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Everything around us—the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the soil of our food—plays a crucial role in shaping our health and well-being. But what if instead of only being a source of vitality, it is also posing serious health threats? More than 12 million people worldwide lose their lives every year due to exposure to unhealthy environments. So, what can we do to protect both the environment and ourselves?
Global development and expanding industrialization have been great contributors to several global issues; environmental pollution being one of them. In this article, we will explore the kinds of pollution and the impact it has on human health. Furthermore, we will also look at how organizations can mitigate these health impacts through ISO 14001.
Environmental pollution, often referred to as pollution, is the contamination or introduction of harmful substances or pollutants into the natural environment, and it poses a serious issue that affects the health and well-being of humans, animals, and plants.
These pollutants can be in the form of solid, liquid, or gaseous substances, leading to adverse effects, such as disease, death, reduced biodiversity, climate change, and ecological imbalance. Pollution can be caused by various sources, including industrial activities, agricultural practices, transportation, household waste, mining, deforestation, and urbanization.
Air pollution is caused mainly by the release of harmful gaseous pollutants into the atmosphere. The foremost human-made sources of air pollutants are transportation and manufacturing. Examples of air pollutants include carbon dioxide which is released from the combustion of fuel; benzene, which is found in gasoline; the chemical solvent used in dry cleaning facilities perchloroethylene, etc.
These pollutants are linked to various health issues, including heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory diseases, as well as symptoms like reduced lung function, eye and throat irritation, and headaches. Chronic exposure to air pollution can also lead to premature death. As a matter of fact, according to WHO, in 2019, air pollution was estimated to have caused 4.2 million premature deaths globally.
Water pollution occurs when pollutants are released directly or indirectly into water streams without adequate treatment, causing physical, biological, and chemical changes. This kind of pollution is mainly caused by discharging chemical substances into freshwater streams, i.e., in cases of spills or leaks from oil and chemical containers.
The presence of pollutants in water can lead to adverse health effects, such as hepatitis, encephalitis, gastroenteritis, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach aches; even reproductive problems and neurological disorders. Water pollution with heavy metals can also result in neurological disorders, and consumption of polluted water can further lead to developmental problems, especially in children.
Soil pollution, also known as land pollution, is the contamination of the land with hazardous and toxic chemicals. This kind of pollution is mostly caused by human-made actions, industrial activities, agricultural chemicals, and inadequate waste disposal. The most common chemicals involved in land pollution are petroleum hydrocarbons, solvents, pesticides, lead, mercury, and other heavy metals.
These aforementioned pollutants possess the potential to induce a multitude of adverse effects on human health. These effects can range from mild symptoms, such as headaches, eye irritation, and skin rashes to far graver health conditions. For instance, elevated levels of lead in soil can lead to developmental impairments in the brains of young children. Conversely, exposure to mercury increases the likelihood of organ damage, including harm to the kidneys and liver.
Noise pollution is the presence of excessive, disruptive, or unwanted noise in the environment, often caused by sources like transportation, industrial machinery, and urban development. Prolonged exposure to noise pollution can lead to various health issues, including stress, hearing loss, and sleep disturbances.
Constant exposure to high decibel levels can lead to hearing loss, hypertension, sleep disturbances, and increased stress levels. It can also have a negative effect on mental health, leading to anxiety and cognitive impairments.
The term light pollution refers to excessive, misdirected, or intrusive artificial illumination that disrupts the natural darkness of the night sky. It can have negative effects on wildlife, including birds and insects, as well as human circadian rhythms and sleep patterns.
Light pollution can disrupt the circadian rhythms of humans and animals, leading to sleep disorders, depression, and increased stress. It can also hinder the body’s production of melatonin, increasing the risk of certain cancers.
Organizations can play an important role when it comes to the environment. They might unintentionally harm it with various activities, such as industrial processes, improper waste disposal, excessive resource use, and neglect of environmental regulations. To mitigate their impact and protect the environment, they must prioritize sustainability and responsible resource management.
ISO 14001 is the international standard for environmental management systems published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It is a standard that assists companies in establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving their Environmental Management System (EMS).
While it primarily focuses on environmental performance and sustainability, it can indirectly help address the health impacts of environmental pollution.
ISO 14001 can contribute to mitigating health impacts through:
In conclusion, the health impacts of environmental pollution are far-reaching and concerning. It is a shared collective responsibility to take action, not only for our own health but for the generations to come. To mitigate the harm, organizations can adopt sustainable practices, support clean energy initiatives, and advocate for stricter environmental regulations.
PECB offers ISO 14001 training and certification services for professionals seeking in-depth knowledge of the main processes of an EMS. This is ideal for project managers, consultants preparing organizations for EMS implementation, auditors leading EMS certification audits, and staff involved in the implementation of the ISO 14001 standard.
ISO 14001 and Environmental Management training courses offered by PECB:
About the Author
Vlerë Hyseni is the Digital Content Officer at PECB. She is in charge of doing research, creating, and developing digital content for a variety of industries. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact her at: content@pecb.com.
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