U.S. proposes limits for cancer-causing chemicals in drinking water … (n.d.). https://grist.org/health/the-link-between-climate-change-and-a-spate-of-rare-disease-outbreaks-in-2023/

The article from Reuters discusses the proposed limitations on PFAS, a group of synthetic compounds widely used in industrial and consumer products due to their water-repellent and stain-resistant properties. These chemicals are known as “forever chemicals” due to their ability to remain in the environment and the human body, with possible adverse health effects. The EPA’s proposed limitations would restrict the use of PFAS in products and limit levels allowed in drinking water, as well as in emissions from industrial facilities. It also proposes a labeling requirement, to better inform consumers of the products that contain PFAS

PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals”, are highly persistent and highly toxic synthetic compounds that are a great concern for public health and the environment. While their widespread application in industrial and consumer products has been popular, they have also introduced long-lasting toxicity and health risks. Their persistence in the environment, and their ability to bioaccumulate, increase the likelihood of exposure to humans and other organisms. As a result, it is essential to establish stronger regulations and limits on their use.

Teirstein, Z. (2023, December 20). The link between climate change and a spate of rare disease outbreaks in 2023. Grist. https://grist.org/health/the-link-between-climate-change-and-a-spate-of-rare-disease-outbreaks-in-2023/

The article from Grist discusses a potential link between climate change and a spate of rare disease outbreaks around the world during 2023. It notes that rising temperatures and extreme weather can create conditions favorable for the spread of disease. This is particularly true for certain diseases such as dengue, which is spread by mosquitos, and leptospirosis, which thrives when flooded. Additionally, climate change can disrupt the ecosystems that keep disease-causing viruses or bacteria in check. The article also highlights the need for international cooperation and prevention efforts to minimize the risks associated with climate-induced disease outbreaks.

The rise in climate-induced disease outbreaks has the potential to greatly negatively impact public health. Extreme heat events can put an additional strain on already overstressed medical systems, while also impacting agriculture productivity. Additionally, climate change can increase the prevalence of pests and invasive species, which can lead to further disease outbreaks. These factors can have a significant socio-economic impact, with the potential to destabilize communities. As a result, it is essential to acknowledge, address, and mitigate the role of climate change in disease spread.

A “tropical disease” carried by sand flies is confirmed in a new country: the U.S. (2023, November). NPR. 

https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2023/11/01/1209681147/leishmaniasis-sand-flies-tropical-disease-endemic-north-america-united-states

Sand fly-transmitted Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by the Leishmania parasite. It occurs in tropical and subtropical regions of the world with between 600,000 and 1 million new infections happening worldwide every year. Recently, though, it has started growing in prevalence in areas outside of endemic regions such as the United States, where it has been reported in Texas, Florida, and Hawaii. The article from NPR discusses how the Leishmaniasis parasite is transmitted by sand flies, its symptoms and treatment, and its potential impact on public health in the United States. It also emphasizes the root cause of climate change, specifically a warming climate, and a need for prevention measures and further investigations.

Leishmania parasites, like most parasites, thrive in specific areas. Climate change has presented ideal conditions for the spread of such bacteria and parasites, as the increased temperatures and altered climates have made a wider range of environments a suitable breeding ground. The increased mobility of the human population has also allowed these outbreaks to spread to regions where they were previously not prevalent. As a result, the rise in parasitic diseases is a direct consequence of climate change, and will likely continue to increase in frequency and severity and spread further north.

Parker, L. (2023, May 8). Microplastics are in our bodies. How much do they harm us? National Geographic; National Geographic. 

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/microplastics-are-in-our-bodies-how-much-do-they-harm-us

Microplastics are a growing environmental concern due to their presence in our air, water, and food, and their potential harm to human health. This article from National Geographic discusses how microplastics have infiltrated our bodies, with estimates ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 particles per person. The article also discusses the potential effects of microplastics, such as inflammation and hormonal disruption, and their possible role in other diseases like obesity, asthma, and autoimmune conditions. The article also clarifies that while it’s easy to find a correlation between these issues, because of the sheer amount of chemicals, we’re exposed to in our daily lives, it’s hard to identify a clear correlation. It also emphasizes the need for more research and regulatory action. 

While the specific implications of microplastics in the human body remain largely unknown, their presence presents a significant risk to public health. Microplastics are capable of acting as carriers for various pollutants and toxins, and may themselves possess potential toxicity. These characteristics can cause a wide range of adverse effects which could contribute to a range of chronic illnesses. Additionally, the potential implications for reproductive health and immune function are potentially worrying, with the possibility of widespread chronic and degenerative illnesses. As a result, the presence of microplastics in the body requires further investigation.

European Environment Agency (2023, May 25). How air pollution affects our health. Retrieved August 27, 2023, from https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/topics/in-depth/air-pollution/eow-it-affects-our-health

The high levels and long exposure to pollution in Europe can be a cause of a variety of diseases such as stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, trachea, bronchus and lung cancers, aggravated asthma, and lower respiratory infections. Alzheimer’s disease and dementia can also be affected by pollution, according to the World Health Organization. In fact, chronic exposure to pollution can affect every organ in the body starting in childhood and only continuing to worsen someone’s health. The EEA estimates that about 238,000 deaths in 2020 can be attributed to dangerously high levels of pollution. Stricter guidelines have been proposed by the European Commission in order to lessen the negative effects of pollution. 

High levels of pollution have been tracked to be a large cause of disease in death throughout Europe. Pollution seems to be one of the most concerning outcomes of modern environmental practices as heightened pollution can affect any part of the body leading to a large variety of negative health effects. As discussed earlier, pollution also prominently affects people of lower socioeconomic standings as pollution is more prevalent in those areas and they are less likely to have access to high-quality medical care. Young, elderly, and people with pre-existing health conditions are also at a higher risk.

(2023, March 15). WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Biden-⁠Harris Administration Proposes First-Ever National Standards to Combat PFAS in Drinking Water. Whitehouse.gov. Retrieved August 27, 2023, from .https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/03/15/what-they-are-saying-biden-harris-administration-proposes-first-ever-national-standards-to-combat-pfas-in-drinking-water/

Polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS are chemicals that resist grease, oil, water, and heat. These chemicals which were originally spread into water in the 1940s have been a continued danger in drinking water across the United States. Despite any attempts to solve the issue of PFAS chemicals in the United States seems delayed, the Biden-Harris administration has recently announced a plan to protect public health by ensuring access to clean drinking water. The Environmental Protection Agency predicts this first PFAS water standard to prevent death and illness.

Similar to many of the other cases of environmental-related diseases studied here, dangerous PFAS chemicals have been the cause of many deaths and illnesses which are especially prominent in lower-class areas. This trend seems like the best place for many organizations and governments to target first.a This historic starting point by the Biden-Harris administration seems to be a good start in attempting to solve some of the negative health effects of environmental and chemical dangers.

Hansen, J. (2023, April 8). Experts discuss how environmental changes are altering the risk for mosquito-borne diseases. Retrieved August 27, 2023, from https://news.stanford.edu/2023/08/08/mosquito-diseases-move/

Mosquito-borne diseases which have already been a dangerous cause for concern in many parts of the world, have been spreading due to climate change. Mosquitos and mosquito-borne illnesses greatly vary in ecology and therefore vary in the ways in which they should be treated. Climate change has led to many environmental changes such as floods and droughts. Floodwater pooling can be a breeding ground for mosquitos, while during drought, people store water in small containers, which can also become breeding grounds. These mosquito breeding grounds can lead to a rise in diseases such as dengue fever. Plastic waste on the other hand can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Mosquito-borne illnesses have been spreading to new areas as close as Texas and Florida. The worldwide spread of these worrying diseases is on account of environmental factors caused by climate change, such as extreme heat, flooding, and drought. These new environmental realities can be breeding grounds for mosquitos carrying a variety of illnesses which would be difficult to reduce as doctors and scientists would be unprepared to deal with these unprecedented rises in diseases. The comparison to COVID-19 made by Rosser stood out to me as I agree that reducing the spread of disease early on in high-risk areas and hotspots would be crucial to lessening the effects of mosquito-borne illnesses.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2023, April 25). EPA Releases Report Showing Health Impacts of Climate Change on Children in the United States. Retrieved August 27, 2023, from https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-releases-report-showing-health-impacts-climate-change-children-united-states

The EPA reports that climate change can have lifelong effects on children in regard to learning efficiency, physical health, and housing. Effects of climate change such as extreme heat, air quality, changing seasons, flooding, and infectious diseases disproportionately affect children of color in lower socioeconomic standings. Scientists also project these negative health effects to worsen in coming years with an estimated increase of 4% to 11% in asthma due to worsening air quality. Worsening heat is also predicted to have a negative effect on children while in school. Coastal flooding could also lead to the displacement of 1 to 2 million children.

Children are the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, especially since the future effects of climate change on children growing up today can only be estimated. Long-term illnesses, disorders, and learning disabilities could be worsened due to the effects of climate change. Not only can the dangerous effects of climate change physically hurt children through negative health impacts, but they can also hurt them through societal disadvantages caused by the predicted loss of housing due to climate concerns. I’d consider many of these issues interconnected as many of these negative health effects will disproportionately affect lower-class black and brown children and the societal effects of climate change will economically hurt more children. 

European Environment Agency (2023, June 22). Beating cardiovascular disease – the role of Europe’s environment. Retrieved August 27, 2023, from https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/beating-cardiovascular-disease

Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death in EEA member countries. Cardiovascular diseases are a broad and complex spectrum of illnesses with established risk factors such as age, sex, race/ethnicity, and family history. Over 18% of cardiovascular disease deaths in Europe are believed to come from environmental factors such as outdoor and indoor air pollution, heat and cold, second-hand smoke, and lead. Exposure to air pollution, second-hand smoke, and some chemicals can cause and worsen cardiovascular disease, while the stress that comes from noise pollution and extreme heat or cold can put pressure on the cardiovascular system. 

Although societal factors such as stress from work can also be a large cause for the large amount of cardiovascular death and disease in Europe (as stated in the article), environmental factors also seem to contribute greatly. Climate change and pollution have also reportedly contributed to a rise in cardiovascular disease in Europe. Although some of these environmental causes for concern such as climate change and exposure to dangerous chemicals directly create a risk for cardiovascular disease/death, other stressors like noise pollution that aren’t directly environmental factors are caused by environmental noises caused by transport, industrial, and recreational activities. I wonder if the United States has similar issues as many of the environmental risks are issues that are also prevalent in the U.S.