Unhealthy Environments and the Building Death To

An unhealthy environment is something most of us never think about. And yet, a recent study by the World Health Organization has estimated that 12.6 million deaths – or 25% of all deaths – are attributable to unhealthy environments, including heart disease and cancer.

Personal health is one of the fastest growing focuses in our communities worldwide. People are becoming much more aware of what they are putting into their bodies and Americans are consuming fewer calories than ever before. While improving diet will improve our health, it is also imperative to detox and remove the damaging pollutants injested from our polluted environment.

This week has been the 2016 National Environmental Public Health Tracking Program Week, which is bringing together state, local, and national partners to focus on improving the health of our nation and how we can make a better environment for future generations. This is a growing concern because the public perception of environmental health has decreased in recent years.

What effects can the environment have on health?

Toxicity is the root cause of the vast majority deaths such as cardiovascular diseases, Stroke and even Cancer.

1. Stroke – 2.5 million deaths annually
2. Ischaemic heart disease – 2.3 million deaths annually
3. Unintentional injuries (such as road traffic deaths) – 1.7 million deaths annually
4. Cancers – 1.7 million deaths annually
5. Chronic respiratory diseases – 1.4 million deaths annually
6. Diarrhoeal diseases – 846 000 deaths annually
7. Respiratory infections – 567 000 deaths annually
8. Neonatal conditions – 270 000 deaths annually
9. Malaria – 259 000 deaths annually
10. Intentional injuries (such as suicides) – 246 000 deaths annually

How can we remove environmental toxins to improve personal health?

While we can do as much as possible to improve our own environment, there are many things that are out of our control. This is where personal detox comes into play. The benefits of effective, intracellular detoxification provide many positive health changes including increased energy, improved digestion and metabolism, increased weight loss, and many other benefits. Products like the Ultimate Body Detox System from Results RNA are highly effective in removing toxins at the cellular level, without unpleasant GI effects or the burden and cost of long-term and extreme dieting.

Top causes of environment-related deaths

Our environment makes up every aspect of our lives. When “the environment” is brought up, the common thought is nature. However, that is just one aspect of environmental health. The Healthy People 2020 Environmental Health has designated six focus areas, which each cover a different aspect of our environment.

1. Outdoor air quality
2. Surface and groundwater quality
3. Toxic substances and hazardous wastes
4. Homes and communities
5. Infrastructure and surveillance
6. Global environmental health

What are the biggest contributing categories?

Environmental-related deaths are attributed into the following categories:

• Noncommunicable diseases
• Infectious diseases
• Unintentional and intentional injury

Of these areas, noncommunicable diseases are responsible for the majority of deaths, with 8.2 million of the 12.6 million deaths. These include cardiovascular disease, cancer, and chronic respiratory disease. Infectious diseases include malaria and diarrhea, which are commonly related to poor water quality, sanitation and waste management. Unintentional and intentional injury are most commonly attributed to traffic fatalities, drowning, and suicide and homicide.

Unhealthy Environments = Unhealthy People

While it may seem self-explanatory, the condition of the overall environment of a region is directly related to the health of the population. Developing countries and regions with less accessibility to modern amenities for sanitation and air pollution bear the weight of many of these deaths, while relatively higher income countries suffer from cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

“A healthy environment underpins a healthy population,” says Dr. Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General. “If countries do not take actions to make environments where people live and work healthy, millions will continue to become ill and die too young.”

What can we do to clean up our environment?

The average American might look at the majority of these deaths and conclude that they happen on the other side of the planet, and won’t affect them. However, environmental deaths happen here every day. There are many things we can do to improve the environment that our families and communities live in.

Hygiene and sanitation

In developed countries, simple measures such as washing hands and maintaining clean work environments in food preparation can significantly reduce transmittable diseases. In developing countries, basic waste management and water treatment can help to drastically reduce environmental fatalities, especially in children under 5.

Air pollution

Home ventilation and clean fuels help to improve local community air quality, while technological improvements in industrial areas can help to reduce toxins released into the environment.

Diseases

Malaria is one of the biggest killers of children in developing countries. Use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets and window screens can help to reduce exposure and outbreaks, and improve the overall quality of life for future generations. Increased funding and support of medical services and research can continue to improve the lives of millions across the globe.

Chemical Hazards

Ensuring safe storage of cleaners, solvents, fuels, and pesticides can greatly reduce childhood mortality and improve environmental damage through improper disposal.

Unintentional Injuries

Improved road and infrastructure upgrades can help to reduce traffic mortality and make for a safer workplace for the working population across the globe.

What do you think about the growing issue of environmental health? Let us know in the comments below. Have more questions? Send us a note at by clicking here.