By Elizabeth Smith and Raheleh Mohammadi
The International Federation of Environmental Health Council established World Environmental Health Day on Sept. 26, 2011, in Indonesia. Since then, the day has annually recognized the connection between human health and the environment, empowering individuals to create a healthier planet.
The concept of “systems thinking” highlights the complexity of interactions between different environmental systems. The air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat all impact community health.
Poor air quality contributes to lung conditions like asthma, lung cancer and infections. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 99% of the global population breathes air that exceeds pollution guidelines, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Outdoor air pollution, caused by fossil fuels, affects all income levels. Pollutants from cars, power plants, wildfires, and contaminated water sources contribute to this issue.
Indoor air pollution also poses health risks, including exposure to asbestos, fuel-burning appliances, secondhand smoke and moisture leading to mold and bacteria. Investing in clean air and energy efficiency could reduce air pollution, the second-highest risk factor for noncommunicable diseases like heart disease and chronic respiratory conditions.
Climate change also affects the health of Florida’s lakes and ecosystems. Rising temperatures and carbon dioxide levels promote harmful algal blooms, which thrive in warm, stagnant water. Nutrient pollution from fertilizers, sewage and stormwater runoff also contributes to harmful algal blooms, which produce toxins harmful to humans and aquatic life. Water management districts regularly monitor these blooms to protect public health.
Increased hurricane intensity due to climate change also impacts human health. Warmer sea temperatures and rising sea levels lead to stronger storms and increased flooding. Since 1900, global sea levels have risen by half a foot, worsening hurricane-related storm surges. These storms increase health risks, including exposure to contaminated water, pests, carbon monoxide poisoning from generators and mold growth in homes.
Understanding the link between the environment and human health is key to driving change. At Rollins College, World Environmental Health Day will be led by the Rollins Master of Public Health Program. There will be contests, workshops and a presentation by Dr. Jason Evans from Stetson University, who will discuss the effects of climate change on Florida and minority health.
The National Institute of Health created an Environmental Wellness Kit with strategies to improve your environmental health. First, make the home healthier by cleaning with less-toxic products, opening a window to improve circulation when cleaning and maintaining a healthy ventilation system.
Stay safe during hot weather by being outdoors during the coolest parts of the day, wearing protective clothing, using sun protective factor (SPF) sunscreen 15 or 30, and wearing sunglasses to block ultraviolet radiation. Improve the air quality by reducing indoor pollution, such as burning candles, incense or wood fires. Also, stay safe in the water by not swallowing the water, covering open wounds with waterproof bandages, and staying out of the ocean for at least 24 hours after a storm.
As World Environmental Health Day approaches on Sept. 26, consider making small changes to improve your health. Think of ways you can help sustain the environment and contribute to a healthier planet. Together, we can create lasting change for the well-being of all.
Elizabeth Smith is a graduate student in public health at Rollins College. Raheleh Mohammadi is a visiting assistant professor for the Master of Public Health Program at Rollins College. This opinion piece was originally published by the Orlando Sentinel, which is a media partner of The Invading Sea.
If you are interested in submitting an opinion piece to The Invading Sea, email Editor Nathan Crabbe at ncrabbe@fau.edu. Sign up for The Invading Sea newsletter by visiting here.
