1. World problems
  2. Environmentally induced diseases

Environmentally induced diseases

  • Environmental human diseases
  • Environmental influences in ill health

Nature

The continuing degradation of the environment increases the risks to the health and well-being of populations everywhere. Pollution reaches drinking water sources, foods and air in both developed and developing countries. In the former, mainly rural areas are affected; in the latter, cities, towns and villages are exposed, in addition to the rural areas. As well as human wastes, livestock wastes add to the production of contaminants. Convection by water is augmented by soil-borne, air-borne and directly contacted bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses. Food may be contaminated as well. Inadequate sanitary and hydraulic engineering remains the greatest threat to preserving large numbers of the world's population from communicable diseases.

Incidence

According to a 1998 study of population trends, climate change, increasing pollution and emerging diseases, an estimated 40 percent of deaths around the world can now be attributed to various environmental factors, especially organic and chemical pollutants. More broadly, at least 500 million people each year are affected by unhealthy environments as a result of pollution; many of these are infants and children.

In three regions of the Asia-Pacific zone there is remarkably high incidence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, parkinsonism, and progressive pre-senile dementia. Studies have singled out heavy use of the neurotoxic seed of cycad plants for food and/or medicine as a likely key etiological factor.

Claim

Environmentally induced diseases represent a critical and urgent public health crisis that cannot be ignored. As pollution, climate change, and habitat destruction escalate, the incidence of respiratory illnesses, cancers, and neurological disorders linked to environmental factors is skyrocketing. This alarming trend threatens not only individual health but also the well-being of future generations. We must prioritize sustainable practices and robust policies to combat these preventable diseases, safeguarding our planet and the health of all its inhabitants.This information has been generated by artificial intelligence.

Counter-claim

While some may argue that environmentally induced diseases are a pressing issue, I contend that they are overstated. The focus on these diseases distracts from more immediate health concerns, such as lifestyle-related conditions. Moreover, advancements in medicine and technology continue to mitigate environmental impacts. Instead of fixating on hypothetical risks, we should prioritize tangible health improvements and personal responsibility. The narrative around environmentally induced diseases is more alarmist than necessary, diverting attention from real, actionable health challenges.This information has been generated by artificial intelligence.

Broader

Narrower

Schistosomiasis
Presentable
Leishmaniasis
Presentable
Fibromyalgia
Presentable
Dysentery
Presentable
Cholera
Presentable
Allergy
Presentable
Porphyria
Yet to rate

Aggravates

Aggravated by

Famine
Excellent

Related

Zoonoses
Presentable

Strategy

Value

Disease
Yet to rate

Reference

SDG

Sustainable Development Goal #1: No PovertySustainable Development Goal #3: Good Health and Well-beingSustainable Development Goal #15: Life on Land

Metadata

Database
World problems
Type
(D) Detailed problems
Biological classification
N/A
Subject
  • Environment » Environment
  • Health care » Health
  • Mankind » Human
  • Medicine » Pathology
  • Content quality
    Presentable
     Presentable
    Language
    English
    1A4N
    D5669
    DOCID
    11456690
    D7NID
    138999
    Last update
    May 20, 2022