[ click for text only version  |  click for printable version ]

Environmental Diseases from A to Z

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.

Allergies and Asthma (AZ-ma) About 50 million people in the U.S. - one in five adults and kids - have allergies. They sneeze, their noses run and their eyes itch from pollen, dust and other substances. Some suffer sudden attacks that leave them breathless and gasping for air. This is allergic asthma. Asthma attacks often occur after periods of heavy exercise or during sudden changes in the weather. Some can be triggered by pollutants and other chemicals in the air and in the home. Doctors can test to find out which substances are causing reactions. They can also prescribe drugs to relieve the symptoms. For more information on asthma, click here.

Birth Defects

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.

Cancer

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 (dur-muh-TIE-tiss) 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.

Go to Page 2

Teachers and Students: Also see our NEW Environmental Health Science Education Website

A free copy is available by writing to: NIEHS Office of Communications, P.O. Box 12233, Research Triangle Park, N.C. 27709, Attn: John Peterson, Mail Drop EC-12, or calling John Peterson at (919) 541-7860. E-mail requests should be directed to booklet@niehs.nih.gov. Teachers may receive larger quantities.

Environmental Diseases from A to Z - NIH Publication No. 96-4145 - US Department of Health and Human Services - National Institutes of Health - National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences - Illustration and design: Donna M. McCullough

Our publications are not copyrighted and may be reproduced without permission. However, we do ask that credit be given to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health.

10 Jun 1999 - Environmental Diseases from A to Z has been chosen as "Beagle Web Pick of the Day"

Environmental Health Science Education Website
Alphabetical Listing of Health Topics  |  Facts About Environment-Related Diseases and Health Risks

NIEHS Home  |  NIH Home Page
NIEHS welcomes your comments and suggestions. Please send them to:
WebCenter (webcenter@niehs.nih.gov)

[Credits and Tools]