As we all know actions have consequences. Unfortunately, quite often our own actions can be significant contributing factors in the diagnoses of cancers, allergies, asthma and other health related problems. According to Scientific America, “Man-made environmental problems correspond to a wide range of individual and public health problems”. The following are some examples of the actions of human beings’ and their negative effects along with possible alternatives to the actions.

Smoking

Many people smoke and although they themselves might not have any health problems, the people around them may be affected by their decision to smoke. Others around them are subject to second hand smoke and risk the chance of developing lung cancer or other smoking related diseases just by having been in the presence of a smoker. As mentioned by the Canadian Lung Association, over 4,000 chemicals are released into the air by the smoker, but are not inhaled by the smoker!

Air Pollution

Polluted air can also make people sick and contribute to health related problems. Cars contribute significantly to air pollution levels and can be substituted by public transportation, walking or cycling in one’s everyday schedule. The options are often more efficient than taking the car and should be used as often as possible to help reduce pollution levels within ones community and the world as a whole.

Garbage

Garbage levels can also be decreased if people become more environmentally conscious and choose to compost and recycle instead of throwing away paper, cardboard or plastic into garbage cans. Unwanted items within your home can just as easily be donated to charities who can distribute them to people who would be grateful to have them.

Shopping

When purchasing items, we need to be careful about the items we buy. Some common items we buy are made from materials that can contribute to health problems. For example, cushions sometimes contain polybrominated diphenyl ether which can lead to breathing problems. Products such as water bottles, microwaveable containers and baby bottles that are not BPA free can also cause health problems in human beings - especially infants if they are exposed to high levels of these toxins.

Industrialization

More and more space is being seized for the expansion of land for industrialization. Trees are either cut down from the forests or some seas and oceans are being filled to create more land for infrastructure. Having fewer trees for this purpose diminishes the quality of the surrounding air and the concept of conserving water is compromised. Animals are affected as well because they have less space to move around in and fewer places to build their homes. Fewer bodies of water with lower volumes mean fewer places for us to find clean drinking water and fewer habitats for aquatic animals. Land expansion can also cause extinction of animals and plant species.

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