The Silent Threat: Exploring the Impact of the Environment on Health

Climate change’s effects are apparent, but not everyone realizes the impact of the environment on health. Yet, the planet’s worst ecological issues are cause for concern, as many influence people’s well-being directly. Here’s how the silent threat of environmental health problems negatively impacts the world.

How Does the Environment Influence Health?

According to the World Health Organization, 24% of global deaths were attributed to environmental risks in 2016 — this equates to 13.7 million people or one in four. Although the numbers are disconcerting, it’s not news. Studies have long demonstrated a negative impact of the environment on health. 

Polluted water and air, exposure to toxic materials, unsustainable agriculture and noise pollution wreak havoc on the body. For example, poor air quality — nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, volatile organic compounds and carbon monoxide, among other emissions — derive from vehicles, industrial plants, fires, household appliances and paint.

Improper water management and sanitation — in which stormwater runoff, agricultural sludge and sewage sludge seep into groundwater — put vital drinking water at risk of contamination. Additionally, the built environment poses its own environmental health problems, especially structures with older, toxic materials like lead pipes and asbestos.

Climate change significantly increases the threat of public health crises. In fact, flood events attract mosquitoes and cause more vector-borne diseases, while higher temperatures create the perfect conditions for disease spread, as seen with the 2020 coronavirus. Likewise, climate change drives people and animal migrations, making the spreading of deadly pathogens even more likely. 

Common Environmental Health Problems

Several health conditions have been linked to the environment, particularly exposure to harmful contaminants. Studying associated morbidity, mortality, and prevalence enables a better understanding of emerging conditions and risk factors.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Cancer Institute have studied various health indicators about the environment, including the following:

• Respiratory diseases, such as asthma, allergies and chronic pulmonary conditions
• Cardiovascular disease and ischemic stroke
• Infectious disease
• Cancer, including childhood cancer
• Birth defects
• Preterm delivery
• Low birth weight

For example, research has indicated a correlation between low birth weight and environmental factors such as secondhand smoke, lead exposure and air pollution. Meanwhile, acute gastrointestinal illnesses are often caused by food and water contaminated with bacteria, fungi, protozoa and fungi. 

In Europe, studies have shown indoor radon exposure causes 2% of cancer cases and one in 10 lung cancer diagnoses. Growing evidence also indicates exposure to forever chemicals in the workplace — per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances — causes several cancers.

Air pollution, in particular, is the ultimate silent killer. U.S.-based nonprofit research group the Health Effects Institute found air pollution caused 8.1 million deaths worldwide in 2021. According to its study, exposure to airborne contaminants was also linked to 700,000 deaths for children under five years old. 

In a lesser-explored facet of environmental health problems, natural disasters increase mental health risks. According to one study, about one-third of people who’ve endured a natural disaster experience depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder afterward. This could stem from the experience itself or the damage and loss caused by the event — such as losing their home, livelihoods or loved ones.

The Impact of Environmental Health Problems on Vulnerable Populations

Although the impact of the environment on health outcomes affects everyone, some populations are more susceptible than others. Socially-vulnerable populations are determined as follows:

• People and communities of color
• Low-income communities
• Homeless individuals
• Certain immigrant groups and those whose primary language is something other than English
• Older adults
• People with chronic illnesses or disabilities
• Children

The reasons for this higher susceptibility vary. For instance, some live in areas prone to higher air pollution, environmental disasters and hazards. Others live with existing conditions that can worsen with ecological impacts. In many instances, they could live in poorly maintained urban and rural areas with failing infrastructure and health care services. Of course, limited financial resources also contribute to their vulnerability.

Studies show that 716 million low-income people live on less than $1.90 daily in areas with poor air quality — especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. Likewise, American Indian and Alaska Native individuals are 48% more likely to live where there is the most significant risk of sea level inundation. 

Global Perspectives on Environmental Health

Environmental health problems are not confined to a specific region. Although some areas face unique challenges more than others, widespread implications reach the world’s far corners. 

For example, water scarcity affects 780 million people worldwide — yet it’s most prevalent in underdeveloped countries and arid regions. In developed countries like China and the U.S., electronic waste disposal and consumerism are more significant issues. 

Addressing the global impact of the environment on health demands international collaboration and cooperation. Environmental health initiatives should focus on awareness, research, and policies to resolve the issue globally. Understanding how pollution, ecosystem connectedness and climate change impacts know no borders is critical to protecting public health around the world. 

Nature’s Prescription: Solutions and Mitigation for Well-Being

According to a 2023 Pew Research Center survey, 43% of respondents say climate change is causing great harm to Americans. Another 63% predict health impacts will worsen in the future as weather conditions ramp up.  Fortunately, people can mitigate environmental health issues collectively and individually in many ways. 

Solutions demand a dynamic approach involving everyday citizens, communities, scientists, governments, corporations and nonprofit organizations. Among the most essential steps is raising awareness about the impacts of the environment on health outcomes. The scientific community will spearhead this by enabling people to make more informed health care decisions. 

Promoting sustainability — limiting waste to reducing energy consumption and opting for green products — can significantly reduce environmental health risks. Transforming vacant lots into green spaces and mixed-use developments can prevent urban sprawl and reduce the urban heat island effect. Mitigating emissions will also reduce global warming and climate change. 

Local, state, and federal government policies and regulations are critical in promoting health equity amid the changing environment. Rules and investments pertaining to emissions standards, water pollution standards, green building codes and low-emissions transportation must become more stringent. Integrating green technologies and renewable energy will also help build resilience and health against environmental effects.

A Healthier Planet Means Healthier Living

The correlation between the environment and public health is profound, with significant environmental issues suggesting overall well-being. By cleaning up the Earth and mitigating future climate change impacts, people can lead healthier, happier lives without increasing disease risk.