The environment and the world we live in can affect people in many ways. Although there have been big strides in cleaning up the atmosphere and reducing pollution, there are still things that you need to be aware of if you are to stay healthy and minimize your risk. These factors can be helped in some ways by leading a healthy and active lifestyle. Here are some of the most common environmental factors that can increase your risk of certain cancers.
Exposure to Asbestos
Asbestos and their fibers are naturally occurring silicates that have had an important commercial use for some years. It was typically used in many industries including shipbuilding and construction and in some countries; it is still used although it is restricted. Some countries have made the decision to bad asbestos altogether and have strict measures in place for the disposal of it in older buildings. Studies have now shown that some types of cancer including lung cancer and peritoneal mesothelioma have direct links to exposure to asbestos. There are many websites including Mesothelioma Help that can answer questions like what is peritoneal mesothelioma, and how it can affect you?
Outdoor Air Pollution
Air pollution is a complex issue and studies have found it could have many health effects including cancer. The severity of the air pollution differs depending on the country, location to factories and what measures the country has in place to address the issue. Pollution from cars, factories and certain dust and other particles, can lead to an increased risk of lung conditions including lung cancer. The poorer the conditions, the more likely they will affect the population in that area, it will also make conditions such as asthma and COPD much worse.
Risk of Tobacco Smoke
Smoking was once a hugely fashionable thing to do, and many movies and television shows had their actors smoking. However, in recent years, there has been more research and studies on the effect of smoking on health. It was discovered that smoking could have a profound effect not only with regards to lung conditions but also to your risk from cancer. Unlike other environmental factors that seem to cause certain types of cancer, smoking has been linked or seen as a contributing factor in many types of cancer. Recently, there has been new research that has seen a link between passive smoking and your increased cancer risk. It is now thought that just breathing in another person’s smoke can raise your risk. For this reason, many countries have introduced a smoking ban inside buildings, and some lobbyists are pressing for a ban on smoking in cars as well. It has led to inventions such as vaping that has become increasingly popular.
Although many of these environmental factors might be difficult to avoid altogether, it is important to know they exist and what you can do to minimize it. As with any condition, early diagnosis can help treat the symptoms and may help with a cure.
