Identify and describe 3 environmental health hazards that cause ill health,accidents,crises and disasters within communities in South Africa and globally
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_environmental_health_hazards
http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/ehhe/
Air pollution,drought and global warming
To identify and describe three environmental health hazards that cause ill health, accidents, crises, and disasters within communities in South Africa and globally, we can look at various sources of information such as scientific research papers, reports from governmental and non-governmental organizations, and news articles. Let's examine three common environmental health hazards:
1. Air Pollution:
Air pollution is a significant environmental health hazard that affects both South Africa and the global population. It is caused by emissions from industrial processes, vehicle exhaust, burning fossil fuels, and biomass. In South Africa, urban areas such as Johannesburg and Durban face higher pollution levels due to industrial activities and traffic congestion. Globally, urban centers with high population densities and industries suffer from poor air quality, leading to respiratory issues, heart diseases, and premature deaths.
2. Water Contamination:
Water contamination is another critical environmental health hazard affecting communities in South Africa and worldwide. Industrial waste, agricultural runoff, improper waste disposal, and inadequate water treatment systems contribute to water pollution. In South Africa, mining activities have led to acid mine drainage, polluting water sources. Globally, large-scale industrial agriculture, poor sanitation systems, and chemical spills contaminate rivers, lakes, and groundwater, resulting in waterborne diseases like cholera, dysentery, and lead poisoning.
3. Climate Change:
Climate change is a major environmental health threat impacting communities in South Africa and globally. It is caused by the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere due to human activities, primarily burning of fossil fuels. Climate change leads to rising temperatures, extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and shifts in rainfall patterns. In South Africa, climate change poses risks of increased droughts, heatwaves, and storms, impacting food security, water availability, and increasing the spread of vector-borne diseases. Globally, climate change exacerbates existing health problems and environmental challenges, leading to displacement, food scarcity, mental health issues, and a higher frequency of natural disasters.
To access more specific and up-to-date information about environmental health hazards in South Africa, you can refer to reports and publications from organizations such as the Department of Environment, Forestry, and Fisheries, the South African Medical Research Council, and the South African Human Rights Commission. For global information, sources like the World Health Organization, United Nations Environment Programme, and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change are credible and reliable.