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.
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.
For more information on birth defects, click here.
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.
For more information on cancer, click here.
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.
Photos courtesy of Dudley Dana, Dana Gallery