Environmental Diseases Overview

Environmental Diseases

• Environmental diseases are caused by exposure to harmful substances in the environment, encompassing nutritional, infectious, chemical, and physical origins.

Types of Environmental Diseases

• Airborne Diseases: Asthma, COPD, bronchitis, lung cancer. Caused by air pollution, industrial emissions, and allergens. Prevention includes reducing emissions, mask use, and improving indoor air quality.

• Waterborne Diseases: Cholera, dysentery, typhoid, hepatitis A. Resulting from contaminated water, poor sanitation, and industrial waste. Prevention methods involve clean water access, proper sewage disposal, and hygiene education.

• Chemical Exposure Diseases: Lead poisoning, mercury poisoning. Caused by industrial waste, pesticides, and heavy metals. Prevention strategies include safe chemical handling and regulations on pollutants.

• Vector-borne Diseases: Malaria, Dengue Fever. Transmitted by vectors.

• Radiation-related Diseases: Skin cancer, thyroid cancer. Caused by exposure to radiation.

Impacts of Environmental Diseases on Public Health

• Increased rates of illness and death (morbidity and mortality).

• Negative effects on mental health.

• Vulnerable populations include children and the elderly.