Every day we are all at risk of being exposed to multiple chemicals, viruses and fibers.  Walking outside exposes us to pollens, spores, ragweed and infectious viral diseases.  If you are a gardener, you are exposed to a wide range of chemicals, fertilizers or pesticides, or injuries to the skin.   

An article in Arts Hazards estimates that each of us can be potentially exposed to 20,000 known toxic chemicals in our lifetime, with 500 new chemicals being introduced to the marketplace each year.  Most of these chemicals are not tested for long-term effects on the human body.

An environmental disease is any illness or medical condition caused or exacerbated by exposure to physical, chemical or biological factors in the environment. This article will discuss how the workplace, schools and general environment can affect our overall health. 

Examples of health conditions associated with climate exposure

Recent changes of extreme seasonal temperatures and precipitation patterns create conditions that spread infectious diseases and allow for invasive plants and insects to spread. 

Water, food, soil dust, and animal- and vector-borne diseases are commonly associated with natural disasters, increasing the spread to new geographical areas.

Contaminated water sources can spread cholera, typhoid fever, giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis.

In parts of the U.S., we are seeing malaria, dengue fever and West Nile, spread by mosquitoes.

Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum. Symptoms of this infection vary greatly, but the disease primarily affects the lungs.

Workplace-related exposure leading to disease

There are a vast number of environmental exposures that can lead to illness either at home or in the workplace.  Some examples:

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis from exposure to fungus in silage in silos.

Basement and underground spaces with radon, pesticides leaking from storage tanks or septic systems leaking sewer gases.

Industrial pollutants from vehicle emissions, waste containers and loading docks.

Poorly maintained HVAC can expose workers and school-aged kids in that building to dust and pollutants.

Exposure to asbestos can lead to lung cancer.

Non-infectious diseases linked to air pollution and skin contact

Asthma is a reversible airway obstruction.  Workplace exposure can expose the worker to irritants and inhaled organic allergens that can cause inflammatory changes.  The same can appear with exposure in your home.

Industrial emissions can cause physical symptoms and permanent chronic disease.  People who work in this type of environment must wear respiratory protection.  People who live close to these industries can develop similar respiratory problems.

Irritant contact dermatitis is caused by frequent exposure of the skin to chemicals and other physical agents. Latex sensitivity is commonly seen in those wearing latex gloves, especially in food services and health care.  Most hospital and health care sites have changed to other types of gloves.

Various materials used by artists and craftspeople can lead to cancers, heart and lung disease if not adequately protected.

Other non-infectious diseases such as lead poisoning (mostly from lead-based paint chips), mercury poisoning and reproductive health problems from exposures that lead to infertility and birth defects.

Infectious diseases

Infectious diseases account for the bulk of viral and bacterial exposures we encounter.   Vaccines prevent, rather than cure, diseases by training the immune system to recognize and fight off specific pathogens before a person gets sick. The only infectious disease of humans to have been eradicated through vaccination is smallpox.

For information about workplace exposures, there are OSHA guidelines to decrease the chances of getting ill or injured.  Wear proper preventative equipment. In the home setting, it is important to read the fine print on the container and follow recommendations.

In terms of vaccinations, there is presently disagreement on who should get preventative vaccines.  Hopefully this will be resolved soon.  At the present time, consult with your primary doctor and follow his/her recommendations.

Handwashing at work and home still is the most effective way of reducing the spread of infection.