How do environmental issues affect our health?

We all know that environmental issues are impacting our planet, but fewer of us are aware of how these same issues can also affect our health. Temperatures are increasing, rainfall patterns are changing and sea levels are rising, all of which increase the risk of heatwaves, floods, droughts and other natural hazards. While the effects of these will vary across the world, they can all lead to poor air quality, changes in the spread of infectious diseases and threats to water quality – and that’s not even touching on the effects on mental health. So where do these issues stem from, and what’s the best way to protect yourself?

Air pollution

The biggest cause of air pollution around the world is the burning of fossil fuels in power plants. This process releases pollutants, emissions and chemicals into the air, which react with the sun’s UV rays to create smog. Shockingly, twelve of the world’s fifteen most polluted cities are in India, although the country is making progress thanks to its National Clean Air Programme. Air pollution is even a problem in the UK too, with Bristol and Swansea amongst some of the most polluted cities in the country. Prolonged exposure to polluted air has been proven to increase the risk of heart and lung conditions and kidney failure. Wearing masks can help keep harmful fumes at bay, and by car sharing, cycling and using public transport, you can help reduce air pollution in your local town or city. During the first lockdown, levels of dangerous pollutants fell by up to 40% in towns and cities across the UK in April 2020 alone.

Infectious diseases

The UK currently houses around thirty species of mosquito, none of which pose any danger to our health. But did you know that rising temperatures could cause foreign mosquito species to colonise parts of the UK? This is because extreme flooding can lead to an expansion of wetlands, which provide new habitats for non-native species. This then increases the risk of diseases rarely seen in the UK, such as dengue. Ticks can also be a concern, with milder winters and springs likely to lengthen the periods ticks are active and biting. It’s always recommended to get any unusual bites checked out by your doctor, especially if you live in an area where Lyme disease is prevalent.

Water sanitation

Shockingly, it’s been reported that more than 780 million people don’t have access to clean drinking water, with a third of the world’s population also lacking access to proper sanitation services. These issues have been linked to the transmission of a whole host of diseases, including cholera, diarrhoea, hepatitis A, typhoid and polio. Environmental issues have a big part to play. Floods, droughts, changes in precipitation and temperature extremes all result in water scarcity and contamination. So, what can we do to help? By donating as little as £2 a month to Wateraid, you could help build a well or install a tap in a community that suffers from poor water sanitation.