and hold polluters accountable.
Environmental health careers are a diverse group of professions that focus on protecting human health from environmental hazards. Environmental health professionals work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, private companies, and non-profit organizations.
What is the correlation between health and environment?
There is a strong correlation between health and environment. The environment can affect our health in many ways, including through exposure to pollution, climate change, and natural disasters. Our health can also affect the environment, through things like pollution and resource consumption.
What are some of the ways that the environment can affect our health?
The environment can affect our health in many ways, including through exposure to pollution, climate change, and natural disasters.
- Pollution: Air pollution, water pollution, and soil pollution can all cause health problems, including respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer.
- Climate change: Climate change can lead to more extreme weather events, such as heat waves, floods, and droughts. These events can cause injuries, deaths, and property damage. Climate change can also lead to changes in the distribution of diseases, as some diseases are more likely to occur in certain climates.
- Natural disasters: Natural disasters, such as Earthquakes, hurricanes, and tornadoes, can cause injuries, deaths, and property damage. They can also lead to disruptions in health care Services, making it more difficult for people to get the care they need.
What are some of the ways that our health can affect the environment?
Our health can also affect the environment, through things like pollution and resource consumption.
- Pollution: When we are sick, we may produce more pollution, such as through coughing and sneezing. We may also be more likely to use medical resources, such as antibiotics, which can pollute the environment.
- Resource consumption: When we are sick, we may need to consume more resources, such as food and water. We may also be more likely to use medical resources, such as prescription drugs, which can pollute the environment.
What can we do to reduce the impact of the environment on our health?
There are many things we can do to reduce the impact of the environment on our health. Some of these things include:
- Reducing our exposure to pollution: We can reduce our exposure to pollution by living in areas with good air quality, eating healthy foods, and avoiding contact with polluted water.
- Reducing our impact on climate change: We can reduce our impact on climate change by using less energy, driving less, and eating less meat.
- Preparing for natural disasters: We can prepare for natural disasters by having a plan in place, storing emergency supplies, and building homes that are resistant to damage.
What can we do to reduce the impact of our health on the environment?
There are also many things we can do to reduce the impact of our health on the environment. Some of these things include:
- Reducing our pollution: We can reduce our pollution by recycling, composting, and using less energy.
- Conserving resources: We can conserve resources by using less water, energy, and paper.
- Eating a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet can help us to avoid getting sick, which can reduce our need for medical care and pollution.
By taking these steps, we can help to protect our health and the environment.
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Which of the following is not a major environmental factor that can affect human health?
(A) Air pollution
(B) Water pollution
(C) Soil pollution
(D) Noise pollution
(E) Climate change -
Which of the following is not a major health factor that can be affected by the environment?
(A) Respiratory problems
(B) Cardiovascular problems
(C) Cancer
(D) Mental health problems
(E) All of the above can be affected by the environment. -
Which of the following is the most common type of air pollution?
(A) Particulate matter
(B) Ozone
(C) Sulfur dioxide
(D) Nitrogen dioxide
(E) Carbon monoxide -
Which of the following is the most common type of water pollution?
(A) Bacteria
(B) Viruses
(C) Parasites
(D) Chemicals
(E) All of the above can be found in polluted water. -
Which of the following is the most common type of soil pollution?
(A) Heavy metals
(B) Pesticides
(C) Herbicides
(D) Fertilizers
(E) All of the above can be found in polluted soil. -
Which of the following is the most common type of noise pollution?
(A) Traffic noise
(B) Industrial noise
(C) Construction noise
(D) Aircraft noise
(E) All of the above can be sources of noise pollution. -
Which of the following is the most common type of climate change-related health problem?
(A) Heat-related illness
(B) Cold-related illness
(C) Respiratory problems
(D) Cardiovascular problems
(E) All of the above can be caused by climate change. -
Which of the following is the most effective way to reduce air pollution?
(A) Use public transportation
(B) Drive a fuel-efficient car
(C) Recycle
(D) Plant trees
(E) All of the above can help to reduce air pollution. -
Which of the following is the most effective way to reduce water pollution?
(A) Reduce, reuse, and recycle
(B) Use less water
(C) Fix leaks
(D) Plant trees
(E) All of the above can help to reduce water pollution. -
Which of the following is the most effective way to reduce soil pollution?
(A) Reduce, reuse, and recycle
(B) Use less pesticides
(C) Use less herbicides
(D) Plant trees
(E) All of the above can help to reduce soil pollution. -
Which of the following is the most effective way to reduce noise pollution?
(A) Use earplugs
(B) Install soundproofing
(C) Move away from the source of the noise
(D) All of the above can help to reduce noise pollution. -
Which of the following is the most effective way to reduce climate change?
(A) Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
(B) Use RENEWABLE ENERGY sources
(C) Plant trees
(D) All of the above can help to reduce climate change. -
Which of the following is the most important thing you can do to protect your health from environmental hazards?
(A) Be aware of the risks
(B) Take steps to reduce your exposure
(C) Get regular medical checkups
(D) All of the above are important. -
Which of the following is the most important thing you can do to protect the environment?
(A) Be aware of the problems
(B) Take steps to reduce your impact
(C) Get involved in environmental protection efforts
(D) All of the above are important.