Humans are just animals, just like any other species. We may be more intelligent than most, but we are still flesh and blood, and our environment is essential. We can only be healthy and satisfied when everything around us is in balance.
Unfortunately, there are many things that some of us live close to that can harm us. You should be aware of the following environmental factors if you want to stay healthy and live a long, fulfilling life.
Asbestos
If you live near an industry that uses asbestos, it’s probably time to move. That’s because you may not know how well the cleanup crews are removing asbestos in your area.
Asbestos:
-Can cause certain types of cancer.
-Was very common until about 1980
For decades, asbestos was used in all kinds of industries, especially construction. Asbestos is an excellent insulation material because it is resistant to water, heat, and flames. It is also cheap to produce.
It wasn’t until years later that doctors began to realize how dangerous it is. The real problems start when you break it down and start breathing in the particles.
If you know you live near an industry where asbestos was used, you should at least find out how people dispose of it if there are leftovers. If there is any chance of exposure, you should get out of there immediately.
Water Pollution
A few years ago, the news about Flint, Michigan, shocked the public. The water there was making everyone sick. However, that is not the only place where there have been these problems.
It would be best if you looked at the water quality where you live. Check for contaminants such as:
– Lead
– Aluminum
– Copper
– Chromium
Elsewhere, you may also have to deal with barium, arsenic, or cadmium. None of that is suitable for you, and even trace amounts can make you sick over time. It’s even worse if you try to raise children with it.
You may buy bottled water to drink, but you probably also brush your teeth and take a bath in the local water. If you’re worried, look at the purity of the water in your part of the country. If it is terrible there and you don’t think it will improve, you might therefore move.
Air Quality
Air pollution can be just as deadly as water pollution. If you have a condition like asthma, or others in your family do, you should be even more concerned.
Some cities often have smog alerts. Los Angeles and some other cities on the West Coast have to deal with it, even though it is not as bad as it once was in LA.
If you live in a highly industrialized area, you should think about these things and research them. You may need to look for a city or state that is more rural, where this will be less of an issue.
Soil Quality
The quality of the soil is also something you should know more about. Many people like to buy locally grown fruits and vegetables. In general, this is a good thing because you are supporting local farmers.
However, these products may not be so good for you if grown in poor quality soil. Some farmers still try to get away with spraying their crops with pesticides or spreading them through the groundwater. It makes plants grow and keeps pests away.
But if you ingest enough of it, it can make you very sick. If you visit farmers’ markets or anywhere else that sells local produce, you can ask what chemicals they use.
Expanding urban areas
Urban sprawl is a term people sometimes use when talking about deforestation and people spreading out as the population increases. Progress cannot be stopped, but living in densely populated areas can also be harmful to you.
You can become depressed or anxious if you live too close to other people. Consider a city like New York, with more than eight million people in just a few square miles. It’s no wonder that some people can’t handle the claustrophobia and end up feeling like they have to leave.
You can avoid the urban sprawl by moving to a less populated area. You don’t have to drive to the countryside if that doesn’t appeal to you. You can look for a community where the houses are further apart, and you can breathe a little easier.
Be sure to keep an eye on these and other environmental factors. This is the only way you can feel healthy and safe in your daily life.