Rhonda Harris-Scott
Health Columnist
The human population has grown over the years and this has had a huge effect on the environment. This growth is in some ways due to the advances in medicine, sanitation and agriculture. Waste created by the population surge is continuously changing the ecosystem because we are constantly using non-replaceable resources and increasing the amount of pollution in our environment.
For a person to make informed environmental decisions, it is important for them to understand how human interactions have affected the environment in the past and study the short-term and long-term effects of these actions on the public’s welfare.
The general public may associate chemicals with hazards. Most industries that produce chemicals are making life more secure, healthy and pleasant. Many synthetic chemicals are the building blocks that go into an assortment of plastics and textiles we use in our daily lives. Food is better preserved by using chemicals for sealing in the freshness and stopping spoilage. Cars have been made safer and emissions less toxic (methanol goes into MTBE, an octane enhancer that reduces auto emissions).
Currently many people in society use a variety of medications, vitamins and health-care products that improve one’s well-being and prolongs life. It is important for researchers, doctors and consumers to study ingredients, dosage and effects on one’s health. If medications are being taken without regard to dosage they may be hazardous. Some of the important things to be aware of are sulfates in medications, vitamin- and nutritional-substitute ingredients, antibiotic usage indications, medications that are not approved by the FDA and those used for weight loss, just to name a few.
There are also environmental factors such as poor ventilation, molds, pesticides, poor-water quality, genetically modified foods and second-hand smoke that have been proven to lead to medical conditions such as respiratory irritation, infertility, lead poisoning and cancer. Health concerns associated with environmentally exacerbated conditions should be addressed by a doctor.
Government agencies usually regulate safety, accidents, injuries or harm to the environment, global health and environmental performance. These agencies usually try to work in an ethical, environmentally sound and socially responsible manner; though, if the government makes a claim (or the industry for that matter), one should question its truthfulness and validity. Such agencies as the Department of Health and Human Services, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, The Food and Drug Administration and a variety of local agencies can help.
People often harbor misconceptions about chemicals and their positive and negative impacts on our health, the environment and society. Facts and scientific knowledge should be the basis of interpretation rather than hearsay or misconceptions.
If people understand the pros and cons of environmental actions, how these actions affect people and society they will have a better chance of making positive decision for their future.
01-20-2005
