|
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...
as well as some ideas for preventing or
caring for them.
A
TO Z INDEX
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.
Return
To Index
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.
Return
To Index
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.
Return
To Index
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.
Return
To Index
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 breathe from tanks of oxygen.
Return
To Index
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.
Fertility Problems -
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.
Return
To Index
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.
Return
To Index
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.
Return
To Index
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.
Return
To Index
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.
Return
To Index
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.
Return
To Index
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, and weak muscles, loss of vision, paralysis and
even death.
Return
To Index
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.
Return
To Index
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.
Return
To Index
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.
Return
To Index
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.
Return
To Index
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.
Return
To Index
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.
Return
To Index
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.
Return
To Index
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.
Return
To Index
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.
Return
To Index
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.
Return
To Index
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.
Return
To Index
Yusho Poisoning -
In 1968, more than one thousand people in
western Japan became seriously ill. They suffered from
fatigue, headache, and 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."
Return
To Index
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.Return
To Index
|
