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Environmental Health
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Poisoning Toxicology Environmental Health

Environmental Health

The quality of our environment—including the air, water, and soil—directly influences our overall health and well-being.

Overview

Our environment affects our health. If parts of the environment, such as the air, water, or soil, become polluted, it can lead to health problems. For example, pollutants and chemicals in the air or in the home can trigger asthma attacks.

Sources of Environmental Risks

Environmental risks generally fall into two categories:

  • Natural factors: Risks that are part of the natural world, such as radon in the soil.
  • Human activities: Risks resulting from human actions, such as lead poisoning from paint, or exposure to asbestos or mercury from mining or industrial use.

Frequently Asked Questions

key clinical indicator is a predictable temporal pattern, such as respiratory symptoms, eye irritation, or headaches that consistently improve when leaving the home or workplace and recur shortly after returning. Additionally, if multiple household members or coworkers develop similar unexplained complaints—such as chronic fatigue, persistent metallic tastes, skin rashes, or sudden nausea—an environmental pollutant or indoor air quality issue should be investigated.
You can purchase low-cost radon test kits at hardware stores or order certified kits online to measure gas concentrations in your lowest lived-in space over several days or months. For tap water, especially if your household relies on a private well, have samples analyzed annually by a state-certified environmental testing laboratory for coliform bacteria, nitrates, and heavy metals. Municipal water customers can review their local utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report to check for regulated contaminant levels.
Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in your vacuum and central HVAC system, and replace them according to manufacturer guidelines. Keep indoor relative humidity between 30 and 50 percent using dehumidifiers and air conditioning to suppress mold spore proliferation and dust mite colonies. Ensure gas stoves, clothes dryers, and bathrooms are vented directly outdoors, and avoid burning wood, paraffin candles, or incense inside the home.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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