Thursday, December 5, 2013

The Invisible Killer

Time is a critical factor in life. I wish if we can go back in time just to enjoy our life. Life that is very simple with no rush. Modern life style has significantly speed up our life. As a result of this life a great number of people rely too much on the use of chemicals in their daily life. Almost every product used today consists of many toxic chemicals that can lead to a life threatening diseases. Many countries are facing a number of health issues related to the use of chemicals. Scientists and researchers are doing a great job to prove how these chemicals are toxic and the way they affect humans. Theses toxic chemicals build up in human bodies and stay there for decades with no immediate side effect but their effect can be seen many years later. Certain chemicals may affect a certain organ in human bodies. For example, the uses of lead products affect the central nervous system. Illnesses like asthma, cancers, birth failings, weakened fertility, and learning disabilities are the most concern globally.
 Women and young children are the most vulnerable to diseases where the probability and level is several times higher than any other group. Some researchers have showed that due to the continuous use of chemicals the number of illnesses among societies had increased. For example, between 1973 and 1998 the number of breast cancer among women increased by about 40% (Howe et al., 2001). Another statistical research in the USA concluded that, the number of children diagnosed with cancer increased, from 11.5 cases per 100,000 children in 1975 to 14.8 per 100,000 children in 2004 (“Childhood Cancers,” ).


Chemicals can penetrate Human’s bodies through many ways. Penetration depends on many factors like exposure time, the physical and chemical properties of the chemical products, and the level of safety procedure followed. Skin and eye contact are the simplest way for chemicals to enter the body through the direct contact with skin or eye. Symptoms like burn or rash can appear immediately after the contact. Another route of entry is through the respiratory system. Inhalation of gases, vapor, particles, and aerosol travel to the bloodstreams through the lungs and cause serious problems. Asthma is one of the illnesses due to the use of chemicals. This is a concern in industrial cities where the level of air pollution is high. The last route that chemicals can enter the body is via ingesting contaminated food or beverage. Using pesticide on produce is a major concern all over the world. Since insecticides are poisonous to the living organisms, they are more likely to affect the health of humans.

Is there a solution?
            People should think carefully before they buy any product. As many household cleaners are toxic, the appropriate safety procedure should be followed prior to the use of these products. There are so many sources where people can know much about certain chemicals and the best way to deal with them. People can read at least the instruction on the back of the product or they can go online and try to educate themselves more about the use of chemicals or there are some material safety data sheets that give full details. Use the alternative to chemicals no matter how much do they cost. We can simply make homemade detergents that are not harmful to our health. Most of the raw materials like white vinegar and baking soda are available at almost every house. Regarding food, usually wash your produce very well and try to buy organic fruits and vegetables to minimize the chance of getting food poisonous.

References:
Childhood Cancers. National Cancer Institute. Retrieved December 6, 2013, from http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Sites-Types/childhood

Howe, H. L., Wingo, P. A., Thun, M. J., Ries, L. A., Rosenberg, H. M., Feigal, E. G., & Edwards, B. K. (2001). Annual report to the nation on the status of cancer (1973 through 1998), featuring cancers with recent increasing trends. Journal of the National Cancer Institute93(11), 824–842.

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