1.1 Introduction
Environmental health is a critical aspect of public health that focuses on the interrelationship between human health and the environment. It encompasses the assessment and control of environmental factors that may potentially affect health. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines environmental health as those aspects of human health, including quality of life, that are determined by physical, chemical, biological, social, and psychosocial factors in the environment (WHO, 2021).
The environment influences health in many ways, including through exposure to air pollution, water contamination, and hazardous chemicals. For instance, the burning of fossil fuels has been linked to increased respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (Smith et al., 2020). Similarly, contaminated water sources can lead to gastrointestinal infections and long-term diseases like cancer due to exposure to heavy metals such as arsenic and lead (Johnson & Reynolds, 2019).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitation of the study and Definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
In the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution brought significant technological advancements but also introduced new environmental challenges. Rapid industrialization led to increased pollution, especially in urban areas. Cities like London and New York experienced poor air quality, contaminated water, and unsanitary living conditions, leading to outbreaks of diseases such as cholera and typhoid (Rosen, 2015). This period marked the beginning of public health initiatives aimed at improving environmental conditions, as governments recognized that poor environments were a breeding ground for disease.
One of the most significant events in the history of environmental health was the Great Smog of London in 1952. This catastrophic event was caused by the burning of coal during a period of cold weather, which led to a thick blanket of smog covering the city for several days. The smog caused respiratory distress and is estimated to have killed over 4,000 people. The Great Smog served as a turning point, leading to the development of the Clean Air Act of 1956, which aimed to reduce air pollution and its impact on human health (Bell, 2019).
The global health community also began to focus on environmental factors, recognizing that they played a significant role in shaping health outcomes. The World Health Organization (WHO) officially recognized environmental health as a key determinant of public health in the late 20th century, emphasizing the need for cleaner air, safer water, and better waste management practices to improve global health (WHO, 1989). Environmental health became a major focus of international policies and treaties aimed at reducing pollution and promoting sustainability.
Today, the understanding of the impact of environmental health on human health has expanded to include concerns about climate change, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. Scientists and policymakers now recognize that environmental degradation has far-reaching consequences for human health, including the spread of infectious diseases, food insecurity, and the exacerbation of non-communicable diseases like asthma and heart disease (Smith et al., 2020). The ongoing research and public awareness campaigns continue to shape policies aimed at improving environmental health and, by extension, human well-being.
Environmental health is an evolving field that examines the complex interaction between the environment and human health. The environment, comprising air, water, soil, and other physical factors, plays a significant role in determining health outcomes. Over the years, industrialization, urbanization, and unsustainable agricultural practices have led to environmental degradation, resulting in significant public health challenges. These environmental changes, coupled with chemical and biological pollutants, directly impact human health, contributing to the rise in diseases such as cancer, respiratory illnesses, and cardiovascular conditions (Lee et al., 2018).
Historically, the effects of environmental degradation were most noticeable in urbanized, industrial settings, where air pollution from factories caused widespread respiratory issues. For instance, the infamous Great Smog of 1952 in London led to thousands of deaths due to poor air quality, drawing global attention to the health risks posed by environmental pollution (Bell, 2019). However, environmental health risks are not confined to air pollution alone. Unsafe drinking water, poor sanitation, and exposure to toxic chemicals are equally detrimental, particularly in developing nations where infrastructure and regulations may be weak (World Health Organization, 2021).
Climate change further exacerbates the impact of environmental health on human populations. Extreme weather events, shifting disease patterns, and changes in food production are all linked to climate variability. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has highlighted that rising global temperatures can lead to the spread of vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue, which thrive in warmer climates (IPCC, 2020). Additionally, air pollution, compounded by global warming, increases the prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases and threatens cardiovascular health (Smith et al., 2020). Despite advances in environmental protection and public health, disparities persist. Low-income populations and marginalized communities are more likely to live in areas with poor environmental conditions, making them more vulnerable to environmental health risks. These communities often face limited access to healthcare, making it difficult to address or prevent the long-term health impacts of environmental exposure (Graham, 2020).
Therefore, understanding the link between environmental health and human well-being is crucial to developing policies that promote sustainability, reduce health risks, and ensure equitable health outcomes for all populations.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that the impact of environmental health on human health is an urgent concern, as environmental degradation continues to pose significant threats to global health. One of the primary problems is the direct link between air pollution and an increase in respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Poor air quality, particularly in urban areas, is contributing to higher rates of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and heart disease among populations (Smith et al., 2020). The inhalation of harmful particles, such as those from vehicle emissions and industrial activities, is leading to both acute and chronic health conditions.
Water contamination is another critical issue affecting human health. In many regions, especially in low-income communities, access to clean drinking water is limited, resulting in the spread of waterborne diseases like cholera and dysentery. The presence of toxic chemicals such as lead and arsenic in drinking water supplies is causing long-term health problems, including developmental disorders in children and an increased risk of cancer (Johnson & Reynolds, 2019). These environmental hazards disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, exacerbating existing health inequities.
Additionally, exposure to hazardous chemicals and toxic waste from industrial processes is contributing to a rise in various forms of cancer, reproductive disorders, and neurological conditions. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and heavy metals are accumulating in the environment, entering the food chain and threatening both human and animal health (Lee et al., 2018). The lack of adequate regulation and enforcement in some countries is allowing these dangerous substances to remain in the environment, with severe consequences for public health.
The effects of climate change are also worsening environmental health issues, leading to increased temperatures, altered disease patterns, and extreme weather events. Rising temperatures are creating ideal conditions for the spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue fever, particularly in regions that previously had low transmission rates (IPCC, 2020). Hence, it is against this backdrop that this study aims to examine the Impact of Environmental Health on Human Health.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to scrutinize the impact of environmental health on human health. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To assess the health impacts of environmental pollution, including respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological conditions.
- To examine the key environmental factors, such as air and water quality, that influence human health.
- To investigate the role of climate change in altering disease patterns and exacerbating health risks.
- To identify vulnerable population that is disproportionately affected by environmental health issues.
- To propose strategies for improving environmental conditions to promote better health outcomes.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- Are there primary environmental factors that impact human health?
- Does air pollution contribute to the prevalence of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases?
- In what ways does water contamination affect public health, particularly in vulnerable communities?
- What role does climate change play in altering disease patterns and increasing health risks?
- How are different populations, especially low-income and marginalized groups, disproportionately affected by environmental health issues?
- What strategies can be implemented to improve environmental conditions and reduce the health impacts of environmental degradation?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
- H01: Effective environmental policies and regulations can mitigate the negative health impacts of environmental degradation, reducing the incidence of environmentally-related diseases.
- H02: Environmental factors such as air pollution, water contamination, and chemical exposure have a significant negative impact on human health, leading to an increase in respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological diseases.
- H03: Vulnerable populations, including low-income communities and children, are disproportionately affected by environmental health risks due to limited access to clean air, water, and safe living conditions.
- H04: The effects of climate change exacerbate existing environmental health risks by contributing to the spread of vector-borne diseases and increasing the frequency of extreme weather events, thereby worsening public health outcomes.
1.7 Significance of Study
The outcome realized from the research findings will be significant to the following stakeholders:
- For Policymakers: This study will provide evidence-based recommendations that will guide the development and implementation of policies aimed at reducing environmental health risks. Policymakers will be better equipped to create regulations that improve air and water quality and reduce exposure to harmful pollutants.
- For Healthcare Providers: The findings will enhance the understanding of how environmental factors contribute to various health conditions. Healthcare providers will be able to use this information to develop more targeted prevention and treatment strategies for diseases linked to environmental exposure.
- For Environmental Agencies: Environmental protection agencies will benefit from this study as it will provide critical data to inform their efforts in monitoring and controlling pollution levels. The study will support the enforcement of existing environmental standards and the introduction of new measures to protect public health.
- For Vulnerable Populations: The study will highlight the specific environmental health challenges faced by vulnerable groups, such as low-income communities and children. This will drive initiatives aimed at improving living conditions and access to resources, ultimately reducing health disparities.
- For Researchers and Academics: The study will contribute to the growing field of environmental health research. Researchers and academics will gain new insights into the effects of environmental degradation on human health, which will pave the way for further studies and innovative solutions to mitigate these risks.
1.8 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the impact of environmental health on human health using Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State as a case study.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- Insufficient data availability in certain regions, which restricted the ability to comprehensively assess the impact of environmental factors on health across diverse populations. Incomplete or outdated data posed challenges in forming accurate conclusions and recommendations.
- Frequent power failures were another significant limitation, affecting data collection and analysis processes. Interruptions in power supply led to delays in conducting surveys and processing data, which impacted the overall efficiency and timeline of the study.
- Delays from respondents also hindered the progress of the research. The study experienced extended response times, which affected the timeliness of data collection and analysis. These delays complicated efforts to gather a representative sample and resulted in longer study durations.
- Financial constraints were a major limitation, as limited funding restricted the scope of the research. Budget limitations impacted the ability to acquire necessary resources, conduct extensive fieldwork, and employ advanced analytical tools, which affected the overall depth and breadth of the study.
- Time constraints also posed a challenge, as the study was conducted within a limited timeframe. This constraint restricted the ability to explore certain aspects of environmental health in greater detail and may have impacted the thoroughness of the analysis and reporting.
1.10 Definition of Terms
Air Pollution: Air pollution refers to the presence of harmful substances in the atmosphere, such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and volatile organic compounds. These pollutants can originate from industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and other sources, and they negatively impact human health by causing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases (Smith et al., 2020).
Water Contamination: Water contamination involves the presence of harmful chemicals, pathogens, or pollutants in water sources, making it unsafe for consumption and use. Contaminants may include heavy metals like lead and arsenic, as well as biological pathogens. Contaminated water is associated with a range of health issues, including gastrointestinal diseases and long-term conditions like cancer (Johnson & Reynolds, 2019).
Chemical Exposure: Chemical exposure pertains to contact with hazardous substances, such as pesticides, industrial chemicals, and heavy metals, which can occur through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals is linked to various health problems, including cancer, neurological disorders, and reproductive issues (Lee et al., 2018).
Climate Change: Climate change refers to significant and lasting changes in global or regional climate patterns, particularly an increase in global average temperature. It is driven by factors such as greenhouse gas emissions from human activities. Climate change impacts health by influencing the spread of vector-borne diseases, increasing the frequency of extreme weather events, and affecting food and water security (IPCC, 2020).
Vulnerable Populations: Vulnerable populations include groups that are disproportionately affected by environmental health risks due to socio-economic factors, limited access to resources, and other vulnerabilities. This group typically encompasses low-income communities, children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions (Graham, 2020).
Public Health: Public health is the science and practice of protecting and improving the health of communities through education, policy-making, and research. It focuses on preventing diseases, prolonging life, and promoting health at a population level rather than individual clinical care (World Health Organization, 2021).
