With the rapid progress of technology in recent decades, chemicals are increasingly utilized in industry, agriculture, and even households. While they serve various purposes, there is a growing concern about the health hazards associated with these chemicals, as indicated by studies.
Chemical exposure commonly causes health problems, with allergy being the most prevalent. Those susceptible to allergies often experience recurring symptoms such as dry cough, colds, and skin rashes.
Asthma attacks have been triggered and worsened by various factors. The prevalence of asthma has risen in developed nations, largely due to chemicals such as petrol and diesel fumes from motor vehicles, petroleum-based ingredients in body care items like Vaseline and lotions, and chemicals found in food products like preservatives, coloring agents, and flavorings, as well as pesticides. The list of such chemicals is long.
In addition to asthma, exposure to chemicals is known to cause various respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive airway disease.
Scientific studies have proven that petrochemical products weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to developing infectious diseases easily and in a more severe manner. The blood-brain barrier, which protects the brain from microbes and harmful chemicals, can also be compromised, leading to serious infections such as encephalitis and brain abscesses.
The genetic system of the body is also damaged by toxic chemicals. This is known to enhance ageing in individuals and weaken the nervous system—causing neurological problems, like early dementia. Direct toxic effect on cells has been linked to be the cause of several cancers.
Heavy metals used in industry like asbestos, lead, cadmium, etc., have been identified to cause lung and bladder cancer. Chemical exposure has been implicated in hormonal abnormalities and even infertility in both men and women.
Children are particularly susceptible to harm from these chemicals due to their delicate, developing bodies, including an immune system that is not yet fully equipped to counteract the negative effects of these harmful substances.
Exposure during pregnancy can cause children to be born with congenital abnormalities. An increase in juvenile delinquency, and abnormal and aggressive behaviour in children is said to be due to brain affection when in the womb, by exposure of the mother to organophosphorus pesticides and insecticides. The increase in childhood cancer, including blood cancers is due to the toxic effects of various chemicals.
The liver and kidneys bear the brunt of harm caused by these chemicals, as they try to eliminate them from the body. This results in a higher prevalence of liver and kidney failure.
Greater awareness needs to be generated regarding the harms caused by toxic chemicals. Preventive measures need to be adopted to avoid or minimise their use. One vulnerable to asthma should try using face masks when outside to avoid direct exposure to petrol fumes. Face masks should also be used while spraying insecticides in the house or around.
In case of accidental exposure and contamination by pesticides, a person should wash contaminated body parts thoroughly with soap and water, and remove contaminated clothes. The clothes should be washed very well with hot water and soap. Persons working in any industry using heavy metals and or toxic chemicals should use protective gear like face masks, gloves, and body aprons while working.
Opt for freshly cooked food and avoid fast food containing chemicals. Body care products containing chemicals can be replaced by organic or natural products. Mattresses made of vinyl and polyurethane foam should be avoided. The petrochemicals used in the making of such mattresses are known to emit toxic fumes, even when one is sleeping. As such, the thick foam mattress is not good for posture either and can cause backache. These can be replaced by simple cotton mattresses.
People should be aware of the health hazards of chemicals and try to have a natural and chemical-free life as much as possible.
Dr Rachna Pande is a specialist in internal medicine.