Before I define Environmental health, let us define the terms Environment

and Health. The term "environment" refers to everything outside of ourselves,

including the physical, natural, social, and behavioral environments. Health is a
complete state of physical, mental, and social well-being, not just the absence of
disease or illness. Environmental health is a component of public health that
focuses on the interactions between people and their surroundings, promotes
human health and well-being, and fosters healthy and safe communities. Any
comprehensive public health system must include environmental health. The field
works to advance policies and programs that reduce chemical and other
environmental exposures in air, water, soil, and food in order to protect people
and provide healthier environments in communities. Healthier environments
could prevent nearly one-quarter of the global disease burden. The COVID-19
pandemic serves as another reminder of the delicate relationship that exists
between humans and our planet. Clean air, a stable climate, adequate water,
sanitation and hygiene, chemical safety, radiation protection, healthy and safe
workplaces, sound agricultural practices, health-supportive cities and built
environments, and a preserved natural environment are all prerequisites for good
health. We need safe, healthy and supportive environments for good health. The
environment in which we live is a major determinant of our health and wellbeing.
We depend on the environment for energy and the materials needed to sustain
life. Many aspects of our environment, both built and natural, can have an effect
on our health. It is critical that we interpret health issues in the context of our
surroundings and where we live. Environmental hazards can increase the risk of
disease, including cancer, heart disease and asthma. For example, exposure to the
outdoor air pollution can lead to respiratory conditions, cardiovascular disease,
lung cancer. Unsafe drinking water can cause diarrheal (gastrointestinal)
illnesses. Contaminated recreational water can also cause diarrheal
(gastrointestinal) illnesses; eye, ear, nose and throat infections. Mosquitoes, ticks
and other vectors leads to malaria, dengue fever, Rickettsia disease. If there is too
much exposure to UV (ultraviolet light), it can cause melanoma, non-melanoma
skin cancer, eye cataracts, while if there is too little exposure to UV, it can lead to
vitamin D deficiency, leading to rickets, osteoporosis and osteomalacia. Lastly,
climate change causes infectious diseases, including giardiasis, cryptosporidiosis
and salmonellosis; heat stroke. The COVID-19 crisis has clearly demonstrated that
societies' resilience to pandemics and other emergencies must be strengthened.
In the short term, countries are focusing on strengthening public health systems
and dealing with the crisis's immediate economic consequences. However,
improving societies' environmental health - that is, aspects of human health and
well-being that are determined by environmental factors - is a key component of
the economic recovery and stimulus measures that governments are currently
designing in the medium to long term. Limiting people's exposure to hazardous
physical, chemical, and biological agents in the air, water, soil, food, and other
environmental media reduces their vulnerability to future pandemics, improves
their health and well-being, and serves as an important supplement to public
health systems.