Environmental
Diseases
from A to Z
A to Z, a2z, a to z, A to
Z, a2z, a to z, A to Z, a2z, a to z, A to Z, a2z, a to z,
|
 |
The AIR, the
WATER, the SUN, the DUST, PLANTS
and ANIMALS, and the CHEMICALS and METALS
of our WORLD… They support life. They make it beautiful
and fun. But, as wonderful as they are… They can also make some
people sick. Here are some diseases that are related to your
ENVIRONMENT… From A to Z… And some ideas for preventing
or caring for them.
 |
Allergies
and Asthma (AZ-ma)
About 50 million
people in the U.S. - one in five adults and kids - have
allergies. They sneeze, their noses run and their eyes itch
from pollen, dust and other substances. Some suffer sudden
attacks that leave them breathless and gasping for air.
This is allergic asthma. Asthma attacks often occur after
periods of heavy exercise or during sudden changes in the
weather. Some can be triggered by pollutants and other chemicals
in the air and in the home. Doctors can test to find out
which substances are causing reactions. They can also prescribe
drugs to relieve the symptoms.
|
Birth Defects
Sometimes, when pregnant
women are exposed to chemicals or drink a lot of alcohol, harmful
substances reach the fetus. Some of these babies are born with
an organ, tissue or body part that has not developed in a normal
way. Aspirin and cigarette smoking can also cause birth problems.
Each year, about 150,000 babies born in the United States have
defects. Many of these could be prevented.
Cancer
Cancer occurs when a
cell or group of cells begins to multiply more rapidly than normal.
As the cancer cells spread, they affect nearby organs and tissues
in the body. Eventually, the organs are not able to perform their
normal functions. More than 8 million Americans have cancer. Some
of these are caused by substances in the environment: cigarette
smoke, asbestos, radiation, natural and man-made chemicals, alcohol,
and sunlight. People can reduce their risk of getting cancer by
limiting their exposure to these harmful agents.
Dermatitis
(dur-muh-TIE-tiss)
Dermatitis
is a fancy name for inflamed, irritated skin. Many of us
have experienced the oozing bumps and itching caused by
poison ivy, oak and sumac. Some chemicals found in paints,
dyes, cosmetics and detergents can also cause rashes and
blisters. Too much wind and sun make the skin dry and chapped.
Fabrics, foods, and certain medications can cause unusual
reactions in some individuals. People can protect themselves
from poison ivy by following a simple rule: "Leaves of three,
leave them be." Smart folks know their poisons.
|
 |
Next Page 2
National
Institutes of Health
|
|
.gif)
