Get to know the characteristics of unhealthy environments around, Yuk!

A healthy environment is essential for overall human health. Therefore, the factors in it will directly affect the quality of life, physical, mental and social well-being. So, it is important for us to know what the characteristics of an unhealthy environment are, so that we can determine the right steps to get around it.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Characteristics Of An Unhealthy Environment
2 unhealthy environmental impact on health
2.1 1. Infectious Diseases
2.2 2. Respiratory Disorders
2.3 3. Malnutrition
2.4 4. Skin Diseases
2.5 5. Mental Disorders
2.6 6. Decreased Quality Of Life
3 steps to living healthier in an unhealthy environment
Characteristics Of An Unhealthy Environment
The following are some of the characteristics of an unhealthy environment that can be identified around us:

Poor hygiene: littered garbage, no good garbage disposal system, or overflowing and improperly managed bins.
Dirty or polluted water: water sources such as rivers, lakes, or wells that are cloudy, smelly, or contain industrial or household waste.
Polluted air: high air pollution, such as vehicle fumes, open burning of garbage, factories producing pollutants, or excessive dust.
Poor or stagnant drainage: clogged drains, frequent minor floods, or stagnant water that does not go dry.
Noise and noise pollution: noise from heavy traffic, machinery, or industrial activities that take place throughout the day.
Lack of green open space: lack of green areas such as parks, trees, or open space for social and physical activities.
The number of pests and insect pests: populations of pests such as flies, mosquitoes, rats, cockroaches, or other nuisance animals that multiply rapidly.
Soil pollution: soil polluted by industrial waste, agriculture (chemical fertilizers and pesticides), or household (plastic waste, heavy metals, and hazardous chemicals).
Lack of sanitation facilities: poor or inadequate sanitation facilities, such as lack of public toilets, as well as poorly managed sewage systems.
High population density: an area that is overcrowded with buildings as well as irregular settlements, often not having enough ventilation or space for its inhabitants.
Also read: Eco-Friendly House: Easy Tips To Create It

Unhealthy environmental impact on health
characteristics of an unhealthy environment
Source: Freepik
An unhealthy environment will certainly cause various negative impacts on human health, both physically, mentally, and socially. The following are some of the impacts of an unhealthy environment on health:

  1. Infectious Diseases
    An unhealthy environment filled with garbage, dirty water, and poor sanitation becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Infectious diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, typhus, dengue fever, to malaria are often increased in areas with low hygiene conditions.
  2. Respiratory Disorders
    Air pollution that comes from vehicle fumes, factories, or burning garbage can trigger a variety of respiratory diseases, such as asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Then, constant exposure to air pollution can lead to decreased lung function, increased risk of lung cancer, and heart disease.
  3. Malnutrition
    A polluted environment will also affect the quality of food and water consumed. For example, soil contaminated with heavy metals or harmful chemicals will affect food crops, and ultimately risk causing malnutrition and related diseases.
  4. Skin Diseases
    Dirty environments, poor sanitation, and contaminated water also often cause various skin problems, such as hives, fungal infections, or dermatitis.
  5. Mental Disorders
    Overcrowding, noise pollution, air pollution, and lack of green space can cause stress, anxiety, and depression. An unhealthy environment is also often associated with high life pressure, as well as a low quality of life. This condition can even worsen mental health, cause sleep disturbances, and reduce productivity and general well-being.
  6. Decreased Quality Of Life
    Poor environmental conditions in general will also reduce the quality of life. People in areas with poor sanitation, poor access to clean water, or high pollution are likely to face more health problems and have shorter life expectancies.

Then, declining environmental quality can also affect social interactions, raising safety and health concerns, and reducing the comfort of living in the area.

Also read: 7 eco-friendly gestures that can be done every day

Steps to living healthier in an unhealthy environment
characteristics of an unhealthy environment
Source: Freepik
Living healthier in an unhealthy environment can indeed be a challenge. But there is no need to worry because there are steps that can be taken to maintain physical and mental health.

Always keep the house clean, and create a safe and comfortable home environment.
Use clean water and cook food in the right way and process.
Reduce the use of hazardous chemicals.
When you are outdoors, try to limit exposure to air pollution.
Always choose safe food and drink.
Maintain personal hygiene and avoid unsafe environments.
Support a healthy environment policy.
Actively participate in greening and environmental cleaning activities.
Influence others to live healthier and more environmentally friendly lives.