IDENTIFY & DESCRIBE 3 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH HAZARDS THAT CAUSE ILL HEALTH, CRISISES & DISASTERS WITHIN A COMMUNITY IN SOUTH AFRICA & GLOBALLY. INCLUDE EVIDENCE THAT IS CURRENT OF THE IDENTIFIED ISSUES. USE GRAPHS, STATISTICS & PICTURES TO SHOW EVIDENCE OF YOUR INFORMATION.
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identify and describe 3 environmental health hazard that cause ill health within your community and include evidence that is current if the identified issues.use graphs ,statistics, pictures
To identify and describe three environmental health hazards that cause illness, crises, and disasters within a community in South Africa and globally, we can consider factors such as pollution, climate change, and inadequate sanitation. Let's explore each hazard, provide evidence, and discuss the associated issues.
1. Pollution:
Pollution refers to the contamination of air, water, or soil by harmful substances, resulting in adverse health effects. In South Africa and worldwide, pollution poses significant risks to human health. Here are a few examples:
- Air Pollution: The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that outdoor air pollution causes 4.2 million premature deaths globally each year. Additionally, indoor air pollution from household fuels leads to an additional 3.8 million deaths annually. South Africa struggles with air pollution due to industrial activities, traffic emissions, and domestic burning of coal and biomass for cooking and heating.
(Graph: Displaying air pollution levels in major cities of South Africa compared to WHO guidelines)
- Water Pollution: Contaminated water sources cause severe health problems, such as diarrheal diseases and waterborne infections. In South Africa, inadequate wastewater treatment, industrial discharge, and mining activities contribute to water pollution. For example, the Vaal River, a crucial water source for communities, has faced pollution from sewage spills and toxic chemical releases.
(Picture: Depicting polluted water sources in South Africa, showcasing impacts on human health)
2. Climate Change:
Climate change, largely driven by human activities, poses significant threats to the environment and public health. South Africa, like many other countries, experiences various climate change impacts:
- Extreme Weather Events: Increasing frequency and intensity of floods, droughts, and heatwaves disrupt communities and affect health. For instance, droughts in South Africa have led to water scarcity, crop failures, and malnutrition, particularly in rural areas.
(Graph: Showing the trend of drought incidents and their impact on food security in South Africa)
- Vector-Borne Diseases: Climate change influences the distribution and behavior of disease-carrying vectors like mosquitoes and ticks, exposing populations to diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and Lyme disease. In South Africa, malaria transmission zones have expanded due to changing climate patterns.
(Map: Illustrating the spread of malaria transmission zones in South Africa due to climate change)
3. Inadequate Sanitation:
Inadequate sanitation facilities and practices contribute to the spread of numerous diseases, impacting both South Africa and global communities:
- Lack of Access to Clean Water and Sanitation: UNICEF reports that globally, around 673 million people still practice open defecation. In South Africa, approximately 13% of the population lacks access to improved sanitation facilities, leading to the spread of diseases like diarrhea and cholera.
(Statistic: Displaying the percentage of South African population without access to improved sanitation facilities)
(Picture: Depicting unhygienic sanitation practices and their consequences on public health)
It is important to note that while providing specific graphs, statistics, and pictures would require access to real-time data and visual references, the examples provided above should give a general understanding of the identified issues. To obtain the most recent and accurate data, refer to trusted sources such as government reports, scientific publications, and reputable international organizations like the WHO and UNICEF.