Identify and describe 3 environmental health hazards that cause ill health, accidents crises, and disaster within your community within South Africa and globally. Include evidence that is current of the identified issues
Please see the Related Questions below.
Factors that cause these contemporary social issues
.identify and discribe 3 factors for each of the contemporary social issues that cause the problem
To identify and describe three environmental health hazards that cause ill health, accidents, crises, and disasters within South Africa and globally, we can use various sources of information such as research studies, governmental reports, and international organizations' databases. Let's explore three examples along with their current evidence:
1. Air Pollution:
Air pollution is a major environmental health hazard globally and affects both South Africa and other countries. It arises from various sources, including industrial emissions, vehicle exhausts, and indoor pollutants. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and toxic gases like sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) have detrimental effects on human health.
Current evidence:
The Global Burden of Disease Study estimates that in 2019, approximately 4.1 million premature deaths globally were attributed to outdoor air pollution. In South Africa, air pollution is a significant concern due to industrial activities, mining operations, and the burning of fossil fuels. According to the South African Air Quality Information System, areas such as Gauteng and Mpumalanga are particularly affected by high levels of air pollution.
2. Water Contamination:
Water contamination poses substantial risks to health and well-being, leading to various diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid. Contamination of water sources can occur due to inadequate sanitation, industrial waste discharge, and agricultural runoff, among other factors.
Current evidence:
According to a Joint Monitoring Programme report by UNICEF and WHO, in South Africa, approximately 14% of the population still lacks access to safe drinking water sources. This leads to increased vulnerability to waterborne diseases. Globally, contaminated water remains a significant issue, contributing to an estimated 485,000 diarrheal deaths annually.
3. Climate Change:
Climate change is a global environmental concern that impacts various aspects of human health. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events affect food security, increase the risk of vector-borne diseases, and exacerbate respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses.
Current evidence:
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports that climate change has adversely affected crop yields, reducing food availability in some regions. In South Africa, changes in rainfall patterns impact agriculture, leading to food insecurity and rural livelihood challenges. Additionally, extreme weather events like floods and droughts pose direct risks to health and infrastructure in both South Africa and globally.
These are just three examples of environmental health hazards, and there are several others that impact communities both locally and globally. It's important to stay informed by referring to reliable sources such as governmental agencies, international organizations, and peer-reviewed research for up-to-date evidence.