Environmental toxins are everywhere in our environment. They’re imperceptible and innocuous at minimal levels. However, society’s exposure to these substances has increased. This is due to industrial growth, fossil fuel use and agricultural chemicals.
Interaction with environmental toxins can cause various health problems, from skin reactions to life-threatening conditions. Key statistics highlight why understanding the impact of these toxins on public health is important.
While avoiding environmental toxins completely is difficult, awareness of their presence and their impacts can help improve public health. Understanding the health impacts of environmental toxins enables public health professionals to implement targeted strategies for monitoring, controlling and developing effective public health policies and personal protective measures.
Various processes, including industrial activities, agriculture or natural processes, can create environmental toxins, which can pose significant health risks. Environmental toxins can be chemical in nature. Examples of chemical toxins are pesticides, herbicides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and heavy metals. Examples of heavy metals are arsenic, cadmium, lead, thallium and mercury.
Particles of these substances typically enter the body through inhalation, ingestion or skin contact. For example, heavy metals like mercury can build up in fish, contaminating them as a source of food. People who eat the fish may get exposed to mercury.
Environmental toxins can also be biological. Biological pollutants include harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses and parasites. These microorganisms can spread bacterial pathogens, such as E. coli, salmonella, the Zika virus and malaria parasites, to humans through air, water and food.
Another form of environmental toxin that can harm human health is radioactive contamination. Nuclear plants and some medical procedures can expose people to radiation. The health impact of radiation at low levels is uncertain. However, cumulative exposure to radiation from a gas such as radon can elevate the risk of cancer.
Environmental toxins — synthetic (manufactured) and natural — permeate modern society. The advancement of industry and technology has helped proliferate various environmental toxins, posing unique challenges to public health. These toxins, classified based on their medium and composition, include air pollutants, water contaminants, soil pollutants, chemical substances and radiological hazards.
Understanding the relationship between environmental toxins and health risks is critical for public health. Below highlights common health risks related to environmental toxins.
Air pollution, a major environmental health risk, causes approximately 6.7 million premature deaths each year worldwide, according to the WHO. This form of pollution includes a mix of particles and gasses that can invade the lungs and bloodstream, leading to health problems, such as stroke, heart disease, lung cancer and respiratory infections. Air pollution comprises both ambient (outdoor) and household (indoor) sources. Air pollutants include particulates, VOCs, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and ozone.
Key components of air pollution include particulate matter (PM), with smaller particles (PM10 and PM2.5) posing the greatest health risks. The environmental and health impacts of VOCs, found in everyday products, include respiratory issues, while carbon monoxide, a by-product of burning fossil fuels, presents serious health hazards.
Water pollution, characterized by the presence of harmful substances, such as heavy metals, chemicals and biological agents, significantly endangers public health and ecosystems. Contaminants, such as lead, mercury and arsenic, often stemming from industrial waste, can accumulate in water bodies, posing long-term health risks, such as cancer and neurological disorders.
Pesticides and herbicides, prevalent in agricultural runoff, not only jeopardize human health but also disrupt aquatic ecosystems. The increasing prevalence of microplastics — tiny plastic fragments — in water sources is a growing concern for both wildlife and human populations.
Pathogens, including bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms, are common water contaminants that can lead to acute illnesses, such as gastroenteritis, and other serious diseases. The global impact of water pollution is profound, with around 80 percent of diseases worldwide linked to poor water quality. This statistic highlights the urgent need for effective wastewater management and safe drinking water practices to mitigate the risks associated with waterborne diseases. Water pollutants can severely impact the health of aquatic flora and fauna, leading to imbalances in ecosystems and loss of biodiversity.
Soil contamination, caused by industrial chemicals, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dioxins, and agricultural chemicals, such as pesticides and fertilizers, severely impact soil quality and human health. Originating from industrial waste, agricultural runoff and improper hazardous waste disposal, these contaminants can lead to soil degradation and food contamination.
The short-term health effects of contaminated soil include headaches, chest pain and skin irritation, while long-term exposure can damage the central nervous system, harm organs and increase the risk of cancer.
In the United States, numerous Superfund sites, which are contaminated by manufacturing, processing plants, landfills and mining industries, exemplify the severity of soil pollution and its impact on health. This pollution impacts health mainly by reducing crop yields, contributing to food insecurity and rendering food unsafe for consumption.
According to a European Environment Agency (EEA) soil pollution and health report, soil pollution is linked to approximately 500,000 premature deaths each year. Remediating contaminated sites and adopting sustainable land use practices are crucial for tackling soil pollution.
Chemical pollutants are harmful substances that can pose serious and sometimes irreversible health risks. Over 400 environmental chemicals are measured in human samples, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Some are more dangerous than others.
The effects of chemical pollutants vary from local to systemic, including carcinogenic, teratogenic (causing birth defects) and mutagenic (causing genetic mutations) impacts. The toxicity level depends on the pollutant type and exposure amount.
Chemical toxin exposure can damage organs and systems, such as the liver, kidneys, nervous system, immune system and reproductive system. Certain chemicals can cause chronic diseases, neurological disorders and genetic damage and disrupt the endocrine system. The risks are particularly high for pregnant women and young children, as fetuses can be exposed to chemicals through the placenta and infants through breastfeeding.
Research shows that common chemicals, such as acrolein, acrylamide, perchlorate and phthalates, disrupt physiology and can impair health and elevate the risk of common diseases. For example, phthalates are linked to increased risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and lower IQ in children, according to Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal.
Radiological hazards refer to radioactive substances that can be found in the environment, either naturally occurring or manufactured. One example is radon gas, a naturally radioactive gas that can accumulate in buildings. Radon poses health risks when inhaled — according to the World Health Organization (WHO), radon is a leading cause of lung cancer.
Another source of radiological hazards is radioactive nuclear waste, which refers to radioactive materials that are by-products of radioactive material used by industries such as mining, defense, and medicine and scientific research. These materials can be highly toxic and long-lasting, posing a threat to human health and the environment. Properly handling and disposing of nuclear waste to minimize the risk of exposure and potential harm is important.
Each type of environmental toxin presents distinct risks and challenges, requiring specialized methods for monitoring, control and remediation. Examples are the following:
To address environmental toxins effectively, public health officials employ various strategies to protect communities by reducing exposure to carcinogens and reducing other health risks. The key approaches include the following:
Knowing the sources of these toxins and supporting policies and initiatives that aim to reduce environmental pollution contributes to a healthier ecosystem for all. Through research-backed solutions, public health officials can develop targeted strategies for monitoring, control and remediation. Understanding the risks is also necessary. These foundational components are essential for developing effective public health policies and personal protective measures.
An advanced degree in public health can be beneficial for individuals looking to learn how to develop comprehensive strategies that can help address the complex issue of environmental toxins and have the knowledge and skills to adapt to evolving challenges.
