Environmental effect on health and well-being is a concerning global issue, and Florida is no exception. Even though it is a developed state, it cannot cover up, bypass, or mitigate environmental threats. Weather and seasonal changes have become harsh and unpredictable, affecting, injuring, and sickening millions. Previously favorable areas and regions are now inhabitable. Non-hazardous microorganisms and species have become pathogenic. Ongoing climate crises have further intensified mild environmental conditions. As a result, the environment has become an existential threat to people. Floridians also struggle to lead their lives the same way as before.
The following sections further discuss environment-related healthcare challenges in Florida and how they affect the public.
1. Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral used in various products for its strength, flexibility, and fire resistance. However, it is also a known carcinogen and can cause various health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Thus, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has strict regulations for all states to control and prevent public exposure to asbestos. These regulations include requirements for labeling asbestos-containing products, training workers who may be exposed to asbestos, and methods for safely removing asbestos from buildings.
Yet, Florida is on a high alert for asbestos exposure. It is suffering from the consequences of asbestos plants, which were operational till the 1980s. Asbestos-related exposure has affected thousands. Over 3000 thousand have already succumbed to mesothelioma from 1999 to 2017.
If you or your family suffers from asbestos exposure, consult a reputed mesothelioma lawyer Florida law firms offer for more information on how to apply for treatment-related relief.
2. Health Threats from Hazardous Waste Sites
Florida is among the highly developed and populated states of the United States. But progress and development have a downside too. Industries and inhabitants both produce waste. According to a 2020 estimate, Florida produced over 47 million tons of municipal waste alone. Industrial, construction, transportation, commercial, hospital, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and food industries are other potential waste and pollution-causing sources. But the problem is poor management and recycling of waste. Every year the state sets ambitious goals to dispose of, manage, and recycle waste. Yet it fails to meet targets, and waste ends up in incineration sites and landfills. Most landfills and incineration sites are near residential areas. So one or the other way, it affects communities.
3. Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Mosquitos-borne diseases are a global healthcare challenge. Mosquitos carry parasites, bacteria, and viruses, causing several illnesses in humans, animals, and birds. And millions lose their lives to dengue, malaria, zika, and other diseases.
Florida also suffers from several mosquito-borne diseases. Studies document that Florida’s atmospheric and environmental conditions are favorable for over 80 mosquito species. And over a quarter of these species pose a healthcare threat. Thus Florida has a history of mosquito-borne epidemics. Yellow fever and malaria caused havoc in Florida in the 1700s and 1800s. Fortunately, mosquito control and prevention measures have offered some relief. But complete eradication is still an ambitious vision. Hence, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, West Nile Virus, St. Louis Encephalitis, dengue, zika, chikungunya, malaria, and yellow fever are still a public concern.
4. Air Pollution
Air pollution is a global healthcare threat. It is responsible for several diseases, including asthma, respiratory infections, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and ischemic heart disease. Some studies also link a higher risk of developing neurological conditions to air pollution, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. According to the World Health Organization, indoor and outdoor air pollution both account for nearly 7 million premature deaths yearly.
Every state in the United States also has a long history of air pollution. It traces back to the ambitious industrial revolution of the 1700s and 1800s. Industrialization followed a massive population boom and urbanization. And both industries and populations began pumping tons of hazardous gases, smoke, toxins, and pollutants into the atmosphere. Mining, construction, textile, transportation, agriculture, food processing, energy generation, and waste management cause air pollution. Florida is also home to these industries and sources of air pollution, where the transportation industry is the chief driver.
5. Extreme Weather
Weather can also cause public health and well-being challenges. And Florida is known for extreme weather conditions. Recent climatic changes have further aggravated weather and seasonal changes across all counties of Florida. Some counties suffer from soaring summers and wildfires, whereas flooding, lightning, hurricanes, and storms have become intense and frequent in others. These weather conditions can increase exposure to pollutants, contaminants, toxins, and chemicals, causing food, water, land, and air pollution. Stagnant water from rain, storm, and flooding can harbor germs and pathogens, increasing hazards for water-borne diseases.
Weather can disconnect communities and affect their mobility, delaying access to healthcare and well-being services. Likewise, hurried attempts to relocate or escape and avoid extreme weather conditions can cause accidents, injuries, and deaths.
6. Pesticide and Insecticide Poisoning
Pesticide and insecticide poisoning is a global healthcare threat. The primary purpose of these chemicals is to kill or control the population of pests, insects, flies, bugs, or rodents. And they have potential applications to increase agricultural produce, preserve crops and foods, control exotic species, and minimize insect infestation. However, negligent handling of these products can affect humans and animals and cause poisoning.
Since Florida is among the top agriculture-producing state, pesticides, and insecticides have higher usage. Thus people associated with the agricultural and animal husbandry sectors have higher exposure. People can also interact with these chemicals via the food chain or accidental ingestion, inhalation, and skin spill. Acute exposure to these chemicals can cause breathing difficulty, skin irritation, rashes, blisters, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding, blindness, and death. Chronic side effects can manifest as neurological and developmental defects, immuno-toxicity, cancer, asthma, and other healthcare challenges.
Conclusion
Environment-related hazards are ubiquitous. But since developed economies like Florida are chief contributors, they also bear immediate consequences. Thus the state government, environmental protection agencies, and human rights activists emphasize public health.
Public health is a priority, and all the stakeholders must work together to combat, minimize, and eradicate environmental threats. They should strive for better policies, surveillance, protocols, and control measures to safeguard public health.
