Green Living: Improving Health Today and Tomorrow

[Image via Wikipedia]

Going green used to be considered expensive and a luxury for those who could afford the trend. Now it appears that we are learning that not only is adopting more environmentally conscious attitudes good for our economic situation, but also our... health? Yes, if we dig a bit deeper we can see that dirty industries and backwards policy is actually harming the health of the earth - and we should all be a little more motivated to do something about it.

How Does Environmental Policy Affect Public Health?

Simply, in two ways, both direct and indirect. The direct consequences are examples like increased asthma rates in areas with high smog indices. Chlorofluorocarbon release into the atmosphere has shown to decrease the filter of direct sunlight on the planet, resulting in more concentrated ultraviolet light reaching the surface of the earth.

The indirect health consequences are perhaps the most hazardous. Bi-products of dirty and backwards industries, such as coal and oil processing, include cancer causing substances like asbestos. A U.K. study conducted in 2002 indicated that coal and oil industry workers are at a much higher risk of developing mesothelioma (associated with asbestos exposure). Dr. Valerie Rusch among many other doctors who specialize in this area understand that these are substances that can be directly traced to antiquated pre-regulation equipment in industries whose environmental hazards are even more inherent.

Can we really afford to continue on the path we were on before? Investment in clean industry means not a healthier planet for our children and grandchildren, but also a healthier place for us to live today. So please, take action, whether big or small. Live a little greener, be more conscious, even talk to your state’s congressmen; every little thing each individual does will eventually come full circle in helping to end the use of asbestos.

Guest Author - August 6, 2009 Written by Bill Hawthorne with the maacenter