The environment can have a direct or indirect impact on our health and wellbeing. Environmental health determines the relationship between the environment and health. Environmental health refers to the aspects of human health that are determined by physical, chemical, social, biological, and psychosocial factors in the environment. The environment is everything outside us, it includes the physical, natural, social, and behavioral ecology. Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not just merely the absence of any disease. 

We require a safe, healthy, and kind environment for good health. The environment (outside our body) plays a very important role in determining our health aspects. We very much depend on our environment for energy and raw materials that are needed to sustain life. 

We need clean air. safe drinking water, nutritious food, and a safe place to live. Different aspects of our environment (natural and man-made) can directly impact our health. 

The determinants of health and wellbeing

• Lifestyle – Diet, physical activity, work-life balance.
• Community – Social capital and networks
• Local economy – Wealth creation and markets
• Activities – Working, living, learning, moving, playing, shopping
• Man-made activities – Building, streets, routes, modes
• Natural environment – Air, water, land, natural habitats
• Global ecosystem – Climate change and biodiversity

Environmental exposures can affect human health drastically

• Outdoor air pollution can cause respiratory disorders, can affect lung health, and give rise to different forms of cancer.
• Unsafe drinking water can cause GI illnesses such as diarrhea, food poisoning, or constipation.
• Mosquitoes and other viruses – Malaria, dengue fever, TB, the corona.
• UV exposure – If it’s too much – melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer, eye cataracts. If it’s too less – Vitamin D deficiency, rickets, osteoporosis
• Second-hand smoke exposure – It can affect infants with low birth weight and sudden unexpected death in infants (SUDI). In children, this may cause asthma, lower respiratory infections, and middle ear infections. Second-hand smoke may affect adults by increasing the chances of stroke, lung cancer, and Ischemic heart disease.
• Excess of the crowd – Infectious diseases. 
• Climate change – Heat stroke cold and flu, infectious diseases
• Hazardous substances – Poisoning, burns, and dermatitis
• Lead – Delayed development and behavioral problems in children and increased BP in adults.
• Asbestos – Breathing problems, lung cancer, mesothelioma
• Noise – Hearing loss, insomnia, psychophysiological problems

Benefits of environmental health

• Cleaner air quality
• Cleaner water
• Reduced hazardous waste
• Improved population health
• Increased access to population health
• Improved health equity
• Safer outdoor environments for children and adults

(Disclaimer: The content on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be taken as professional medical advice.  Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other health professionals for any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.)