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Environmental Diseases from A to
Z
The AIR, the WATER, the SUN,
the DUST, PLANTS and ANIMALS, and the CHEMICALS and METALS
of our WORLD… They support life. They make it beautiful and fun. But,
as wonderful as they are… They can also make some people sick. Here are some
diseases that are related to your ENVIRONMENT… From A to Z… And some
ideas for preventing or caring for them.
Allergies and Asthma (AZ-ma)
About 50 million people in the U.S. - one
in five adults and kids - have allergies. They sneeze, their noses run and
their eyes itch from pollen, dust and other substances. Some suffer sudden
attacks that leave them breathless and gasping for air. This is allergic
asthma. Asthma attacks often occur after periods of heavy exercise or during
sudden changes in the weather. Some can be triggered by pollutants and other
chemicals in the air and in the home. Doctors can test to find out which
substances are causing reactions. They can also prescribe drugs to relieve the
symptoms.
For
more information on asthma, click here.
Birth Defects
Sometimes, when pregnant women are exposed
to chemicals or drink a lot of alcohol, harmful substances reach the fetus.
Some of these babies are born with an organ, tissue or body part that has not
developed in a normal way. Aspirin and cigarette smoking can also cause birth
problems. Each year, about 150,000 babies born in the United States have
defects. Many of these could be prevented.
Cancer
Cancer occurs when a cell or group of cells
begins to multiply more rapidly than normal. As the cancer cells spread, they
affect nearby organs and tissues in the body. Eventually, the organs are not
able to perform their normal functions. More than 8 million Americans have
cancer. Some of these are caused by substances in the environment: cigarette
smoke, asbestos, radiation, natural and man-made chemicals, alcohol, and
sunlight. People can reduce their risk of getting cancer by limiting their
exposure to these harmful agents.
For
more information on cancer, click here.
Dermatitis (dur-muh-TIE-tiss)
Dermatitis is a fancy name for inflamed,
irritated skin. Many of us have experienced the oozing bumps and itching
caused by poison ivy, oak and sumac. Some chemicals found in paints, dyes,
cosmetics and detergents can also cause rashes and blisters. Too much wind and
sun make the skin dry and chapped. Fabrics, foods, and certain medications can
cause unusual reactions in some individuals. People can protect themselves
from poison ivy by following a simple rule: "Leaves of three, leave them
be." Smart folks know their poisons.
Emphysema (EM-fuh-ZEE-ma)
Air pollution and cigarette smoke can break
down sensitive tissue in the lungs. Once this happens, the lungs cannot expand
and contract properly. This condition is called emphysema. About 2 million
Americans have this disease. For these people, each breath is hard work. Even
moderate exercise is difficult. Some emphysema patients must breath from tanks
of oxygen.
Fertility Problems
Fertility is the ability to produce
children. However, one in eight couples has a problem. This can occur when a
woman can't produce an egg, or when a man can't produce enough sperm.
Infertility can be caused by infections that come from sexual diseases or from
exposure to chemicals on the job or elsewhere in the environment. Researchers
at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) have shown
that too much caffeine in the diet can temporarily reduce a woman's fertility.
NIEHS scientists have also pinpointed the days when a woman is likely to be
fertile.
For
more information on reproduction, click here.
Goiter (GOY-ter)
Sometimes people don’t get enough iodine
from the foods they eat. This can cause a small gland called the thyroid to
grow larger. The thyroid can become so large that it looks like a baseball
sticking out of the front of your neck. This is called goiter. Since the
thyroid controls basic functions like growth and energy, goiter can produce a
wide range of effects. Some goiter patients are unusually restless and
nervous. Others tend to be sluggish and lethargic. Goiter became rare after
public health officials decided that iodine should be added to salt.
Heart Disease
More than one in four Americans suffer from
diseases of the heart and blood vessels. These diseases cause almost half of
all deaths in the United States. While these may be due in part to poor eating
habits and/or lack of exercise, environmental chemicals also play a role.
While most chemicals that enter the body are broken down into harmless
substances by the liver, some are converted into particles called free
radicals that can react with proteins in the blood to form fatty deposits
called plaques, which can clog blood vessels. A blockage can cut off the flow
of blood to the heart, causing a heart attack.
Immune Deficiency Diseases
The immune system fights germs, viruses and
poisons that attack the body. It is composed of white blood cells and other
warrior cells. When a foreign particle enters the body, these cells surround
and destroy this "enemy." We have all heard of AIDS and the harm it
does to the immune system. Some chemicals and drugs can also weaken the immune
system by damaging its specialized cells. When this occurs, the body is more
vulnerable to diseases and infections.
Job-Related Illnesses
Every job has certain hazards. Even a
writer can get a paper cut. But did you know that about 137 workers die from
job-related diseases every day? This is more than eight times the number of
people who die from job-related accidents. Many of these illnesses are caused
by chemicals and other agents present in the workplace. Factories and
scientific laboratories can contain poisonous chemicals, dyes and metals.
Doctors and other health workers have to work with radiation. People who work
in airports or play in rock concerts can suffer hearing loss from loud noise.
Some jobs involve extreme heat or cold. Workers can protect themselves from
hazards by wearing special suits and using goggles, gloves, ear plugs, and
other equipment.
Kidney Diseases
About 3.5 million Americans have kidney
diseases. These range from simple infections to total kidney failure. People
with kidney failure cannot remove wastes and poisons from their blood. They
depend on expensive kidney machines in order to stay alive. Some chemicals
found in the environment can produce kidney damage. Some nonprescription
drugs, when taken too often, can also cause kidney problems. Be sure to read
the label and use drugs as directed.
Lead Poisoning
Sometimes, infants and children will pick
up and eat paint chips and other objects that contain lead. Lead dust, fumes
and lead-contaminated water can also introduce lead into the body. Lead can
damage the brain, kidneys, liver, and other organs. Severe lead poisoning can
produce headaches, cramps, convulsions, and even death. Even small amounts can
cause learning problems and changes in behavior. Doctors can test for lead in
the blood and recommend ways to reduce further exposure.
For
more information on lead poisoning, click here.
Mercury Poisoning
Mercury is a silvery metal that is
extremely poisonous. Very small amounts can damage the kidneys, liver and
brain. Years ago, workers in hat factories were poisoned by breathing the
fumes from mercury used to shape the hats. Remember the "Mad Hatter"
in Alice in Wonderland? Today, mercury exposure usually results from eating
contaminated fish and other foods that contain small amounts of mercury
compounds. Since the body cannot get rid of mercury, it gradually builds up
inside the tissues. If it is not treated, mercury poisoning can eventually
cause pain, numbness, weak muscles, loss of vision, paralysis and even death.
Nervous System Disorders
The nervous system, which includes the
brain, spinal cord and nerves, commands and controls our thoughts, feelings,
movements and behavior. The nervous system consists of billions of nerve
cells. They carry messages and instructions from the brain and spinal cord to
other parts of the body. When these cells are damaged by toxic chemicals,
injury or disease, this information system breaks down. This can result in
disorders ranging from mood changes and memory loss to blindness, paralysis
and death. Proper use of safety devices such as seat belts, child restraints
and bike helmets can prevent injuries and save lives.
Osteoporosis (OSS-tee-oh-por-OH-sis)
When the body can't supply enough calcium,
bones become thin and fragile. This is called osteoporosis. About 25 million
Americans suffer from some kind of bone thinning. As people get older, back
problems become more common, and bones in the spine, hips and wrists break
more easily. Young people can lower their chances of getting osteoporosis in
later years by exercising and eating calcium-rich foods like milk and yogurt.
Pneumoconiosis (NEW-mo-koh-nee-OH-sis)
Ordinary house and yard dusts do not pose a
serious health hazard. But some airborne particles can be very dangerous.
These include fibers from asbestos, cotton and hemp, and dusts from such
compounds as silica, graphite, coal, iron and clay. These particles can damage
sensitive areas of the lung, turning healthy tissue into scar tissue. This
condition is called pneumoconiosis, or black lung. Chest pains and shortness
of breath often progress to bronchitis, emphysema, and/or early death. Proper
ventilation and the use of protective masks can greatly reduce the risk of
lung disease.
Queensland Fever
People do not usually get diseases from
farm animals. However, those who work with hides and animal products can get
sick from breathing the infected dust around them. This illness is called
Queensland fever because it was first discovered among cattle ranchers and
dairy farmers in Queensland, Australia. It is caused by a tiny organism that
infects livestock and then spreads to the milk and feces. Symptoms include
fever, chills, and muscle aches and pains. Researchers have developed vaccines
to protect livestock workers from this illness.
Reproductive Disorders
Beginning in the late 1940's, many women
who were in danger of losing their unborn babies were prescribed a synthetic
female hormone called DES (diethylstilbestrol). In 1971, scientists discovered
that some of the daughters of these women were developing a very rare cancer
of the reproductive organs. Since then, the use of DES and other synthetic
hormones during pregnancy has been discontinued. NIEHS and other agencies are
studying the possibility that some natural chemicals and man-made pesticides
may cause similar problems. They are finding that some of these chemicals are
so similar to female estrogen that they may actually "mimic" this
important hormone. As a result, they may interfere with the development of
male and female reproductive organs. This can lead to increased risk of early
puberty, low sperm counts, ovarian cysts, and cancer of the breast or
testicles.
For
more information on reproduction, click here.
Sunburn and Skin Cancer
Almost everyone has stayed in the sun too
long and been burned. Too much sunlight can also produce the most common type
of cancer - skin cancer. Some skin cancers are easy to treat because they do
not spread beyond the surrounding tissue. Others, like melanoma, are much more
dangerous because they spread to other parts of the body. Deaths due to
melanoma are increasing by 4 percent each year. People can protect themselves
from the sun's rays by applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and,
when possible, staying out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Tooth Decay
In the 1930's, health experts noticed that
people who lived in areas where the water contained natural chemicals called
fluorides had fewer cavities. Today, nearly half of all Americans drink water
that is either naturally fluoridated or treated with fluorides. This has
lowered the incidence of cavities as much as 65 percent. Dentists can also
protect young teeth by applying special coatings called sealants.
Uranium Poisoning
Uranium is an extremely dangerous element
because it is radioactive. This means it gives off high-energy particles that
can go through the body and damage living tissue. A single high dose of
radiation can kill. Small doses over a long period can also be harmful. For
example, miners who are exposed to uranium dust are more likely to get lung
cancer. Uranium poisoning can also damage the kidneys and interfere with the
body's ability to fight infection. While most people will never come in
contact with uranium, those who work with medical x-rays or radioactive
compounds are also at risk. They should wear lead shields and follow
recommended safety guidelines to protect themselves from unnecessary exposure.
For
more information on Uranium, click here.
Vision Problems
Our eyes are especially sensitive to the
environment. Gases found in polluted air can irritate the eyes and produce a
burning sensation. Tiny particles from smoke and soot can also cause redness
and itching of the eyes. Airborne organisms like molds and fungus can cause
infections of the eyes and eyelids. Too much exposure to the sun's rays can
eventually produce a clouding of the lens called a cataract.
Waterborne Diseases
Even our clearest streams, rivers, and
lakes can contain chemical pollutants. Heavy metals like lead and mercury can
produce severe organ damage. Some chemicals can interfere with the development
of organs and tissues, causing birth defects. Others can cause normal cells to
become cancerous. Some of our waterways also contain human and animal wastes.
The bacteria in the wastes can cause high fever, cramps, vomiting and
diarrhea.
Xeroderma Pigmentosa (zero-DER-muh
pig-men-TOSE-uh)
Xeroderma is a rare condition that people
inherit from their parents. When these people are exposed to direct sunlight,
their skin breaks out into tiny dark spots that look like freckles. If this
condition is not treated, the spots can become cancerous. These areas must
then be removed by a surgeon.
Yusho Poisoning
In 1968, more than one thousand people in
western Japan became seriously ill. They suffered from fatigue, headache,
cough, numbness in the arms and legs, and unusual skin sores. Pregnant women
later delivered babies with birth defects. These people had eaten food that
was cooked in contaminated rice oil. Toxic chemicals called PCB's
(polychlorinated biphenyls) had accidentally leaked into the oil during the
manufacturing process. Health experts now refer to this illness as "Yusho,"
which means, "oil disease."
For years, PCB's were widely used in the
manufacturing of paints, plastics and electrical equipment. When scientists
discovered that low levels of PCB's could kill fish and other wildlife, their
use was dramatically reduced. By this time, PCB's were already leaking into
the environment from waste disposal sites and other sources. Today, small
amounts of these compounds can still be found in our air, water, soil and some
of the foods we eat.
Zinc Deficiency/Zinc Poisoning
Zinc is a mineral that the body needs to
function properly. In rare cases, people can be poisoned if there is too much
zinc in their food or water. However most people can take in large quantities
without any harmful effects. In areas where nutrition is a problem, people may
not get enough zinc from their diet. This can lead to retarded growth, skin
sores, baldness, infertility and lower resistance to infections.
National Institute of Environmental Health
Sciences
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